Profession: Pharmacy Technician

Caution: Hot! Are we describing this CE presentation or a cup of coffee, or both? Hot off the presses: every single U.S. Surgeon General has proclaimed smoking cessation as being the single most important effort to discuss with respective patients. Some view nicotine as one of, if not the, most addictive substance ever, which transcends from the Big Tobacco days of yore, to our current vaping popularity concerns. This presentation will aim to clear the “smoke” on nicotine content within various products, over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), and prescription smoking cessation medications. Sometimes it takes just one puff to form a habit, conversely, let’s spend just one hour on one of the most impactful patient care topics today, tomorrow, and yesterday.

This presentation on influenza vaccination will emphasize the critical role of vaccines in preventing seasonal flu outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. We will explore the various types of influenza vaccines available, their safety, effectiveness, and recommendations according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Additionally, the presentation will address common misconceptions about flu vaccination and discuss strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in our communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a host of new challenges to the medication safety arena. This session seeks to evaluate medication error from the lens of what researchers already know about human behavior, with the additional difficulties of working during a global pandemic. The role of ‘root cause analysis’ within an appropriate ‘continuous quality improvement’ program is carefully examined. Specific strategies for reducing medication error are introduced, along with opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to engage in patient safety initiatives.

This course has been FL Board Approved for 2.0 hours of continuing education on the topic of medication error prevention for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians only. 

While pharmacists are well-trained to assist human patients in selecting over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are safe and effective, they may not recognize the dangers these medications present to companion animals, such as cats and dogs. By law, pharmacists cannot independently recommend OTC medications for veterinary patients, but they can educate pet owners on the risks of treating their pets with unsafe OTC products. This activity will review common OTC products and their adverse effects in cats and dogs. Treatment options for pets exposed to these medications will also be discussed.

Almost 40 years ago HIV was at the forefront of healthcare concerns.  This virus was elucidated in 1984 and within 12 years combination drug therapy was available. Thanks to eight different mechanisms of action HIV is now a manageable disease. Although HIV patients have excellent, robust drug therapy this disease continues to spread. Community and specialty pharmacists and their technicians have a significant role in managing HIV. Pharmacy technicians have the ability to synchronize medications, monitor adherence and manage inventory all which contribute to suppression of this deadly virus. Pharmacy technicians need to have a basic understanding of this disease and the mechanisms of drug action which will be provided in this activity.

Most seasoned pharmacists have stories of situations that have escalated into violent situations in the pharmacy. In many cases, how the staff reacts to the situation can become the difference between an unfortunate outcome and a catastrophic one. This session seeks to identify the current trends in pharmacy robberies and examine the appropriateness of various responses from a law enforcement perspective. In addition, the session examines preemptive measures that pharmacies may take to discourage robberies and other violent behaviors. Some focused forethought and planning by the pharmacy staff can be critical in assisting law enforcement later in the investigation. Commander John Burke employs his extensive experience in law enforcement to host a candid discussion with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians regarding the inherent dangers of the work environment that we all share.

For patients with diabetes, episodes of hypoglycemia can be a frightening and frustrating piece of managing adequate glucose control. As many as 25% of patients with diabetes have reported having frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Many factors are involved in minimizing the number of hypoglycemic episodes, including diet and proper management of medications. In this session, the leading causes of hypoglycemia are examined and analyzed from a patient management perspective.  This session seeks to provide the healthcare provider with tools necessary to properly coach patients who experience this preventable phenomenon.

Insomnia, which is defined as either difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, is a prevalent sleep disorder among primary care patients. Unfortunately many patients do not report their sleep disturbances to their providers and fewer patients seek treatment. Insomnia is associated with a large economic burden and can lead to medical complications, psychological disorders and poor quality of life. Understanding the pathophysiology of insomnia will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the drug treatments, including two of the newest medications to be approved. It is important to appropriately diagnose and treat insomnia to prevent complications. Treatment also includes counseling on proper sleep habits and limiting risk factors that can cause this sleep disturbance.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Pharmacists often grapple with the decision of whether or not to fill a prescription. When the situation involves a prescription that is potentially fraudulent or therapeutically questionable, the decision is relatively straightforward. However, there are other more complex situations where the prescription raises ethical or moral concerns. This activity will discuss the application of the conscience clause in medical decision making which may shield pharmacists who wish to decline a prescription and will also examine the emerging and highly divisive issue of drugs used in reproductive health. The confusing and often contradictory array of Federal and state law and judicial decisions will be considered, along with the dilemma pharmacists may face. 

