news

ACA HOME STUDY: Dermatological Compounding

2025-04-16T08:59:57-05:00April 16th, 2025|Categories: compounding, Continuing Education, Dermatology, Home Study, USP 800, Workplace Skills|Tags: , , , , , |

Our Dermatological Compounding Home Study is an accredited 5-hour knowledge-based program designed specifically for compounding pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This self-paced learning program provides a thorough overview of the formulation and preparation of creams, emulsions, ointments, pastes, gels, PLOs, solutions, lotions, powders, and both semi-solid and commercially available bases.

Participants will also review important compendial standards, including microbial content, minimum fill, quality control, preparation and labeling, patient counseling, and guidelines for establishing and extending beyond-use dates.

Course Highlights Include:

Introduction to Compounding

  • History of pharmaceutical compounding
  • USP chapters and drug monographs
  • Best practices and evolving trends in the U.S.

Dermatological Disease States Covered:

  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Clinical features, treatment options, and custom formulations
  • Psoriasis & Cutaneous Infections: Includes dermatophytosis, candidiasis, and warts
  • Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea: Differentiation, treatment overviews, and compoundable therapies

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge or expand your skill set in dermatological compounding, this home study offers a well-rounded, practical approach. Enroll now and learn at your own pace! Registration is below.


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 5 contact hours (0.5 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Independent Pharmacies at a Crossroads: Join the Conversation on PBM Reform

2025-04-16T08:55:39-05:00April 15th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, News Release, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

For too long, independent pharmacists have carried the weight of a system that increasingly works against them. From below-cost reimbursements to clawbacks and opaque practices, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have shaped an uneven playing field that threatens not only the livelihood of community pharmacies—but also the access and quality of care patients rely on.

As reform efforts gain traction at both the state and federal levels, now is the time for pharmacists to come together, get informed, and get involved.

On Tuesday, May 13 at 12:00 PM Central, the American College of Apothecaries (ACA) will host a live Zoom Town Hall to explore what meaningful PBM reform looks like—and how independent pharmacists can help drive that change.

This panel discussion brings together seasoned voices from pharmacy and policy:

  • Anthony V. Minniti, BScPharm, RPh, FACA, Owner, Camden Apothecary Dispensary/Bell Pharmacy
  • Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP, Pharmacy Gladiator, President & CEO, Phipps Pharmacy, PhippsCARE, and Health Insurance Solutions
  • Senator Evan Vickers, FACA, Utah State Senator and President, Bulloch’s Drug Store
  • Mark Ey, RPh, Senior Vice President and COO, National Community Pharmacists Association

The conversation will dive into the current landscape of PBM reform, legislation in motion, and practical steps pharmacists can take to protect their practice and advocate for fairer systems. From firsthand accounts to policymaker insights, this is more than a policy briefing—it’s a forum for pharmacists to be seen, heard, and empowered.

Registration is free for ACA Members and Fellows, and thanks to limited open spots, non-members are also welcome to attend at no cost.

If you’re an independent pharmacist navigating a system that feels increasingly unsustainable, this Town Hall is for you. Not just to listen—but to be part of the solution.

Loading…

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Allergy Treatments: Homeopathy as a First Option and Supportive Care

2025-04-15T13:05:46-05:00March 24th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Did you miss the meeting? 

Listen Now
Topic: Understanding Medications and Achieving Front-End Success

Allergy Treatments: Homeopathy as a First Option and Supportive Care
Speaker:  Shane McCamey, Director of Training and Business Development

Join us for an insightful Nutrition & Wellness Faculty meeting featuring Shane McCamey, Director of Training and Business Development at Boiron USA, as he discusses the benefits of homeopathy in treating allergies. With his extensive experience as Operations Manager at Capitol Drugs, Los Angeles, a leading integrative pharmacy, and his 600-hour training in Homeopathy for Acute Therapeutics, Shane will share valuable insights on using homeopathy both as a primary treatment and in supportive care for allergy sufferers.

About Boiron: As the global leader in homeopathic medicines, Boiron was founded in 1932 by twin pharmacists Jean and Henri Boiron. Headquartered in Lyon, France, Boiron manufactures, educates, and distributes homeopathic medicines to over 50 countries. The company remains family-owned, with subsidiaries in the US, Canada, Italy, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more.

Did you miss the April 9 meeting?
Listen Now!

ACA WEBINAR: Opportunities in Wellness – Integrating Advanced Point-of-Sale Functional Testing in Community Pharmacy

2025-03-10T08:59:15-05:00March 10th, 2025|Categories: Continuing Education, On-Demand Webinars, Pharmacy Practice, Revenue, Technology, Wellness|Tags: , , , , , |

Earn 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit!

