(Lansing, Mich.) – A bill to reform unreasonable practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – long-advocated for by the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) – was introduced today in the Michigan Legislature as part of a 15-bill package aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
House Bill 4348, introduced by Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland), is designed to reign in PBMs by requiring them to register with the state, addressing transaction fees and prohibiting clawbacks. It also codifies the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Arkansas v. PCMA (Pharmaceutical Care Management Association), which requires PBMs to reimburse pharmacies at no less than the cost of the drug.

To read the press release, click here.

AG Nessel, Bipartisan Coalition Reach $573M Settlement with McKinsey & Co. for 'Turbocharging' Opioid Epidemic with Purdue Pharma 

Contact: Ryan Jarvi 517-599-2746
Agency: Attorney General
 

February 4, 2021

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined 46 other attorneys general in a $573 million settlement with one of the world’s largest consulting firms, McKinsey & Co., resolving investigations into the company’s role in working for opioid companies, helping those companies promote their drugs, and profiting from the opioid epidemic.  

The settlement, after payment of costs, will be used to abate problems caused by opioids in the participating states. Michigan will receive more than $19.5 million from the settlement. This is the first multistate opioid settlement to result in substantial payment to the states to address the crisis. 

Read more of the press release here: https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-47796-551383--,00.html

Congratulations to Farah Jalloul, state pharmacy emergency preparedness coordinator, on being appointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission which will help educate Michiganders on safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Jalloul will represent pharmacy and MPA on the Commission.

Find out more at www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499-550367--,00.html.

The Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) and the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) greeted 2021 with new executive leadership, as ICHP welcomed Christopher Crank as executive vice president (EVP) Jan. 1 and Mark Glasper officially became chief executive officer (CEO) of MPA Jan. 18.

“On behalf of ASHP, I would like to congratulate Chris and Mark and welcome them to the family of ASHP state affiliates that exist in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico,” said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz.

To read more, please click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021
Contact: Mary Beth Wardell, MPA communications manager
Phone: (517) 377-0232
Email: Communication@MichiganPharmacists.org

Michigan Pharmacists Association Welcomes Mark Glasper As New Chief Executive Officer

(Lansing, Mich.) – Mark Glasper has joined the Michigan Pharmacists Association as its chief executive officer, following the retirement of Larry Wagenknecht on Friday. Glasper is the former executive director and CEO of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association (KPhA).

As one of the most respected state pharmacy associations in the country, Glasper said he is honored by the opportunity to serve MPA and achieve the goals and vision laid out by its members.

"I am truly honored and humbled to take on this role,” Glasper said. “I look forward to utilizing my pharmacy knowledge and lifelong association management experience to build on MPA’s past successes and take the organization to greater heights on behalf of our dedicated members throughout the great state of Michigan.”

The MPA Executive Board selected Glasper in October following a nationwide search. Board Chair Charlie Mollien said the board is pleased to have someone of Glasper’s experience and caliber to lead the MPA.

“Mark brings proven strategies and an impressive record of achievements to this role,” Mollien said. “The Executive Board noted his successful lobbying efforts in Kentucky and his clear passion for serving members. Out of a field of remarkable candidates, it became clear to the board that Mark stood out from the pack.”

Glasper graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism – Public Relations. He serves on the nominating and planning committees of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations; the board of directors for the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety, and previously served as executive director of the Ohio Society of Association Executives.

"Mark brings true professionalism to this role, with a strong knowledge of pharmacy-related issues,” Wagenknecht said. “When I came to work for MPA, it was with the desire to make a difference – to improve the profession. While there have been successes, there is still much more to do. I am proud and thankful to have been part of an excellent team of pharmacists, staff and dedicated members over the past 37 years. As I retire, I know the organization is in capable hands as it continues to advance pharmacy into the future.”

Since 1983, Wagenknecht served in several roles at MPA and as CEO since 1994. Wagenknecht has been a champion for the profession and instituted changes that include the creation and growth of the Michigan Health Professional Recovery Corporation, MPA Executive Fellowship program, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN).

"It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of such an accomplished leader as Larry Wagenknecht,” Glasper said. “I’m grateful to him for his many contributions to the organization, as well as for his mentorship and support throughout this transition.”

Michigan Pharmacists Association strives to serve members by providing support, advocacy and resources that ultimately improve patient care, safety, health and the practice of pharmacy. For more information, visit www.MichiganPharmacists.org