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Ashley Talamo, Publisher: Pharmacy Times..(PTNN) This weekly video program highlights the latest in pharmacy news, product news, and more. (video)

Albany College of Pharmacy...announced...opening of a student operated pharmacy...In addition to dispensing medications, the pharmacy will serve as a "collaboratory" where the College will partner with local health care providers to offer an expanded range of clinical services.

PillPack..introduced its Medication Reminders mobile app..its the first health app of its kind to automatically import a customer's current medication list regardless of which pharmacy they currently use, and use geo-tracking sensors to create custom reminders based on location, activity or time to more naturally fit with people's daily routine.

FDA is strengthening an existing warning…to indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke,...

Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, H.R. 592/S. 314, would give state-licensed pharmacists in underserved communities provider status, enabling them to provide...services to Medicare patients...bill would amend Medicare Part B rules to allow pharmacists to receive payment for their care services, thereby increasing patients’ access to essential services,...

Patients hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at high risk for...readmissions...."Implementation of an (clinical pharmacy services) multidose medication dispensing on discharge program was associated with a reduction in 30-day and 60-day hospital readmissions...

Drug stores are showing their potential as sites for cancer screening technology, enhancing their value as a destination for preventive care...SIAscopy technology...part of the Walgreens Alliance Boots..in the United Kingdom...mole-scanning service is based on a successful model in...pharmacies in Norway as well as in a Swedish pharmacy chain,..

..how you can get more involved in supporting the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act , the provider status legislation for pharmacists. Here are a few tips on how you can help encourage your Members of Congress to support H.R. 592/S. 314.

• When Congress is IN session
•  E-mail
•  Call
•  Visit
•  Gossip
• When Congress is OUT of session
•  Plan a visit
•  Host a Member at your pharmacy (or your school!).
•  Attend a Town Hall

As pharmacists shift to a more patient-centered role, quick access to accurate, timely information is crucial. Mobile apps for pharmacist use fit the bill.

-Epocrates

-iPharmacy Pill ID & Drug Info

-Pharmacy Lab Values

-Pocket Pharmacist

-SHOTS Immunizations

In smaller geographical and local markets, small drug chains, competing with the…”big boys,” continue to thrive... They tend to employ pharmacists who have grown up in the communities they serve…these locally grown pharmacists interact with the public they serve in powerful ways.