2.  How does TPA help members stay informed?

TPA provides members with critical information about issues that affect pharmacists' ability to practice safely and efficiently in Tennessee.  Our communications include:

• TPA Website - www.tnpharm.org - Members have access to information not available to the general public or to nonmember pharmacists.  In addition to general information and news, the website has separate pages covering TennCare, Medicare, Cover Tennessee, Legislative Information, Fraud/Theft, Immunization, Meetings/Programs, Societies, Districts, TPRN, Employment, Technicians, Correspondence CE Courses, and much more!  You will need to use a USERNAME AND PASSWORD to access pages that are for TPA members only.
• Email Broadcasts - TPA strives to disseminate legislative, health care and regulatory notices electronically, as quickly as they are received, to keep members promptly informed in this fast-paced world of TennCare, Medicare, legislative affairs, drug manufacturers, compliance deadlines, e-prescribing, CDC alerts, illegal importation, and other issues that we can’t begin to foresee. The most efficient way to do this is through e-mail. With an average of 3 such notices sent each week, e-mail is the most-used facet of TPA communications.  (If you change your e-mail address, be sure to let TPA know!)
• Fax Broadcasts
  • Update MedicareRx - Information TPA members need for working with Medicare Part D and Part B; sponsored by Pharmacy Plus.
  • Legislative Alerts let members know when they need to act on legislation affecting pharmacy, or how to prepare for regulations promulgated by new laws.
  • Miscellaneous broadcasts deemed more suitable for fax than for e-mail.
• Tennessee Pharmacist ("The Journal") - TPA's 36-page quarterly publication contains feature stories, links to correspondence Continuing Education courses, and news of the day, and is mailed to all members.
• Tennessee Pharmacist NEWStream - TPA's periodic 12- to 20-page publication is available electronically to members who receive e-mail and is mailed to members who do not.  The electronic NEWStream, posted on the TPA website, features links to articles, as well as links to all URLs and e-mail addresses listed in the publication.
• Tennessee Handbook on Pharmacy and Drug Law - The most comprehensive and usable set of Tennessee and federal laws available, this 599-page publication is provided both in print and on word-searchable CD.  Owners of the Handbook receive periodic updates at no additional charge.  Available to members and nonmembers, TPA members are entitled to steeply discounted pricing.
• Compliance Checklist - Use this checklist to help ensure compliance with pharmacy rules and regulations in Tennessee.  The checklist contains 80+ items divided into the following sections: General Pharmacy Operation; Facilities–External; Facilities–Internal; Personnel; Point of Sale–Generally; Point of Sale–Non-Prescription; Point of Sale–Prescription; and Prescription Processing.
• TPA Legislative Bulletin - This TPA publication contains the status of all current bills affecting pharmacy, summaries and analyses of those that are critical, and a summary of the previous year's activities.
• TPA Legislative Directory - Contact information is provided for all state and national legislators, along with Tennessee district maps, legislative session schedules, legislative committees, and more.
• Listservers -  Special interest e-mail discussion groups (or listservers) stimulate and facilitate meaningful discussions among members. Use listservers to ask questions, share news, seek and provide feedback, and more.  So far, listservers are active for the Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Tennessee Society of Independent Pharmacists and the Tennessee Society of Pharmacists.  If you selected one of these Societies when you paid your TPA dues, you may join their listserver by e-mailing your request to subscriptions@LISTS.tnpharm.org.

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3.  What is TPA's website address?   www.tnpharm.org

4.  Are a username and password required to use the TPA website?

Much of the information on the TPA website is restricted to use by TPA members, because membership dues are what make the website possible.  Therefore, a username and password are required to access the Members-Only pages of the TPA website, including TennCare, Cover Tennessee, Medicare, Legislative Information, Archival News, Immunization Updates, e-Journal (NEWStream), and more.

A username and password are not required to visit the TPA home page, which includes "News at a Glance," or any of the following pages: About TPA, Calendar, District News (Local), Employment, Join TPA/Pay Dues, Leadership/Societies, Links/Resources, Meetings/Programs, MTM Information, Technicians, and TPRN.

After joining TPA, you will receive a username and password by mail.  If you need to access the Members-Only area of the website before receiving your username and password, simply contact TPA for assistance.  You will have an opportunity to select your own username and password, as well.

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5.  How does TPA help protect members' livelihood and patients?

TPA keeps members informed about regulatory changes that pharmacists must comply with, developments in health care that affect patients, and legislative activity that affects members' ability to practice safe, efficient pharmacy.  TPA aggressively lobbies for legislative efforts that will enhance patient safety and pharmacy practice, while working to thwart those that are deleterious.  Because of TPA's strong reputation as the voice of professional pharmacy, association representatives are routinely asked to participate on governmental task forces and agencies that shape policies and procedures at the state and national levels.   

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6.  How does TPA help members learn about legislative initiatives affecting pharmacy?

