Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Sep 2002
Impact of HIPAA on confidentiality and privacy issues. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
All covered entities must comply with new HIPAA regulations governing transaction sets, privacy, and security. The deadline for implementation of new privacy requirements is scheduled for April 14, 2003. ⋯ HIPAA rules are complex. Penalties for violations could be severe, so pharmacists are advised to take appropriate measures to avoid liability.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Sep 2002
Explanations and unresolved issues pertaining to the development of the Nuclear Pharmacy Compounding Guidelines.
To provide background information related to the development of the Nuclear Pharmacy Compounding Guidelines, to discuss regulatory complexities related to radiopharmaceutical compounding practice, and to summarize the gaps in the current compounding regulations for radiopharmaceuticals. ⋯ The Nuclear Pharmacy Compounding Guidelines, recently released by APhA, is the first official document that provides realistic and practical compounding guidance for nuclear pharmacists. Even though the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently ruled section 503A of the FD&C Act to be invalid in its entirety, and the Supreme Court upheld that ruling, the compliance policy guides issued by FDA in March 1992 and revised in May 2002 maintain guiding principles on pharmacy compounding similar to those stated in section 503A of the FD&C Act. The Nuclear Pharmacy Compounding Practice Committee is optimistic that the practical information contained in the Guidelines will assist state boards of pharmacy, FDA, and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention in setting appropriate standards for nuclear pharmacy compounding practice that will ensure the continued availability of high-quality compounded radiopharmaceuticals at reasonable cost.
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Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the federal response plan was activated immediately, with most efforts focused on helping recovery workers at Ground Zero in New York City. Comprehensive pharmacy services were critical in protecting the health of those potentially exposed to anthrax at U. S. ⋯ Capitol. Responding to anthrax attacks taught many valuable lessons to emergency workers on how to manage a bioterrorist attack. Because of its central place in the life of many American communities, pharmacy is a natural and important ally of public health.