BOP: What, Why & How

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Andrew Funk, PharmD, Director of Member Relations and Government Affairs at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Kate and Andrew discuss what the Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (UPJE) looks like, why NABP deemed it valuable, and how it will impact pharmacy practice. In his current role, Andrew assists NABP's member boards in providing necessary resources to further their mission of protecting public health. Prior to NABP, Andrew served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Additional Resources: Pulse by NABP Uniform Law Exam Resolution Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam Steering Committee Report License Portability Resolution Introducing the Uniform Version of the MPJE Connect with us on LinkedIn: Andrew Funk Kate Gainer Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Scott Pace, PharmD, JD, a pharmacy owner and partner at Impact Management Group (IMG), a government relations, public affairs, and consulting firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Kate and Scott discuss PBM reform, the role of the courts, PSAOs and more! Scott Pace joined IMG after more than twelve years with the Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA), where he served as CEO and COO. While at the APA, Pace successfully worked with the legislature to pass scope of practice legislation for pharmacists, legislation to amend the Arkansas Constitution to require a pharmacist consultant be a part of the Arkansas medical marijuana dispensaries, and he worked with Governor Asa Hutchinson and the legislature to pass legislation to license and regulate pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Arkansas. Scott was also instrumental in crafting and passing Arkansas Act 900 of 2015, the pharmacy legislation that was the subject of the landmark Rutledge v. PCMA case that was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in December of 2020. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Scott Pace Kate Gainer Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Iowa pharmacist and State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, to discuss his public service leading up to the Iowa Legislature, why it's important for pharmacists to serve in elected office, and how pharmacy professionals can get involved at the local, state or national level. Representative Brett Barker serves the people of Story and Marshall Counties in District 51. Rep. Barker serves as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and on the Commerce, Economic Growth and Technology, and Natural Resources Standing Committees. Representative Barker graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2008 and began his career as the Pharmacy Manager of NuCara Pharmacy in Nevada, Iowa. He currently serves as Vice President of Operations for NuCara Management Group. Rep. Barker was appointed to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy in 2017 by Governor Terry Branstad. In 2010, Rep. Barker joined the Nevada City Council before being elected Mayor in 2017. Rep. Barker, his wife, Tracy, and their five children continue to call Nevada home. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Brett Barker Kate Gainer Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes IPA lobbyists Matt Eide and Kate Walton to discuss pharmacy's top priorities, tips for engaging with your legislators, and more. Pharmacy Day on the Hill attendees are encouraged to listen to this episode before February 5, 2025. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Matt Eide Kate Walton Kate Gainer Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Kyle Robb, PharmD, BCPS, Director of State Policy & Advocacy at ASHP, and Anna Legreid​​​​ Dopp, PharmD, CPHQ, Senior Director of Government Relations at ASHP, to discuss ASHP's top priorities and what's happening at the federal level. Kyle Robb, PharmD, BCPS, currently serves as Director of State Policy & Advocacy at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Kyle supports ASHP members and State Affiliates as they seek to advance the practice of pharmacy through engagement with state government. He is an alumnus of the Virginia Commonwealth University/American College of Clinical Pharmacy/American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Congressional Health Care Policy Fellow Program and served as a Health Policy Fellow on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions. Prior to working in policy, Kyle was a pharmacist at the University of Virginia Health System. Anna Legreid Dopp, PharmD, CPHQ, currently serves as Senior Director, Government Relations at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Previously, Anna served as Director of Clinical Guidelines and Quality Improvement at ASHP. Prior to this role, she served as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) while practicing as a clinical pharmacist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. She also served as a Pharmacy Benefit Consultant with WEA Trust in Madison, WI and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Anna received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and served as a Congressional Health Policy Fellow with the United States Senate. Resources from today's episode: Action Alert: Residency Funding and the Rebuild America's Health Care Schools Act of 2024 ASHP Medication Shortages Webpage Action Alert: Oppose Site Neutral Proposals ASHP 340B Resources ASHP/ACCP/VCU Congressional Fellow Program ASHP on PBMs Podcast Series: Federal Trade Commission's Report on PBMs Specialty Steering White Bagging and Site of Care Restrictions Connect with us on LinkedIn: Kyle Robb Anna Legreid Dopp Kate Gainer Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes pharmacy colleagues from Idaho and Alaska to share what standard of care means in their respective states and how this regulatory framework allows pharmacists to better care for their patients. To Learn More: Standard of Care Resources | Standard of Care Symposium (February 22, 2025) Jennifer Adams, PharmD, EdD, a graduate of Boise State University, Idaho State University and The George Washington University, is currently employed as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Idaho State University. Her previous experience includes working in hospital and community pharmacy settings, as well as at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), helping student pharmacists develop as professionals and leaders in the profession. Dr. Adams also served for nearly 10 years as the Senior Student Affairs Advisor at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), providing leadership and oversight for national student affairs activities and recruitment. Nicki Chopski earned her PharmD from Idaho State University College of Pharmacy in 1997. In 2007, as a hospital pharmacist, Nicki was appointed to the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, serving for 12 years before becoming its Executive Director in 2019. In her current role as Bureau Chief of Health Professions for the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, she serves as the Executive Officer for the Boards of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD, Executive Director of the Alaska Pharmacy Association and Clinical Assistant Professor at the UAA ISU Doctor of Pharmacy Program, has a longstanding commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession. A graduate of The Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Seignemartin's passion for advocacy took root during her time as a student pharmacist, where she successfully led the passage of legislation in the Washington State legislature allowing interprofessional precepting between nursing, pharmacy, and medicine. In her academic role, Dr. Seignemartin is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists, receiving the Most Influential Faculty Award in 2024. Ashley Schaber, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, is currently the Chair of the Alaska Board of Pharmacy. She graduated pharmacy school from the University of Georgia in 2006, completed a pharmacy practice residency, and has worked in health system pharmacy since 2007. She is board certified in Pharmacotherapy and holds her Master's of Business Administration with a focus on healthcare.