• When state or national legislative issues "heat up," TPA sends Legislative Alerts to members by e-mail and/or fax, to let you know what's at stake and what you can do to make a difference.
• TPA publications provide information about pending and finalized legislation.
• The Legislative Information page of the TPA website contains all legislative information disseminated to members, links to the following two publications, and much more.
• TPA's "Legislative Bulletin" includes the status of all current bills affecting pharmacy, summaries and analyses of those that are critical, and a summary of the previous year's activities.
• TPA's "Legislative Directory" contains contact information for all state and national legislators, Tennessee district maps, legislative session schedules, legislative committees, and more.
• At its MidYear Meeting in February or March, TPA familiarizes pharmacists with the issues likely to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.  Information about the MidYear meeting will be disseminated to members and posted on the Meetings/Programs page of the TPA website.

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7.  How can I become actively involved in TPA's legislative efforts?

• Follow legislative developments as information is made available to TPA members.
• Support major advocacy efforts on calls to action regarding current legislative issues.
• Serve as a key contact for your area legislators, discussing pharmacy issues with them one-on-one, as their constituent.
• Meet socially with legislators at TPA's Legislative Reception in February or March of each year, in conjunction with the MidYear Meeting.  Information about the MidYear meeting will be disseminated to members and posted on the Meetings/Programs page of the TPA website.
• Contribute to PharmPAC and/or the Pharmacy Preservation Fund.

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8.  How can TPA help me grow professionally?

In addition to Continuing Education, TPA's many meetings offer networking opportunities to expand your professional circle and employment possibilities.  Serving as a committee member or officer of TPA or a TPA society will not only enlarge your network but prepare you for more responsible leadership roles in TPA and national associations.  In addition, you may have an opportunity to be involved on one of the governmental task forces or committees to which TPA is asked to refer members. 

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9.  How can TPA help me obtain Continuing Education credits?

TPA offers several opportunities for Continuing Education throughout the year.  TPA members receive discounts on registration fees for all TPA or University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy CE meetings.  For more information about upcoming TPA-sponsored CE events, visit TPA's Meetings/Programs page as each event approaches.  CE can also be earned via Correspondence Courses posted on the TPA website..  In addition, TPA provides information about other pharmacy meetings in its online Calendar.

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10.  How can TPA help me in my specific practice area(s)?

It is part of TPA's mission to ensure the economic and professional success of pharmacists in all practice settings.  To this end, your membership in TPA includes membership in one of the Societies listed below.  You are welcomed to join a second Society for dues of $40.

• Tennessee Society of Chain Pharmacists - for pharmacists whose primary practice site is in a chain community pharmacy
• Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists - for pharmacists whose primary practice site is in a health-system pharmacy, including hospitals
• Tennessee Society of Independent Pharmacists - for pharmacists whose primary practice site is in an independently-owned community pharmacy
• Tennessee Society of Long-Term Care Pharmacists - for consultant pharmacists and pharmacists whose primary practice site is in a pharmacy providing services to long-term care facilities
• Tennessee Society of Pharmacists for pharmacists whose primary practice is not in the other practice categories, including, for example, pharmacists whose primary practice site is in a college of pharmacy, in the pharmaceutical industry, or in managed care

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11.  Does TPA publish a Journal or newsletter?

Yes, TPA publishes two periodicals:

• Tennessee Pharmacist ("The Journal") - TPA's 36-page quarterly publication contains feature stories, links to correspondence Continuing Education courses, and news of the day, and is mailed to all members.
• Tennessee Pharmacist NEWStream - TPA's periodic 12- to 20-page publication is available electronically to members who receive e-mail and is mailed to members who do not.  The electronic NEWStream, posted on the TPA website, features links to articles, as well as links to all URLs and e-mail addresses listed in the publication.

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12.  How can TPA help me advertise a position opening, equipment for sale, etc.?

TPA provides advertising opportunities in its two publications, as well as on the Employment page of the TPA website.  TPA members may place classified ads up to 50 words free, or place longer classified ads for $50 off the regular rates.  (To qualify for discounted member rates, the classified ad must be placed by a TPA member for noncommercial purposes, OR a TPA member must own the entity for which the ad is posted.)  Display advertising is also available in the Journal and  NEWStream.  TPA's ad rates and specs are available here.  If you have questions, please contact TPA.

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13.  How can TPA help me implement CLIA-waived testing in my pharmacy?

Members receive substantial savings when purchasing TPA's reference publication, Pharmacy Based CLIA-Waived Laboratory Testing - A Guide for Implementation, a concise, step-by-step guide to assist pharmacists in establishing a program for performing CLIA-Waived Tests. This guide has many features that will be beneficial to a community pharmacy implementing CLIA-waived testing in a pharmaceutical care practice. For more information or to place an order, click here or contact TPA.

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14.  How can TPA help a pharmacist who might have a problem with drug or alcohol dependence?

