A Welcome Back for NASP Members at Annual Meeting

The 2019 National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) Annual Meeting and Expo began with a message of collaboration by the organization’s outgoing president, Carmine DeNardo, RPh, president and CEO of ReCept.

“Here at NASP…we help our patients through complex health benefits, financial assistance, pertinent guidance, education, and emotional support improve adherence [and] gain access to live-saving medications,” DeNardo told the audience during the welcome session. “I hope that this conference can be another step in improving the quality of life for our patients.”

NASP represents nearly 1800 health care industry leaders who work on behalf of retail and specialty pharmacies, drug distributors, pharmacy benefit managers, hospital systems, and pharmaceutical manufacturers on legislative and regulatory efforts to advance the practice of specialty pharmacy and by promoting education and certification of specialty pharmacists. The annual meeting featured more than 1100 attendees, 40 educational sessions, 64 exhibitors, 44 poster presentations, 3 keynote speakers, 3 postconference workshops, and 6 satellite symposia.

“The conference is a product of incredible hard work with the intent to create a truly valuable member experience for all,” DeNardo said. “It takes committee members who are dedicated and hard working to make everything successful.”

Michael T. Einodshofer, RPh, MBA, chief pharmacy officer of Maxor National Pharmacy Services, was named NASP president for the 2019-2020 term.

“A sincere congratulations to Mike Einodshofer, as he assumes the position of president elect,” DeNardo said. “Everyone’s contribution to our organization remains invaluable. We are very fortunate to have such a strong backing from so many renowned leaders throughout the industry.”

DeNardo also announced the following new NASP board members:

• Natalie Bedford, executive director, National Channel Account Team, US Market Access, AstraZeneca
• Bob Jahr, MBA, vice president head, US Payer Value, Strategy, and Innovation, UCB
• Amanda Winter, vice president, Reimbursement, Quality and Learning & Development, US Bioservices

“All of our board members have done an outstanding job, and I have no doubt that all of our new board members will do the same,” DeNardo said.

Sheila Arquette, RPh, NASP executive director, discussed the year in review for the organization as well as its plans to add educational offerings and certification programs, continue grassroots legislative efforts on the state and federal levels, and enhance programs and benefits for members.

“We will do everything to operate responsibly, lower costs, and [function] in the most cost-effective way possible,” Arquette said. Fairview Specialty Pharmacy was announced as the 2019 NASP Specialty Pharmacy of the Year for embodying the practice of pharmacy in the specialty field, based on its community involvement, patient satisfaction, cost management, innovation in the field, and quality/ performance improvement initiatives, which include patient care and outcomes, disease state and therapy management, and patient engagement.

Additionally, Tim Safley, clinical manager at the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, was honored with the Distinguished Service to Specialty Pharmacy award, recognizing his exceptional and sustained leadership within the industry.