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Abby Cate, PharmD, Pharmacy Director at Iowa Medicaid, to discuss pharmacy provider status and pharmacist enrollment. Dr. Abby Cate is the Pharmacy Consultant for Iowa Medicaid. Abby has vast pharmacy experience with positions held in hospital, community, specialty and managed care pharmacy areas. Prior to her role at Iowa Medicaid, Abby served on the Iowa Medicaid Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutics Committee for two years. She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2015 and received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Organizations from Iowa's Tippie College of Business. Abby is an active member of different community organizations as well as the Iowa Pharmacy Association. She enjoys spending her free time with her family—husband, Joe, and three children, Will, Audrey and Ben—as well as volunteering as her kids' soccer coach, being a homeroom parent, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Resources from today's episode: Available soon! Connect with us on LinkedIn: Kate Gainer Abby Cate Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Kate Gainer welcomes Anne Schlepphorst, Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, to discuss her many roles within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL), as well as the timeline for the new Board of Pharmacy rules pursuant to Governor Reynolds' Executive Order #10 and HF 555. Anne Schlepphorst serves as the Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, Interim Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Nursing, and Monitoring Bureau Chief. In addition to serving the Boards of Pharmacy and Nursing, Anne truly enjoys spending time working with staff to provide some of the best professional health programming in the country for health professionals struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and/or health-related impairments. Anne has worked with the boards for the past six years and was most recently the Chief Investigator for the Iowa Boards of Pharmacy and Medicine. When not working, Anne and her husband spend most of their time at the baseball field, hockey rink, wrestling mat, or football field watching their 10- and 14-year-old boys. Resources from today's episode: Published August 7: Iowa Administrative Bulletin: Regulatory Analysis – 481 Iowa Administrative Code Chapters 550-557 (new Iowa Board of Pharmacy rules, proposed) IPA's Iowa Pharmacy Law & Information Resource Center (LIRC) Connect with us on LinkedIn: Kate Gainer Anne Schlepphorst Iowa Pharmacy Association

On this episode of IPA's What, Why & How podcast, Seth Brown welcomes Representative John Forbes, RPh, District 44, to discuss the outcome of the 2024 Legislative Session and IPA's continued efforts toward our legislative priorities.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: John Forbes Seth Brown Iowa Pharmacy Association   Watch for the next episode of the What, Why & How podcast on the third Friday of the month. Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

On this episode of IPA's Why, Why & How podcast, Seth Brown welcomes Andria Seip, J.D., M.S., Senior Health Policy Specialist with the Iowa Insurance Division (IID), to discuss the data collected through PBM complaints by Iowa pharmacists and IID's focus going forward.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Seth Brown Iowa Pharmacy Association   Watch for the next episode of the What, Why & How podcast on the third Friday of the month. Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

On this episode of IPA's Why, Why & How podcast, Seth Brown welcomes IPA lobbyist Kate Walton of Eide-Walton Lobbying and Government Relations. Kate describes the current makeup of the Iowa Legislature as we head into the 2024 Legislative Session.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Seth Brown Kate Walton Iowa Pharmacy Association   Watch for the next episode of the What, Why & How podcast on the third Friday of the month. Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

For the final episode of 2023, IPA's Seth Brown welcomes Michael Baxter, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), to discuss direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees and the Medicare Part D Final Rule going into effect January 1, 2024.

Following the August 29 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Seth Brown welcomes Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy to discuss Iowa's state government realignment and what it means for the Board of Pharmacy.

Following the May 2 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Seth Brown welcomes Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy to discuss Executive Agency rulemaking and Executive Order #10.

Following the February 28 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff welcomes special guest Mitch Barnett, Associate Director of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) at the Board of Pharmacy, to discuss the Board's Disposal Kit Dispensing Program.

Following the January 10 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss IPA's 2023 Legislative Priorities, the Board's rulemaking related to the Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), and more.

On December 5, IPA's Director of Public Affairs, Seth Brown, and Senior Policy Advisor, Brett Barker, recorded a special podcast episode on the Iowa Insurance Division's release of the PBM rules following the passage of the PBM bill last session. No CE available.

Following the October 25 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff and Andrew Funk from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the role of the Board and programs offered, updated USP compounding standards, and delegation of technical functions to nurses.

Following the August 24 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the rulemaking process and how a rule is adopted, as well as the Board's newly adopted compounding rule. In addition, Becky Carlson speaks on the IMP3 Program and its importance in Iowa.

Following the June 28 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the Board's updated security and controlled substance accountability rules, as well as changes to the Statewide Protocols for naloxone, immunization and tobacco cessation.

Following the May 3 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA staff and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the FDA's memorandum of understanding (MOU) for compounding pharmacies distributing medications interstate, the REMS comment period for opioid analgesics, new BOP security rules and more.

Following the March 1 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Government Affairs, Brett Barker, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the Board's 2022 legislation regarding controlled substances and the authority of nurses practicing under a pharmacist's order, as well as recent rulemaking and telepharmacy provisions from the Board.

Following the January 11 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Government Relations team, Damian Thompson and Brett Barker, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss federal comment periods for USP revisions, the DEA rulemaking regarding telepharmacy and transfer of electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, as well as recent rulemaking from the Board.

Following the November 10 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss rule changes impacting telepharmacy, technicians, and potential legislation in the 2022 session.

Following the August 31 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the recently noticed collaborative practice rules and board approved test and treat protocols.

Following the July 14 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss emergency rules impacting pharmacy technician administered vaccines, updated statewide protocols, and next steps for new collaborative practice rules.

Following the May 12 Board of Pharmacy Meeting, IPA’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss important upcoming dates for pharmacists to know, implementation of legislation, and updates to Iowa’s statewide protocols.

Following the March 11 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss changes to the rules governing technicians, pharmacy support persons, and the PMP.

Following the January 12 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Professional Affairs, Anthony Pudlo, IPA’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss IPA and BOP’s legislative proposals and updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Iowa.

Following the impromptu December 12 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Vice President of Professional Affairs, Anthony Pudlo, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss wrapping up final waiver requests for electronic prescribing, the Iowa Dental Board's 2021 legislative bill seeking authorization for dentists to immunize, and pharmacist administration of COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

Following the November 17 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Director of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss board action on the FDA’s memorandum of understanding regarding compounding, proposed rules impacting controlled substances and the PMP, and the Board’s legislative agenda.

Following the August 26 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Director of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the recent declaration allowing pharmacists to perform pediatric vaccinations, updates to pharmacist licensing following recent legislation, and the scheduling and sale of products containing cannabidiol.

Following the June 23 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Director of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss recently passed legislation impacting the Board and pharmacy, as well as new rules promulgated by the Board related to controlled substances and pharmacy interns.

Following the May 5 Board of Pharmacy meeting, IPA's Director of Public Affairs, Casey Ficek, and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the Board's response to COVID-19, including granting emergency licenses to recent graduates. 

Following the February 26, 2020, Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, Episode 24 features discussion with Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy on proposed rule changes on comprehensive medication lists by pharmacy technicians, new PMP resources, and updates to the current statewide protocols. 

IPA's Casey Ficek and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy recap the January 7-8, 2020 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting and discuss proposed legislation, FAQs on the e-prescribing mandate, and new rules regarding expedited partner therapy.

IPA’s Casey Ficek and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy recap the Nov.5-6 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting and discuss changes to Iowa’s mandatory reporter law, proposed legislation, and the current state of Iowa’s pharmacist immunization laws.

Following the July 10, 2019, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Episode 21 features discussion on final proposed rules on pseudoephedrine dispensing, plus initial proposed rules on expedited partner therapy as well as short fills for emergency dispensing or transferred prescriptions.

Following the July 10, 2019, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the adoption of rules implementing electronic prescribing, finalization of statewide protocols, and elimination of licensure removal for student loan default.

Following the May 2, 2019, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the board, discuss the adoption of an implementation date for USP 800 by the Board of Pharmacy, the Board’s final adoption of rules implementing Technician Product Verification, and proposed rules relating to pseudoephedrine sales and student loan default.

Following the March 12, 2019, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, IPA’s Casey Ficek and Anthony Pudlo discuss topic covered during the meeting including new statewide protocols rules, e-prescribing of controlled substances, and USP 800.

Following the Jan. 9, 2019, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Andrew Funk from the Board of Pharmacy discuss the adoption of rules modifying the supervision of pharmacist-interns, clarifying the distance requirement for telepharmacies, and implementing statewide protocols.

Following the Nov. 14, 2018, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the board, discuss the adoption of an implementation date for USP 800 by the Board of Pharmacy, the Board’s proposed legislation for 2019, and the proposed rules implementing technician product verification and changes to the PMP.

Following the Sep. 19, 2018, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the board, discuss the newly created seat on the board for a certified pharmacy technician, proposed rules relating to pharmacist interns and telepharmacy, and the proposed rules implementing the new statewide protocols law. 

Following the July 24, 2018, Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, Casey Ficek from IPA and Sue Mears from the board, discuss the upcoming implementation of USP 800, proposed rules relating to technicians resulting from recent legislation, and the significant overhaul of rules related to wholesaler, limited distributor, and third party logistics licenses.

Following the May 23, 2018, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, this episode discusses the boards review of comments on proposed changes to create a new "Expanded Practice Standards" chapter, reason why the board terminated a proposed rule change on repackaging VA meds, and rule changes to the Hospital Practice chapter.

Following the March 14, 2018 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, Anthony Pudlo from IPA and Sue Mears from the board, discuss PMP reporting changes, the opioid bill currently in the Iowa legislature, and updates on the board’s licensing and registration database.

Following the January 16, 2018 Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, the episode discusses the board’s decision to register to support/against various pieces of legislation, broad discussion on the PMP (where’s it’s at, where’s it’s going, proposed legislation), and what constitutes a valid prescriber/patient relationship and the pharmacist’s discretion on filling refills when a relationship is ended.

Following the November 1, 2017, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, episode #10 focuses on the Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). Anthony Pudlo and Jennifer Tiffany, the board’s associate director of the PMP, discuss the proposed legislative and regulatory changes the would affect the PMP in the future.

Following the August 30, 2017, Iowa Board of Pharmacy Meeting, episode #9 discusses several rules that the board has noticed for intended action that relate to prescriber-patient relationship, storage of prescriptions files, and AMDS requirements.

Following the June 28, 2017, Iowa Board of Pharmacy meeting, episode #8 discusses recently adopted rules as well as newly proposed rules. Anthony and Andrew also discuss updates to the board’s plan for future rule changes.