About the Webinar
Functional testing focuses on assessing physiological function at a biological level rather than detecting disease markers. Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer these services, empowering patients with deeper insights into their health while supporting nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

This webinar will explore how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can integrate Advanced Point-of-Sale Functional Testing into their practice. Topics include stool testing, breath testing, saliva testing, dried urine testing, food intolerance testing, and more. Learn how these tests can enhance patient outcomes, expand the role of pharmacy professionals, and boost revenue—all without requiring a CLIA waiver.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of community pharmacy!

Speaker:

As a young teenager, Hillary worked as a pharmacy technician until graduating high school in 1998. Her passion for medicine led her to enroll in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Ferris State University and graduated in 2004. Shortly after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart and took a position as a retail staff pharmacist at a local pharmacy chain. This ultimately led to a manager position with the same company. Hillary has two children, Hunter and Tanner, which she adores.10 years into her position as a manager, her husband James was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, leiomyosarcoma of the prostate. During his journey, the family decided to look into alternative treatments using both conventional and alternative therapies. Sadly, James’ journey ended 18 months later. As a single mother, Hillary decided to take her career in a new direction.
She opened Michigan’s first integrative cash-based pharmacy, Apothecary Co, in 2019, focusing on helping others to find their root cause instead of applying a “bandaid”. Apothecary & Co proudly specializes in compounding, point-of-care testing, and functional medicine consulting. Since opening in 2019, Hillary received her Certified Clinical Nutrition designation in 2021. She is currently pursuing a certification program through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Besides the love for functional medicine, her other passion is medicinal herbalism leading her to complete coursework through Rosemary Gladstar’s The Science of Art and Herbalism program.

 


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

ACA WEBINAR: Neurology and Opportunities for Compounding

2025-02-25T09:00:31-06:00January 22nd, 2025|Categories: compounding, Continuing Education, Disease Management, Neurology, On-Demand Webinars, Patient Care, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , , |

Earn up to 1.5 hours of continuing education with the webinar Neurology and Opportunities for Compounding, originally presented at the ACA | ACVP | PPHI Annual Conference & Expo. This session is designed for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking to expand their knowledge in neurology and compounding.

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the role of the neurologist in treating neurological diseases.
  2. Provide neurologists with therapeutic compounding options not commercially available, helping to meet patient needs.
  3. Identify specific disease states, including Parkinson’s Disease, the use of low-dose Naltrexone, and effective pain management.

This program will enhance your ability to offer specialized care in neurology and compounding practices.

Speaker:

Paul W. Lofholm, PharmD, is a Clinical Professor of Pharmacy from his alma mater, University of California, San Francisco.  He is an owner of Ross Valley Compounding Pharmacy in San Rafael, CA.  He regularly teaches pharmacy students from the SF Bay Area Schools of pharmacy. His compounding experience includes teaching compounding at UCSF.  He has been a member of the USP Compounding Committee and he is a member of the California Pharmacist’s Compounding Academy.  He has been a surveyor for PCAB and now ACHC where he reviews compounding activities for those pharmacies seeking accreditation.

He is married to Rebecca Lofholm who is a pharmacist.  He has two daughters and a son-in-law who practice together in Marin County.  He is a past president of ACA, the California Pharmacists Association, and the Rotary Club of Central Marin.  He was the 2011 Recipient of the Remington Honor Metal.

 


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

ACA WEBINAR: DSCSA – 13 Year Implementation & 2024 Update

2025-02-25T08:59:33-06:00January 22nd, 2025|Categories: Compliance, Continuing Education, FDA, On-Demand Webinars, Pharmacy Law, Professional Development, Supply Chain Management|Tags: , , , , , |

📢 Missed the Webinar? Catch it On-Demand!

Webinar Title: DSCSA – 13 Year Implementation & 2024 Update
Accreditation: 1-hour CE (0.1 CEUs) for Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians

The DSCSA, enacted in 2013, is nearing full implementation! This on-demand webinar covers:

✅ Key DSCSA requirements for transaction information (TI) and transaction statements (TS)
✅ Steps to implement electronic traceability at the package level
✅ Strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory audits and inspections
✅ Best practices for identifying and reporting suspect products

FDA Enforcement Deadline: November 27, 2026 – Don’t wait to start preparing!

Learn how to meet these requirements and stay ahead of PBM audits. Watch now and ensure your pharmacy is ready for the future of supply chain compliance.  

