Message from the President of TPA

Don Branam, PharmD, BCPS

This is a very exciting time for our profession! There are significant new opportunities for you, as an essential member of the healthcare team, to help patients benefit from new and innovative models of care. We at the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) understand that these opportunities also bring unique challenges, and we are continuously working to meet your professional needs.

TPA is active on Capitol Hill, advocating for Tennessee’s patients, pharmacists, and pharmacy professionals. In 2015, with the help of our dedicated members and supportive legislators, TPA was successful in passing several key pieces of pharmacy-specific legislation. The Top 5 TPA legislative priorities of 2015 were:

• Restoration of proposed AWP-Based cuts to the TennCare pharmacy program budget keeping $17.4 million in the budget for pharmacy reimbursement
• Passage of Public Chapter 274, exempting diabetic testing supplies from sales and use tax
• Passing of Public Chapter 40, “Ensuring Patient Access to Pharmacy Drug Disposal Programs Act of 2015,” creating a mechanism for pharmacists to participate in voluntary drug disposal programs in their pharmacies
• Introduction of Pharmacy Robbery legislation increasing awareness about the growing concern of pharmacy robberies
• Passage of Senate Joint Resolution 104, urging TennCare to incorporate Medication Therapy Management into their budget to benefit patients, improve quality, and control costs

Through the Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation (TPREF), we also continue to achieve success through grant programs of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Tennessee Department of Health, all focused on increasing patient access to pharmacist-provided care.

TPA provides members with access to invaluable information and services, which empower you as an advocate for patients and the profession of pharmacy, while enabling you to practice in a way that ensures public safety and improves patient outcomes. As a member of your state pharmacy association, you receive many benefits, including:

• Access to TPA staff members who work with you on key issues affecting you and your patients
• Opportunities to advocate for pharmacy and actively contribute to state and national policy and legislative initiatives, including information to help you educate the media, the public, and legislators
• Connection with your professional colleagues in Tennessee and beyond
• Frequent email updates to keep you informed regarding regulatory, legislative, and healthcare-related issues
• Savings for members on products, services, event registrations, and CE programs designed to improve your knowledge and enhance your pharmacy practice

Active membership and participation in the Tennessee Pharmacists Association – the unified voice representing your profession – are among the most important investments you can make in your pharmacy career. Through your affiliation with our group of actively engaged pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other pharmacy stakeholders, you can drive changes in the healthcare system and help advance pharmacy professionals as integral members of the care team whose unique skill sets foster optimal patient care.

Lastly, I want to personally thank you for everything you do every day to improve the health and well-being of your patients. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!  Please feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way.

Don Branam, PharmD, BCPS
2015-2016 TPA President
donbranamrx@aol.com