Oregon State Pharmacy Association

11/03/2026

Big news for PBM transparency. On October 29, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule that requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose how they’re paid to the employer health plans they serve.

Under the new rule, PBMs must:
🔹 Disclose rebates from drugmakers and “spread” pricing, which is the gap between what a plan pays for a drug and what the PBM pays the pharmacy
🔹 Share this when a contract is negotiated or renewed, and again every six months
🔹 Allow employers to audit those disclosures once a year

DOL estimates the rule will cut drug costs for employers and workers by $22 billion over 10 years. It applies to large self-funded plans starting in July 2027.

Pharmacists see what hidden PBM fees cost patients and community pharmacies every day. When employers can see the money, they can hold PBMs accountable. OSPA will keep pushing for PBM reform here in Oregon in the 2027 session.

🔗 https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20261029

10/29/2026

CMS recently released its long-awaited request for information (RFI) regarding Part D reasonable and relevant contract terms. CMS is seeking public comment, and OSPA is requesting members, regardless of practice setting, to submit comments. Our colleagues at National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) made it easy for you to make your voice heard and offer recommendations on provisions CMS should require in Part D contracts. Click here to submit your comments.

Stay informed on key pharmacy legislation and take action to support independent pharmacies. Join NCPA's advocacy efforts and protect your practice today.

10/21/2026

October is American Pharmacists Month! Close to 9,000 licensed pharmacists across Oregon help make sure every patient uses their medications safely and effectively. As the Governor’s proclamation says, pharmacists have medication expertise that’s unmatched in health care, and they work hand in hand with patients and other providers to improve outcomes.

From rural community pharmacies to hospital and clinic teams, Oregon pharmacists are often the most accessible health care professional in their communities.

This month, join us in thanking the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students who care for you and your family.

09/30/2026

🏆 Congratulations to the 2026 OSPA Award Winners! Each year, OSPA members nominate colleagues who go above and beyond for their patients, their communities, and the profession. Please join me in congratulating this year's honorees:

⭐ OSPA Fellow: Brian Crook, RPh, MBA and Dan Kennedy
⭐ Bowl of Hygeia: Carol Van Horn
⭐ Pharmacist of the Year: Skogrand
⭐ Distinguished Young Professional: Tyler Dearing
⭐Special Services Award: Cat Rimov
⭐Technician of the Year: N. Rice-Erlenbusch

This group shows the full range of Oregon pharmacy: pharmacists and technicians, early-career professionals and seasoned leaders, and people whose work reaches from the pharmacy counter into the community. Emily will also co-present Saturday's convention session on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.

🎉 Celebrate with us Friday, October 9, at Baerlic Super Secret B**r Club in Portland as we kick off the 2026 OSPA Annual Convention:

🕕 6:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting
🕡 6:30 p.m. Presentation from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
🕖 7:00 p.m. Awards Banquet

Everyone is welcome. Come raise a glass to our winners, catch up with colleagues, and start the weekend before Saturday's CE day at the Oregon Zoo.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Recognizing each other's work is one of the most meaningful things we do as an association.

09/09/2026

⏰ 6 days left! Early Bird pricing for the OSPA Annual Convention ends Monday, September 15.

Join Oregon's pharmacy community October 9–11 at the Oregon Zoo for a weekend of CE, connection, and a few surprises 🐻

Here's what's waiting for you:
✅ 7 hours of CE — BOP Law Update, QPR, pharmacist-prescribed MOUD, New Drug Update, GLP-1 & SGLT-2, cultural competence & more
✅ Face time with the DEA, Oregon Board of Pharmacy & DCBS in the exhibit hall
✅ Awards Banquet, a Gilead-sponsored luncheon & a 5–7 PM social with the animals
✅ Optional Sunday tour of the Portland Japanese Garden

Fun fact: the Oregon Zoo was founded by a Portland pharmacist back in 1888. It's only fitting we gather where one of our own started it all.

Register before rates go up 👉 https://oregonpharmacy.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=2037621

And, be sure to place your order for official OSPA Annual Convention at the Zoo merchandise!