This program will identify and describe current red flags and trends in prescription drug diversion and/or abuse by patients and prescribers, including how they have changed over time. It will include Florida pharmacy practice laws regarding the role of the pharmacist in determining if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and proper assessment of controlled substance prescriptions. It will also include how to assess if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and what steps a pharmacist can take if it is not. Finally, the program will discuss how state and federal laws impact the role of pharmacist in validating and dispensing controlled substance prescriptions.

This course has been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to meet the 2.0 credit-hour requirement for education on validation of controlled substance prescriptions for pharmacists.

For decades, observations have been made between cancer rates in health care workers with exposure to certain antineoplastics. Published in 2016, USP chapter <800> was introduced to help mitigate risks for patients, the environment, and healthcare personnel. As the years have passed, our understanding of these risks has broadened. With that enhanced knowledge comes new processes and recommendations. This session seeks to examine the progression of USP <800> since its introduction and outline appropriate procedures, education, and monitoring for hazardous drugs included in this chapter.

This module will begin with an introduction to Medication Therapy Management by providing foundational knowledge of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 as it relates to Medication Therapy Management programs. The evolution of the MTM program is key to identifying the purpose of these programs, such as reducing hospital readmission and reducing healthcare costs. This module will also define the CMS requirements for offering MTM programs as part of Medicare Part D plans. Finally, this module will discuss the populations targeted for MTM services such as those with multiple chronic diseases or who are taking multiple medications.

It seems the goal for most hospitals is to get the patients out of their four walls and into either their homes or a facility to convalesce in. Durable medical equipment can make transitioning easier for patients that need devices for activities for daily living. Professor Pete is freeCE’s only Medicare card-carrying faculty member, so he took on this activity to share with the audience the differences in home health care equipment and most important the coverage of such products. Fitting of ambulation devices such as walkers, canes, crutches and wheelchairs is also covered. Basic insurance coverage will be reviewed for these products that do not have a National Drug Code.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Cough, cold, and allergy medications can be confusing even to a patient/customer who speaks the language in which the labels are printed. The challenge to speakers of Spanish when presented with the rainbow of OTC options adds another layer of difficulty. This course will teach the names, directions for use, and side effects of common OTC cough, cold, and allergy medications. Participants will learn how to inquire about symptoms, medications currently taking, and medical conditions. They will also learn how to direct patients to the correct medication. Finally, in the event that flu or COVID is suspected, they will learn a few basic phrases for directly patients to COVID at-home test kits, and phrases directing patients to their doctor or a clinic for testing.

This session offers a deep dive into the historical and contemporary transformation of pharmacy technician roles, providing a rich understanding of how the role has evolved over time. During the program, the presenter will dissect modern laws and regulatory changes, offering profound insights into the associated opportunities and challenges impacting pharmacy technician roles. Participants will also discover the current challenges within the pharmacy practice landscape and learn how pharmacy technicians can play a pivotal role in crafting solutions. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and navigate the evolving pharmacy technician landscape!

An estimated 50-75% of patients struggle with adhering to their medication regimen, which often results in poor health outcomes. Therapy-related factors that can lead to poor medication adherence include dosage form, flavor profile, swallowability, and packaging. Pharmaceutical compounding is a key area of pharmacy practice that can offer solutions to medication adherence problems for patients, especially pediatric, geriatric, and veterinary populations. This continuing education program will discuss the role of the compounding pharmacist in addressing poor medication adherence via working with the care team to provide patient-specific medication preparations. Therapy-related reasons for medication nonadherence and corresponding solutions will be reviewed, with a focus on special patient populations.

