Ex-NCPA president testifies on compounding
Former National Community Pharmacists Association president Joseph Harmison testified at a House committee hearing that examined regulation of pharmacy compounding.
Retail News
Lafley returns as P&G’s CEO; McDonald to retire
A.G. Lafley has rejoined Procter & Gamble Co. as president and chief executive officer, taking over those posts from Robert McDonald, who is retiring. A.G. Lafley P&G announced the move late Thursday and said it’s effective immediately.
Walgreens shuts tornado-damaged store in Okla.
Walgreen Co. said one of its stores in Moore, Okla., has been temporarily closed after sustaining severe damage from this week’s devastating tornado. Meanwhile, CVS Caremark Corp. reported Thursday that its two drug store locations and walk-in health clinic in Moore are open.
NACDS: Don’t force TRICARE patients to mail order
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has urged a House committee to reject proposals that could force military families and veterans to get prescriptions via mail order, possibly hiking costs for the TRICARE program.
Ralphs, Vons pharmacies provide diabetes guidance
Ralphs and Vons pharmacies have partnered with UnitedHealthcare and the YMCA to help Los Angeles County employees and their families prevent and manage diabetes. UnitedHealthcare said late Tuesday that Ralphs, a Kroger Co. supermarket chain, and Vons, a Safeway Inc.
Lawmakers back pharmacy deliveries of diabetes supplies
Forty-three U.S. representatives are questioning Medicare’s decision to prohibit community pharmacies from providing same-day home delivery of diabetes testing supplies to homebound seniors. The National Community Pharmacists Association said Wednesday that the congressmen, led by Reps.
Bartell Drugs acquires pair of pharmacies
Bartell Drugs has bought two pharmacies from The Everett Clinic, a physician group practice based in Everett, Wash. Plans call for Bartell Drugs to begin operating the two pharmacies, in Marysville and Everett, Wash., on June 10, the Seattle-area drug chain said Tuesday.
NACDS chimes in as Congress eyes Medicare reform
With congressional hearings this week on reforming Medicare, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores has provided comment on community pharmacy’s role in the success of the 10-year-old Medicare Part D prescription drug program and called for program enhancements focused on the quality and affo
PCAB shifts to unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies
The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) has approved a policy of unannounced surveys of pharmacies up for renewal and on an interim basis.
RxAlly presents pharmacist-led health care delivery model
RxAlly has published a white paper that delineates an individualized, health care delivery model for pharmacists.
Loblaw launches pharmacist BP check program
Loblaw Cos. has introduced a blood pressure monitoring program at its supermarket pharmacies.
Poll: Seniors content with preferred network plans
Seniors in Medicare Part D drug benefit plans with preferred pharmacy networks are satisfied with them, according to a survey released by Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA).
Kerr Drug launches synchronized Rx refills
Kerr Drug has introduced Simplify My Meds, a synchronized prescription refill service. The North Carolina drug chain said Monday that Simplify My Meds leverages capabilities brought by the company’s new central-fill facility in Raleigh and extends its menu of refill services.
CVS to maintain Medicare coverage for diabetes supplies
Despite upcoming Medicare changes, CVS/pharmacy will continue to accept Part B coverage for diabetes supplies. CVS said Monday that the number of providers that will accept Medicare coverage for diabetes testing supplies is slated to decrease after July 1 as a result of changes to the program.
Rite Aid elects new board member
Bruce Bodaken, former chairman and chief executive officer of Blue Shield of California, has been elected to the Rite Aid Corp. board of directors. The addition of Bodaken, announced Monday, comes amid changes to the makeup of Rite Aid’s board.
Walgreens, Alliance Boots cleared to buy AmerisourceBergen stake
Walgreen Co. and Alliance Boots have been cleared by regulators to buy an equity stake in AmerisourceBergen Co. as part of their long-term partnership with the pharmaceutical distributor.