WASHINGTON, DC—The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is deeply saddened by the horrific mass shootings that occurred over the weekend in Buffalo, NY and Laguna, CA.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) announced the election of Alex C. Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, of Sugar Land, TX, as 2023–2024 APhA president-elect. Varkey will succeed Valerie Prince, PharmD, FAPhA, BCPS, of Odenville, AL, to the office of APhA president on March 25, 2024, at the conclusion of the 2024 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, FL.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—CMS has issued a final rule eliminating Part D plans’ and PBMs’ use of retroactive direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees beginning on January 1, 2024 (contract year 2024). The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and many of its members submitted comments to CMS on the proposal. APhA appreciates CMS’ efforts to end the uncertainty and lack of drug cost transparency at the pharmacy caused by retroactive DIR fees.