For patients with diabetes, episodes of hypoglycemia can be a frightening and frustrating piece of managing adequate glucose control. As many as 25% of patients with diabetes have reported having frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Many factors are involved in minimizing the number of hypoglycemic episodes, including diet and proper management of medications. In this session, the leading causes of hypoglycemia are examined and analyzed from a patient management perspective.  This session seeks to provide the healthcare provider with tools necessary to properly coach patients who experience this preventable phenomenon.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Caution: Hot! Are we describing this CE presentation or a cup of coffee, or both? Hot off the presses: every single U.S. Surgeon General has proclaimed smoking cessation as being the single most important effort to discuss with respective patients. Some view nicotine as one of, if not the, most addictive substance ever, which transcends from the Big Tobacco days of yore, to our current vaping popularity concerns. This presentation will aim to clear the “smoke” on nicotine content within various products, over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), and prescription smoking cessation medications. Sometimes it takes just one puff to form a habit, conversely, let’s spend just one hour on one of the most impactful patient care topics today, tomorrow, and yesterday.

The American Pharmacists Association defines pharmacy advocacy as “… taking meaningful, specific action to make sure members of the government and those around them are educated about pharmacy issues and our concerns and priorities as pharmacists.” But in an environment unprecedented change within the practice of pharmacy and pharmaceutical innovation the question that often arises is how does one advocate effectively advocate for their profession? This course will provide participants with an overview of how to be an effective advocate by first examining the legislative and policy process, then reviewing how best to engage with state and federal legislators, regulators, and public officials, and finally providing the basic the skills necessary to become a successful advocate.

It has been over 40 years since “HIV” and “AIDS” became commonplace words for both the healthcare profession and the general population. Fortunately, in the 1990s, drugs with different mechanisms of action were developed to take HIV from a “death sentence” to a manageable disease. Today, the focus for affected individuals has shifted to medication adherence for these robust therapies, as well as disease prevention. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a priority now that we have preventative agents that are more patient-friendly, to help bring an end to the spread of this disease. Join Professor Pete for a comprehensive discussion of the history, treatment, and preventative strategies for HIV and AIDS as patient care moves into a new era.

This course meets the FL requirement of 1.0 board-approved contact hour on the topic of HIV/AIDS.

Module 1 is the first of 6 modules in the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management specialty certificate. This module discusses the current gap in patient diabetes education and the unique role that pharmacists play in patient education. This presentation explores the benefits of diabetes-related medication therapy management in the pharmacy and the cost savings to the healthcare industry that a consultation in the pharmacy can potentially bring. In addition, risk for diabetes and symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia together with factors that can contribute to fluctuation in blood glucose levels are reviewed. Furthermore, module 1 introduces the A Practical Approach to Diabetes Management program through a review of the highlights of each module. Highlights will also include the pearls in of each module that will enhance both pharmacist and pharmacy technician knowledge and skills to provide effective, evidence-based, hands-on patient education.

This presentation on influenza vaccination will emphasize the critical role of vaccines in preventing seasonal flu outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. We will explore the various types of influenza vaccines available, their safety, effectiveness, and recommendations according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Additionally, the presentation will address common misconceptions about flu vaccination and discuss strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in our communities.

The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program is an outpatient federal drug pricing program that allows Covered Entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible to reach eligible patients and provide comprehensive medical services. This course will serve as an overview of 340B, as well as an opportunity to reflect on pharmacist participation (either knowingly or otherwise!). By attending this course, participants will learn how pharmacies and patients qualify to use the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This course will also delve into the general compliance parameters around 340B. Finally, participants will be educated on how vital the Drug Pricing Program is to Covered Entities and patients who are using it.

Patients often present to their providers with sexual health concerns such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or inorgasmia, to name a few. Although the root of many of these sexual dysfunctions vary, an often-overlooked reason is right on their medication list. Drug-induced sexual dysfunctions occur in men and women, regardless of age, and may lie in some of the most common medications on the market – including antihypertensives and antidepressants. This webinar reviews the common drug classes and gives specific examples of ordinary medications that may be causing a patient’s sexual dysfunctions and concerns.

Women’s health is a growing area of medicine and with that comes the need for compounded preparations which are designed appropriately for the female anatomy. Compounding for areas such as the vaginal mucosa or vulvovaginal region requires specialized preparations designed for those tissue sensitivities and absorption requirements. Inert ingredients, preservatives, bases used, and pH must all be taken into account with medications that are prescribed for vulvovaginal use. There is a need for training on what is appropriate for vaginal use, especially when it comes to nonsterile compounding and building appropriate preparations for the female anatomy.