Speaker:

Martha M. Rumore, PharmD, Esq, MS, LLM, FAPhA is a pharmacist-attorney in Frier Levitt’s Life Sciences Department. She is also a registered patent attorney and leads the firm’s Intellectual property team. She has broad and in-depth healthcare and regulatory experience. Her practice focuses on intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets) and healthcare law, Food, Drug, Device & Cosmetic law (all facets-483s to clinical trials to registrations and product approval), pharmacy law and regulatory issues, 503A/503B compounding, Board of Pharmacy (licensing and disciplinary matters), PBM audits, and DSCSA supply chain compliance. Dr. Rumore has over 25 years of health-system, pharmaceutical industry, and law firm experience in the area of Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law, and pharmaceutical intellectual property Dr. Rumore is fluent in cGMPs, GCPs, writing and reviewing Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), Investigator brochures, manuscripts, labeling & advertising review, NDAs, study reports, and documents for regulatory submissions. She often prepares legal memoranda on healthcare/FDA matters and conducts Mock State Board of Pharmacy and FDA inspections for compounding pharmacies. Dr. Rumore has practiced both pharmacy and law. She has actual experience as a compounding pharmacist. She regularly counsels on Section 503A and state-specific compounding requirements, assesses compounding practices for state and federal regulatory compliance, including USP 797/795/800, medical necessity documentation, advertising & promotion, reimbursement issues, infrastructure, and preparing compounding policies and procedures that provide clear guidelines, standards, and training for staff.  Previously, she was at the Director level in  Drug Regulatory Affairs/Compliance in the pharmaceutical industry and hospital pharmacy. She taught Pharmacy Law, Drug Regulatory Affairs, and Food Drug & Cosmetic Law at several New York Colleges of Pharmacy and currently teaches Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. She is a frequent lecturer and has over 200 publications and presentations.


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

ACA WEBINAR: Conquer Your Personal Coliseum by Developing Your Inner Gladiator

2025-02-25T09:01:49-06:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Continuing Education, Leadership Training, On-Demand Webinars, Personal Development, Professional Growth, Workplace Skills|Tags: , , , , , |

Missed It Live? “Conquer Your Personal Coliseum by Developing Your Inner Gladiator” is now On-Demand!

This 1-hour on-demand session is now available, offering you practical strategies to conquer your own “personal coliseum. By attending this session, participants will be able to gain tools to overcome common barriers to personal development, receive goal-framing techniques that increase the likelihood of success, and develop a personalized action plan for your growth journey. Personal development often takes a backseat to clinical and business skills. But long-term success and leadership require more than technical expertise—it’s about developing the resilience and mindset of an inner gladiator.

Designed for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, this session is packed with literature-supported methods to better personal development, build leadership skills, and improve patient care.

Take charge of your growth and become the leader your team and patients need!

Speaker:

Dr. Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP, the pharmacy gladiator, is a pharmacy doctor, entrepreneur, president, and CEO at Phipps Pharmacy. Phipps Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy who provides pharmacy doctor provided patient care including traditional dispensing, compounding services, long-term care pharmacy services, and tailor-made prescription compounding to patients in middle and west Tennessee. Dr. Jay is also the President and CEO of PhippsCare that focuses on Pharmacy Doctor provided healthcare and Health Insurance Solutions which specializes in medical and pharmacy insurance plans for seniors.

Dr. Jay received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he also completed a residency in Drug Information and Pharmacotherapy. He also received an MBA in Strategy and Leadership from Indiana University – Kelley School of Business. Dr. Jay claimed the #2 spot in the 2023 Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy and has also been recognized by Union University as the Preceptor of the Year. Phipps Pharmacy was the recipient of the 2024 Good Neighbor Pharmacy Advocacy Champion and was recognized as the 2022 NCPA Innovation Center Excellence Award for Best Community Engagement.


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Recharge, Refocus, and Rediscover Balance

2025-01-16T11:20:20-06:00January 15th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Recharge, Refocus, and Rediscover Balance: A Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm Eastern / 12 Noon Central / 11:00 am Mountain / 10:00 am Pacific
Hosted by: Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN and Steve Zielinski, PharmD, FACA

Show Yourself Some Love!

Is your job taking a toll on you? Are you feeling burned out? This Valentine’s season, it’s time to focus on self-care and wellness. Join us for an inspiring and open discussion designed for pharmacy teams, where we’ll tackle these pressing questions and share strategies to support one another.

