Legal News

Hospitals will not have to deduct pharmacy overhead costs from drug acquisition costs on Medicare claims, nor will they have to report overhead charges as a separate billing line item. However, CMS refused to back off its proposal to cut the 2008 reimbursement rate for all separately payable drugs.

The idea of a major new center to support studies comparing drugs and other medical interventions in head-to-head research has gained surprising focus in health policy discussions.

Participants at a recent roundtable meeting, including government and industry representatives, agreed to move forward with creating a forum on standardizing prescription medication labels.

Make the Road New York protests pharmacies for not providing translation services.

A pharmacist and health food store owner challenges the ruling by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners that he was improperly acting as a doctor when he recommended OTCs for diseases

There are several reforms for emergency preparedness in the workds that could affect pharmacists.

The FDA has approved a new treatment for anthracycline extravasation. Totect is indicated for the treatment of extravasations resulting from IV anthracycline chemotherapy.

Pharmacy organizations celebrate American Pharmacists Month and look to raise awareness of the pharmacist's role in healthcare.

The Food and Drug Administration most emphatically is not against compounding of drugs, Steven Silverman, a key enforcement officer in that agency, told the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy recently.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation addressed progress in identifying and dealing with issues related to ersatz (or replacement) drug products.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services moves fowarded with implementing new tamper-restantant prescription pad rules.

DEA proposes self-certification fee for sellers of scheduled listed chemical products

California pharmacy board is stepping up its enforcement of its pharmacy consultation with stiffer fines.

The Senate passed legislation delaying implementation of the Medicaid rule mandating tamper-resistant Rx pads and awaits House action.

FDA's proposal for new sunscreen regulations address UVA rays as well as other measures consumers may take to protect themselves from UVB rays.

Medicare Part D was a remarkable development, not only for establishing a prescription drug benefit but for giving consumers more responsibility for their insurance and prescription purchase decisions.

New Jersey governor has signed a law that requires hospitals to test intensive care patients for a deadly staph infection.

Pennsylvania law requires reporting patient infections, and provides incentive payments when infection rates are successfully reduced.

A recent Institute for Safe Medication Practices teleconference with a surveyor from The Joint Commission highlighted the rigor with which TJC is implementing its medication management standards and National Patient Safety Goals.

Recent approvals have provided new options for treating kidney cancer. Updated guidelines will help utilize the new drugs.

Evidence-based guidelines and tools are available to help reduce mortality and length of stay; one major hurdle to conquering severe sepsis is having these tools readily available.

The 2006 U.S. incidence rate for tuberculosis is the lowest since the start of national records. But unless we are careful how we give medications out around the world, we could create caldrons of TB drug resistance a plane-ride awa

Pharmacist is indicted for manslaughter after medication error that results in the death of a two-year old girl.

Chlorofluorocarbons substances responsible for thinning the ozone layer, have been almost phased out of use. A few uses deemed essential are still allowed, including some inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

U.S. Senator supports NACDS efforts to reduce burdensome Medication Guide (MedGuide) requirements for a growing number of prescriptions.

Proposed rules from the Health Resources and Services Administration to make children's hospitals eligible for 340B are moving slowly. And final rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will boost costs while cutting reimbursement.

The Joint Commission's recently announced 2008 National Patient Safety Goals include a new requirement to reduce risks associated with anticoagulant therapy.

A Congressional showdown is looming over electronic pedigree, with House and Senate bills calling for different ways to protect the drug distribution chain.