Medication errors affect every pharmacy practice site and occur at all steps in the medication use process. This program will discuss root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis as tools to help affect practice change. The pharmacist’s role in transitions of care and medication reconciliation will also be discussed in detail. In addition, tips, techniques, error traps and other medication error prevention tools will be discussed. Finally, the program will provide case examples and practical information that any pharmacist can quickly implement to reduce medication errors at their practice site.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

Most seasoned pharmacists have stories of situations that have escalated into violent situations in the pharmacy. In many cases, how the staff reacts to the situation can become the difference between an unfortunate outcome and a catastrophic one. This session seeks to identify the current trends in pharmacy robberies and examine the appropriateness of various responses from a law enforcement perspective. In addition, the session examines preemptive measures that pharmacies may take to discourage robberies and other violent behaviors. Some focused forethought and planning by the pharmacy staff can be critical in assisting law enforcement later in the investigation. Commander John Burke employs his extensive experience in law enforcement to host a candid discussion with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians regarding the inherent dangers of the work environment that we all share.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Medication safety remains a top concern for pharmacies and regulators alike. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians find themselves daily in situations whose outcome teeters between success and tragedy. Understanding the framework for medication safety, then, is paramount.  In this session, multiple medication safety models are examined within the context of the community pharmacy and beyond. Avenues for error reporting are explored, along with industry best practices.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

This program will identify and describe current red flags and trends in prescription drug diversion and/or abuse by patients and prescribers, including how they have changed over time. It will include Florida pharmacy practice laws regarding the role of the pharmacist in determining if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and proper assessment of controlled substance prescriptions. It will also include how to assess if a prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose and what steps a pharmacist can take if it is not. Finally, the program will discuss how state and federal laws impact the role of pharmacist in validating and dispensing controlled substance prescriptions.

This course has been approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to meet the 2.0 credit-hour requirement for education on validation of controlled substance prescriptions for pharmacists.

The profession of pharmacy is changing more rapidly than ever before. Patients, too, are paying attention and often have questions or concerns about trending healthcare topics in the news. On a daily basis, information is released that has the potential to impact clinical processes and/or patient conversations at the pharmacy level. It is important, then, that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians remain abreast of trending newsworthy conversations related to healthcare. In this weekly session, the instructors carefully select the most noteworthy items from the headlines to discuss potential professional implications in this interactive and informative format.

Medication errors affect every pharmacy practice site and occur at all steps in the medication use process. This program will discuss root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis as tools to help affect practice change. The pharmacist’s role in transitions of care and medication reconciliation will also be discussed in detail. In addition, tips, techniques, error traps and other medication error prevention tools will be discussed. Finally, the program will provide case examples and practical information that any pharmacist can quickly implement to reduce medication errors at their practice site.

This course has been approved to meet the 2.0 hour requirement for medication error prevention training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

For patients with diabetes, episodes of hypoglycemia can be a frightening and frustrating piece of managing adequate glucose control. As many as 25% of patients with diabetes have reported having frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Many factors are involved in minimizing the number of hypoglycemic episodes, including diet and proper management of medications. In this session, the leading causes of hypoglycemia are examined and analyzed from a patient management perspective.  This session seeks to provide the healthcare provider with tools necessary to properly coach patients who experience this preventable phenomenon.

USP 797 sterile compounding guidelines have been revised, becoming official in 2023!  For the pharmacist or technician working in a sterile compounding environment, a keen understanding of the revisions is paramount.  Pharmacy leadership teams need to intimately understand the changes and what preparatory efforts need to be happening now.  This presentation will review the revised USP <797> standards and best practices that support safe sterile compounding.  Facility design, personnel training and monitoring, environmental monitoring, and work practices will be discussed.

It has been over 40 years since “HIV” and “AIDS” became commonplace words for both the healthcare profession and the general population. Fortunately, in the 1990s, drugs with different mechanisms of action were developed to take HIV from a “death sentence” to a manageable disease. Today, the focus for affected individuals has shifted to medication adherence for these robust therapies, as well as disease prevention. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a priority now that we have preventative agents that are more patient-friendly, to help bring an end to the spread of this disease. Join Professor Pete for a comprehensive discussion of the history, treatment, and preventative strategies for HIV and AIDS as patient care moves into a new era.

This course meets the FL requirement of 1.0 board-approved contact hour on the topic of HIV/AIDS.