To keep you better informed about the biggest trends and developments affecting medication management and adherence, here are 10 of the most significant news reports published in September 2020. Highlights include authorization of pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines, an interview with expert Dr. Terry McInnis, tips for polypharmacy and medication nonadherence, medication challenges for multiple sclerosis patients, and news from Cureatr.
1. HHS Authorizes Pharmacists to Order, Administer COVID-19 Vaccine
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) authorized state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccinations once available to patients aged 3 years and older, reports Pharmacy Times.
2. APhA Hails HHS Announcement Authorizing Pharmacists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) issued a statement praising the HHS authorization for state-licensed pharmacists that expands access to COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available.
3. Pharmacists Should Have Priority Status In Vaccine Distribution, Pharmacy Groups Say
The news about the HHS authorization came just days after 13 pharmacy organizations urged the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to include pharmacists in plans for the allocation and distribution for the COVID-19 vaccine and prioritize the COVID-19 vaccination of pharmacists and pharmacy staff.
4. Improving Care Coordination and Medication Management: Q&A With Dr. Terry McInnis
Medication management expert Terry McInnis, MD, MPH, CPE discussed challenges and opportunities around care coordination and medication management.
5. Tips for Handling Polypharmacy and Medication Nonadherence in Patients With Heart Failure
An editorial collaboration between Medscape and the American College of Cardiology provided a conceptual framework to address polypharmacy and medication nonadherence in the context of a heart failure patient and shares additional resources to help minimize polypharmacy.
6. Healthcare Costs Stymie Medication Adherence for MS Patients
PatientEngagementHIT reported on new data showing that about three-quarters of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience financial hardships that impede medication adherence and follow-through with ordered tests.
7. Heart Attacks and Strokes Halved Using Pharmacist-Led Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring
A study found that 12 months of pharmacist-managed home blood pressure telemonitoring and pharmacist management lowered hypertension for two years, reported Healthcare IT News.
8. Congress Plays Name Game to Redefine "Physician" under Medicare
The American Medical Association (AMA) reported on efforts to encourage congressional leaders to oppose legislation that would change Medicare's definition of "physician" to include clinical psychologists.
9. California May Be the First State to Develop Its Own Generic Drugs
California is poised to become the first state to develop its own line of generic drugs, reports the Los Angeles Times.
10. C-CDA Product Update
Cureatr announced that its Meds 360° platform now includes comprehensive clinical data to support medication-related assessments and interventions.
Comments: