table of Contents departments January - february 2021 5 Publisher’s Note 6 News Briefs
STAFF Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Mike Johnston, CPhT Associate Publisher Jayne Smilie Creative Director Peter Ian Fazon Associate Editor Rhonda Chambers Production Manager Jon Mickelson Director of Education Josh Cano, CPhT Member Services Jessica Sanders
9 health-system rx 11 men’s health 12 women’s health 13 CHILDREN’S HEALTH
7 product news 8 community rx
COV I D-19 : The Role of Pharmacy Techn i c i ans i n Vacc i ne Admi n i strat i on 14 With the continued rise in COVID-19 infection rates and additional pressure being placed within health systems, the administration of the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine has never been more crucial. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive view of immunizations administered by pharmacy technicians and how it has evolved, the impact that the new HHS guidance will have on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, and how the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) is providing resources for technicians to meet HHS guidelines. Written by Mike Johnston, CPhT. Advanced Roles for Pharmacy Techn i c i ans 18 In the past, pharmacy technician roles mainly consisted of non-dispensing activities, including handling cash register operations and answering or directing phone calls from patients, providers, and insurance companies. But with recent changes and initiatives such as the creation of state pilot programs, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) new advanced credentials, and the progressive regulatory landscape, the pharmacy technician’s role in a pharmacy team is advancing. Written by Rhea Angeles, PharmD, RPh. Assur i ng Safety 22 Well-trained pharmacy technicians are being allowed to provide vaccines in an effort to expand the services that a pharmacy team can offer and to improve access for patients seeking preventative care. A quality vaccination program, including pharmacy technicians administering vaccines, will demonstrate safety for the technicians, for the patients, for the businesses, and for the public. Written by Ally Dering-Anderson, BA, PharmD, RP, FAPhA And Kimberly Battreall, AS, LPN. ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-21-010-H06-T 2.0 contact hours Understand i ng arthr i t i s 34 Vacc i ne Admi n i strat i on : Arthritis is an inflammation of joints that causes pain and stiffness and tends to worsen with age. It is an incurable condition that can affect people of all ages, sexes, and races. The effects of arthritis and its progression can vary from person to person but range from mild to severe, debilitating the sufferer. Although the medical community has identified several types of arthritis, this article focuses on three of the major forms: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. Written by Debbie Brooks, CPhT.
CONTRIBUTORS Anisha Rao
Rhea Angeles, PharmD, RPh Ally Dering-Anderson, BA, PharmD, RP, FAPhA Kimberly Battreall, AS, LPN Debbie Brooks, CPhT and the Editorial Advisory Board
CPhT CONNECT PO BOX 683148 Houston, TX 77268 888-247-8700
Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official views of NPTA. No part of this publication is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something covered in this publication. The appearance of advertising or new product information does not constitute an endorsement by NPTA of the product(s) featured. CPhT CONNECT is a bimonthly publication. All rights reserved. Jan/Feb 2021. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.
CPhT CONNECT www.pharmacy technician.org
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