Opening and operating a pharmacy is difficult enough on its own. In recent years, however, the grip of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is making life even harder for independent pharmacists. PBMs act as a middleman, managing prescription drug benefit programs. PBMs argue they can lower prescription costs by negotiating discounts with large drug companies. What’s […]
Health Law Blog
Five tips for opening a private practice
After years of working for a someone else, you may be ready to open your own pharmacy or medical/nurse practitioner practice. This is an exciting yet challenging thing to accomplish. To avoid mistakes, here are five tips for starting your private practice: Get your finances in order. You might need to take out a loan. Research […]
Telehealth services and medical malpractice issues in Arizona
In April 2018, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill into law that expanded insurance coverage to include telehealth services such as remote patient monitoring. Almost all large employers offer these services to their workers when they are available, but eliminating face-to-face meetings with doctors has raised concerns among doctors and medical malpractice insurers. Research […]
The Arizona Pharmacist’s Right to Refuse to Participate in Care
In Arizona, state law says that a pharmacist doesn’t have to fill a prescription for medication that can help with an abortion or a similar procedure. Furthermore, an individual cannot have a professional license revoked if he or she acts in accordance with a religious belief. According to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, denying […]
Key issues when buying or selling a pharmacy
Pharmacists in Arizona have unique concerns when they want to buy or sell a business. Because the pharmacy industry is so heavily regulated, there are concerns that apply to pharmacy sales that do not apply to other types of entrepreneurs and small business owners. While well-versed in the regulations and norms of their profession, many […]
Kansas State Board of Pharmacy & IJCP On Compounding with CBD
The June 2019 Edition of the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter reprinted an article written by compounding expert Loyd Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding (IJCP, Vol. 23, No. 2). The original Kansas BOP and IJCP article describe the requirements pharmacists should follow if compounding with cannabidiol (CBD). In […]
Three essential things to do if accused of medical malpractice
Facing an accusation of medical malpractice is both frightening and overwhelming. It often comes out of nowhere and puts everything medical professionals have built at risk, including their reputation. Such an accusation is something that no medical professional wants to endure in their career–much less their lifetime. However, it is critical for any medical professional […]
Court says man can sue for pharmacist’s joke
The Arizona Court of Appeals has decided that a national chain of pharmacies can face a lawsuit after one of its pharmacists joked with a man’s ex-wife about a prescription for erectile dysfunction drugs. The lawsuit was dismissed by the trial court and the man’s attorney appealed; the Court of Appeals brought parts of the […]
3 trends to track in Arizona pharmacy
The world of pharmacy is rapidly changing. Independent pharmacists who want to stay competitive need to position themselves one step ahead of the pack. In many cases, this can mean developing new business strategies. Reshaping your role in the larger health care picture may help you win new market space and greater customer loyalty. Of […]
Rhode Island pharmacy fined for fraudulent prescriptions
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), agreed to accept a fine from a national drug store chain due to filling fake prescriptions in Rhode Island. The fine came without an admission of liability from the company and amounted to over one half million dollars. The settlement does not disclose whether any pharmacies Arizona were involved. […]