President's Message: A Look Back

I’m shocked this will be the last newsletter I will write as MSHP President.  It’s been an exciting year with plenty of activities to keep the entire organization engaged.  I commend the entire organization for the accomplishments achieved this year and the obstacles overcome.  It was shortly after I took over as President that a devastating tornado ripped through Joplin, taking out one hospital and leaving a community to deal with this natural disaster. The pharmacy community came to the aid of Joplin.  This assistance ranged from action by the MO Board of Pharmacy, BNDD, Schools of Pharmacy, Missouri Pharmacy Association, ASHP and many other individuals.  ASHP has also bestowed upon St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Freeman Hospital the honor of the ASHP EVP Courageous Service Award which will be presented at the Spring Meeting this year.  Read More

ASHP Grants Full Affiliation to MSHP

MSHP has been granted full affiliate status from ASHP. According to ASHP, "MSHP was found to be an organization that continues to reflect a mission, vision, and membership focus that is consistent and congruent with the purposes and mission of ASHP. Therefore, the Board of Directors voted to grant MSHP full affiliation status with ASHP."

Exhibit Registration Open for KCHP/MSHP Annual Meeting 2012

Exhibit booth registration is now open for the KCHP/MSHP Annual Meeting 2012 in Kansas City in April.  Any company wishing to exhibit needs to register in advance.  KCHP members are encouraged to pass along the information and online registration link to vendors in their facilities. Exhibit registration is available here.

DEA Releases Statement Regarding Carisoprodol Prescriptions

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made carisoprodol (Soma®) a Schedule IV drug effective January 11, 2012. As of January 11, 2012, carisoprodol may only be dispensed in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA has officially issued a Guidance Statement regarding carisoprodol prescriptions that is now available on its Website.

The Missouri Board of Pharmacy has received multiple inquiries regarding legally valid prescriptions for carisoprodol that were written before January 11, 2012, that have valid refills remaining. According to the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the DEA's Guidance Statement, licensees may continue to dispense these prescriptions if the prescription was written by an authorized DEA registration with a DEA number. If the prescriber does not have a DEA number, those prescriptions should be canceled and not dispensed. Licensees are encouraged to communicate this information to pharmacy staff to ensure compliance.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Missouri Society of Health-System Pharmacists is to provide education, leadership and advocacy to support our members in helping people make the best use of medications.