TPA members have full access to the Tennessee Pharmacists Recovery Network (TPRN), providing assistance for pharmacists with drug or alcohol problems and advocacy for pharmacists in recovery. The purpose of TPRN is to provide a program which will assist pharmacists and their families in identifying alcohol, drug, or behavioral health problems which pose a potential threat to that pharmacist, his/her family, or his/her patients. Further, the committee will work to identify and facilitate acute treatment and to provide long-term support for the pharmacist practitioner to return to a productive place within the profession.  For more information, visit TPRN on the TPA website.  To make a referral to the TPRN program, please contact TPA.

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15.  How can TPA help me with personal and professional insurance?

Your TPA membership entitles you to TPA-endorsed professional and personal insurance programs through Pharmacists Mutual.

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16.  How can TPA help me be prepared for PBM audits?

TPA endorses PAAS National to help members prepare for and defend against PBM audits.  In 2006, audits struck 92 times per 100 pharmacies.  Contact PAAS before your audit - those who contacted PAAS before their audit owed 70.6% less than pharmacies joining PAAS after receiving their audit report. 

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17.  How can TPA help me implement a quality improvement process, as required by Medicare and other plans?

Medicare and many participating MA-PDs and PDPs require pharmacies to have a continuous quality improvement process in place.  Pharmacy Quality Commitment (PQC) provides a simple, turn-key system that enables a pharmacy to identify, document and analyze workflow through a simple, web-based system.  For more information: contact PQC at 866-365-7472 or www.pqc.net; contact TPA; or click here to download an order form.

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18.  How can TPA help me save money on other products?

TPA members receive discounts on nearly all products made available through TPA.  Click here for information about The Tennessee Handbook on Pharmacy and Drug Law, 3-in-1- Notice(s) Required in All Pharmacies, Scheduled Listed Chemical Product Sales Record and Logbook - Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine [Methamphetamine Log Book], Patient Counseling Log Order Form, Pharmacy Technician Resources Order Form, and much more!

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19.  How can I become actively involved in TPA?

Through your involvement, you help advance our profession.  TPA members are encouraged to become involved in the association in any or all of the following ways.  Contact TPA for more information!

• TPA's many committees are what make the association tick, and they can use your help.  Look over the list of committees to find one or more that interest you, then contact TPA or the Committee Chair(s) to see how you can help.
• Attend TPA continuing education meetings.
• Become involved in TPA's legislative/advocacy efforts.
• Nominate one or more colleagues for TPA awards; watch publications for nomination forms early in the year.
• If you feel strongly about an issue of importance to pharmacy and feel TPA needs to take a stand, submit a TPA Resolution – a formal statement expressing the opinion, will, or intent of a person or group – for consideration by the TPA House of Delegates.
• Run for office on the Board of Directors of TPA or on the Executive Committee of one of TPA's Societies.
• Suggest topics for future TPA meetings.
• Present a topic at a TPA meeting. 
• Respond to TPA surveys.  Surveys help TPA stay tuned in to what pharmacists need from their professional organization.
• Write an article for the Tennessee Pharmacist or NEWStream.
• Volunteer your services at meeting time; we can always use your help!

20.  How can I "give something back" to pharmacy?

Here are a few ideas:

• Sponsor one or more student pharmacists' attendance at the TPA Annual Convention.  Watch TPA publications and Convention registration materials for more information.

• Nominate and sponsor a participant's attendance at the TPA Professional Development and Leadership Conference.  Watch publications for nomination forms.

• Become actively involved in TPA and/or in TPA's legislative endeavors.

• Make a donation to PharmPAC and/or the Tennessee Pharmacy Practice Preservation Fund (PPPF), both of which are supported entirely by voluntary contributions from members.

  • PharmPAC - A Capital Idea!
    As a pharmacist, you cannot practice your profession without being aware of and affected by political decisions which are made every day. Pharmacists cannot be spectators in the political arena. We must advocate for ourselves; no one else will. Members of PharmPAC receive timely information on issues that are being considered by legislative decision-makers. Tennessee PharmPAC has a primary purpose of providing financial assistance to those candidates for public office who are supportive of the profession of pharmacy and recognize the value of quality pharmaceutical services. PharmPAC permits pooling of pharmacist resources, granting of more substantial contributions than can be made by individuals and, most importantly, recognition of Tennessee pharmacists as the source of support. Please contact TPA for more information.

  • Pharmacy Practice Preservation Fund - PPPF
    The profession of pharmacy is facing continuing challenges in today's health care marketplace. In order to respond to these challenges, pharmacy must be a pro-active profession. To be pro-active requires development of public relations programs, compilation of 'hard facts' to support pharmacy's claims, the pursuit of legal remedies when necessary and the development of programs to enhance pharmacists skills and knowledge. Such activities are costly, requiring resources in addition to membership dues.   Contributions to PPPF are used to fund these vital pursuits.  Please contact TPA for more information.

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