What to Expect:

This meeting is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and rediscover balance in your life. Led by experts Hillary Howell and Steve Zielinski, the session will dive into practical ways to address burnout and prioritize self-care. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

  • Addressing Workplace Challenges: Share and listen to experiences from colleagues facing similar struggles. Together, we can identify actionable solutions to create a more supportive environment.
  • Promoting Wellness: Explore positive ideas for fostering wellness, not only for yourself but for your entire team. From small daily habits to workplace initiatives, every step counts.
  • Rediscovering Balance: Learn how to prioritize your well-being without compromising your professional responsibilities. Because taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself.

This meeting will be recorded

Why You Should Attend:

Burnout isn’t just a personal challenge—it affects your ability to provide the best care for others. This Valentine’s season, let’s show ourselves some love and dedicate time to personal wellness. By recharging and refocusing, we can rediscover balance and approach our work with renewed energy and passion.

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, need a safe space to discuss challenges, or want to connect with a community that understands, this meeting is for you. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive workplace.

Mark your calendar and join us for this transformative session. Because when you’re at your best, everyone benefits. Let’s commit to caring for ourselves and each other—one step at a time.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Loading…

FREE CE for ACA Fellows

2025-01-14T11:37:46-06:00January 14th, 2025|Categories: ACA Fellows Benefit, compounding, Continuing Education, Fellows Benefit, Free Continuing Education, Semaglutide, Webinar|Tags: , , |

🌟 ACA Fellows-Only Benefit! 🌟

At ACA, we’re proud to support the professional growth of our Fellows through free access to pre-selected continuing education programs every quarter. This initiative celebrates your achievements and reinforces our commitment to advancing the counseling profession.

This quarter, ACA Fellows can participate in the insightful program: Legal Insights into Peptide & Semaglutide Compounding: Navigating FDA, State Boards, and Telemedicine – absolutely free!

🗓 Available Through: March 31, 2025

*If you do not have an NABP number, select “International Pharmacist” or “International Pharmacy Technician” when registering.

Speakers:

Martha M. Rumore, PharmD, Esq, MS, LLM, FAPhA is a pharmacist-attorney in Frier Levitt’s Life Sciences Department. Her practice focuses on healthcare law; Food, Drug Cosmetic law; pharmacy law and regulatory issues; PBM issues; as well as pharmaceutical and medical device intellectual property including trademark, copyright, trade secret, and all aspects of patent law (due diligence, prosecution, opinion work, litigation, and transactional matters). Dr. Rumore has over 15 years of law firm experience in the area of Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law, and pharmaceutical intellectual property, counseling on early market opportunities for pharmaceutical clients particularly in the area of ANDA and 510K applications and all facets of Paragraph IV litigation.

Matthew J. Modafferi is a seasoned litigation and trial attorney with experience in healthcare law.  He focuses his practice on white collar defense and investigations, and complex civil litigation. As a Partner in Frier Levitt’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Litigation Department, Matthew’s practice is dedicated to representing healthcare clients in litigation matters including healthcare fraud, qui tam, and False Claims Act matters. Matthew also helps clients successfully navigate DEA inspections and investigations, state and federal OIG investigations, and government self-disclosures. Matthew previously worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.  During his time as a federal prosecutor, Matthew represented the United States and its agencies in various affirmative and defensive matters, appearing before both the Eastern District of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He successfully defended Executive Branch policies and initiatives, and prosecuted health care fraud qui tam and other False Claims Act cases.

Optimizing Sterile Compounding: From Aseptic Processing to FDA Compliance

2025-02-25T08:57:42-06:00January 13th, 2025|Categories: Aseptic Technique, Compliance, compounding, compounding training, Continuing Education, FDA, networking, Pharmacy Practice, USP 797|Tags: , , , , |

Is your pharmacy team ready to take sterile compounding to the next level? This 4-hour accredited CE virtual course is designed to empower your team with essential knowledge and skills for excellence in aseptic processing and FDA compliance.

🧪 Why Enroll?
Sterile compounding requires precision, compliance, and the latest knowledge in regulatory standards. This course provides comprehensive training to help your team stay ahead in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

📚 What You’ll Learn:
By the end of this engaging course, participants will be able to:
1️⃣ Master aseptic processing and terminal sterilization methods.
2️⃣ Understand release testing requirements, including visual inspections, sterility, and endotoxin testing.
3️⃣ Navigate key FDA guidance documents with confidence.
4️⃣ Ensure proper selection of components used in compounding.
5️⃣ Recognize the importance of certificates of analysis and perform related calculations.

💻 Who Should Attend?
Perfect for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and healthcare professionals involved in sterile compounding.

📅 Schedule Your Team Today!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your team’s expertise and compliance standards. Sign up now and invest in the future of safe and effective compounding practices!


The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 4.0 contact hours (0.4 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Go to Top