09/05/2026

📢 Oregon pharmacists can begin administering updated COVID-19 vaccines as soon as this weekend.

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a statewide standing order allowing vaccine providers — including pharmacists — to administer the updated 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines. Signed by State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the order aligns Oregon with its West Coast Health Alliance partners: Washington, California, and Hawaii.

What it means for your pharmacy:

✅ You can start administering updated COVID-19 vaccines this weekend

✅ Vaccination is recommended for those at highest risk — adults 65+, kids under 2, pregnant patients, people with underlying conditions, health care workers, and those in congregate settings

✅ Vaccines remain available to anyone ages 2–65 who wants protection

Pharmacists are on the front line of access this respiratory virus season. Read the full standing order and WCHA recommendations here:https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/VACCINESIMMUNIZATION/IMMUNIZATIONPROVIDERRESOURCES/Documents/SOStatewideCOVID.pdf

09/03/2026

Early-bird pricing for the OSPA Annual Convention ends September 15 — register now and save on your seat!

Join Oregon's pharmacy community for a full day of CE on Saturday, October 10 at the Oregon Zoo. This year, we're bringing the regulators to you:

— The Oregon DCBS PBM enforcement team, Keith Turner and Colette Hittner, will be on the exhibitor floor to walk you through the MAC appeals process one-on-one. If a PBM has reimbursed you below cost, this is your chance to learn how to push back — straight from the team that handles enforcement.
— The Oregon Board of Pharmacy and the DEA will also be on hand to answer your questions directly.

Add in sessions on GLP-1 and SGLT2 therapy, new drug updates, pharmacist-prescribed MOUD, and a BOP law update — plus an evening social open to OSU and Pacific alumni — and it's a day you won't want to miss.

Register by September 15 to lock in the early-bird rate: https://lnkd.in/gxV9ufyQ
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

09/02/2026

Voting is OPEN for the Oregon State Pharmacy Association's Eastern Oregon Region Director!

Every current OSPA member gets one vote to choose who represents pharmacy east of the Cascades on our Board of Directors. The winner serves a two-year term starting at our Annual Convention on October 10. Only current OSPA members can vote.

It takes about a minute — and it matters.

⏰ Voting closes October 1 at Noon

👉 Cast your ballot: https://secure.electionbuddy.com/m/OregonRx/rdbwvoiamu

Members, check your inbox for details and make your voice count. 💙

08/13/2026

🐦 Early Bird registration for the Annual Convention ends September 15!

Register today to secure the best rate—and don’t forget to check out this year’s OSPA merchandise. You don’t have to attend the convention to order, and all items will be shipped directly to you.

🎟️ Register now and save!
🛍️ Shop OSPA merchandise:

Check out OSPA Store on Bonfire and shop official merchandise today! Featuring limited edition custom apparel, printed with care in the USA just for you.

08/07/2026

Three days. One incredible weekend. The 2026 OSPA Annual Convention is coming — and registration is open. From October 9–11, Oregon's pharmacy community comes together for continuing education, recognition, and connection in some of Portland's most memorable settings. Here's what the weekend holds:

🍺 Friday, October 9 — Awards Banquet
We kick things off at Baerlic Super Secret B**r Club with our Annual Business Meeting, a dinner presentation, and the Awards Banquet celebrating the pharmacists, technicians, and champions who make our profession stronger.

🦁 Saturday, October 10 — CE Day at the Oregon Zoo
A full day of continuing education in the Cascade Crest Ballroom:
CE covering BOP Law Update, MOUD, GLP-1 & SGLT-2 management, a new drug update, cultural competence, QPR training, and veterinary pharmacy
-A networking luncheon in the Exhibitor Hall
-An animal meet-and-greet — only at the Zoo
-An evening social to close out the day

🌸 Sunday, October 11 — Portland Japanese Garden
Wind down with a private group tour of one of the most beautiful gardens outside Japan.

⏰ Early Bird pricing ends September 15 — register now to lock in the best rate:

👉 https://oregonpharmacy.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=2037621

Whether you're here for the credits, the connections, or the celebration, this is the one event you won't want to miss. See you there!