Vice President Dylan Jones
Region 1 Representative Kevin Barton Tyler Walsh
Region 2 Representative Erin Beth Hays Jett Jones Elizabeth Smith
Region 3 Representative Brooks Rogers Lanita White
Region 5 Representative Lelan Stice
Vice President
Dylan Jones Pharmacist-in-Charge, Collier Drug Store Fayetteville Education Doctor of Pharmacy, UAMS Bachelor Of Science, University of Arkansas Professional Activities Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA) Board of Directors – Region 1 Representative, UAMS Student Representative, Arkansas Provider Status Task Force - Member; American Pharmacists Association (APhA) - National Policy Standing Committee Vice-Chair, UAMS Chapter President, UAMS Chapter Vice President of Policy and Advocacy; UAMS Preceptor Special Honors NCPA Foundation Presidential Scholar, Arkansas Pharmacists Association - Charles M. West Leadership Award Recipient Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I have a vested interest in advancing our profession as a significant portion of my professional life is in front of me. This fuels my motivation to grow clinical opportunities and ensure that pharmacists are recognized for the value they bring to the healthcare team. I understand the potential our profession has, the barriers limiting pharmacists from practicing to the full scope of our training, and have the resolve to see these opportunities become available for Arkansas’ pharmacists. My path in pharmacy has allowed me to gain a wide variety of insights into our profession. These experiences include the day to day challenges in community pharmacy, pursuits in pharmacy advocacy and legislation, practice model changes and implementation, networking with state and national leaders, and association structure and mission. I have served on the APA Board of Directors for a total of six years, and believe this experience has prepared me to take on the additional responsibilities of joining the executive committee. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? Our profession is fighting two front lines at the moment. We are fighting bad actors in the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) space to maintain our ability to perform services we already perform. We must continue to shed light on the unfair practices of this industry and offer solutions to fix what is wrong. On the other side, we are fighting to unleash the potential pharmacists have to deliver more broad patient care services. We must continue to expand scope of practice and, more importantly, find payers to recognize this value. There are local, state, and national efforts necessary on both sides. Being active at all levels through an engaged membership is important to continue our progress.
Pharmacists are a vital part of their community, offering essential services and counsel to their patients. Declining reimbursement due to unfairly determined MAC prices and increasing DIR fees continue to put undue stress on community pharmacies. As pharmacies attempt to combat these changes by making staffing changes, patient care declines. Pharmacists are also burdened with the additional stress of trying to deliver good patient care with fewer resources. Limited networks, required mail-order plans, and vertical integration allowing for self-dealing are all also negatively effecting pharmacists ability to provide care. Advancing policy that counters these trends and allows for a more stable and free marketplace is imperative. Arkansas leads the country in so many aspects of this fight, and continuing these efforts should remain our highest priority.
Pharmacists are the most underutilized professionals in healthcare. Our capabilities extend far beyond where they are currently utilized in practice. Continuing to showcase our skill set and having meaningful impacts on patient outcomes will encourage payers to utilize us for what we are capable of doing. In many cases, we are already capable of providing clinical services. The challenge is getting recognized for the value added and reimbursed for our efforts. Winning over decision makers who pay for patient care services is where most of the effort should be focused in this fight. As these victories are had, pharmacists will adapt to the new opportunities and have an even greater impact on patient care.
Region 1 Representative
Kevin Barton Area Vice-President, Business Development, Tabula Rasa Healthcare Bentonville Education Master of Business Administration, 2019, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock PGY-1 Community Pharmacy Residency, 2014 UAMS Doctor of Pharmacy, 2013, UAMS Bachelor Of Science, 2009, University Of Central Arkansas Professional Activities APA: Vice-Chair of Communications Committee (2018-2019) APhA: APPM FAPhA Awards Committee (2019-2020) APhA: APPM Communications Standing Committee Member (2018-2019) Cardinal Health: Board Member for National MTM Advisory Board (2014-2018) FDA/MediMergent: Advisory Board Member for the FDA’s Medication Non-adherence and Persistence Committee (2017-2018); APhA: Advisory Board Member for the APhA Leadership360 Program (2017-2018); APhA: New Practitioner Advisory Council - National Member at Large for Membership & Engagement (2016-2017) Special Honors Walmart Quarterly Merchandising Award – Providing Programs for Quality Patient Care; Arkansas Business 20 in their 20’s - Class of 2016; Arkansas Pharmacists Association – 2016 Distinguished Young Practitioner Award; 2013 TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Study of Pharmacy; 2012 National Winner of the NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition; 2011 & 2012 UAMS Excellence in Pharmacy Informatics Award Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I’ve always had a passion to make an impact on the pharmacy profession, whether that be on the local, state, or national level. I feel that I am now at a point in my career where I’m ready to play a larger role in helping the profession and what better of a time than now. I’ve developed and led quality improvement programs for the third largest chain pharmacy in the country and now support business development for all areas of pharmacy, including community pharmacies, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. With my experience in DIR contracting and implementing pharmacy services, I believe I can supplement the incredible momentum that has already been created by the Arkansas Pharmacists Association for both the pharmacists in the state as well as the nation. The APA is doing incredible things to help the profession, and I want to contribute all I can to support the effort. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? I believe the issues we face in the state of Arkansas are much aligned with the issues all community pharmacists are facing in this country. A couple of the biggest issues facing pharmacy today are: • Pharmacist Well-being and Resiliency • DIR Reform Pharmacists today are experiencing some of the highest levels of stress the profession has seen. From maintaining a business to surviving lay-offs, pharmacists are having to take on more than they ever bargained for. APA and APhA’s commitment to supporting pharmacists in this regard is inspiring; however, there is plenty more work to be done. While Medicare has offered pharmacists a great opportunity to be reimbursed for clinical services such as MTM and adherence, the benefits are slowly dwindling with the shrinking of margins and increase in costs due to DIR fees and other PBM requirements. Community pharmacy is critical to the success of advancing the profession. If community pharmacy struggles to show the value of a pharmacist due to the constraints that these financial pressures are causing, the profession will continue to struggle with recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers.
Tyler Walsh Pharmacy Resident, UAMS / Harps Food Stores Conway Education Doctor of Pharmacy, 2019, UAMS Bachelor of Science, 2015, University Of Central Arkansas Professional Activities Arkansas PUTT (Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency) Social Media Chair Special Honors 2020 AACP Walmart Scholar; Graduated Pharmacy School with Honors in Experiential Education Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I want to serve on the APA Board of Directors to help advance the profession of pharmacy. Being a newly licensed pharmacist, I feel as this is a way to give back to the profession. Being a member of the Board of Directors will allow me to network and be more active in this important time in pharmacy. As a member of Arkansas PUTT, I would like to continue to fight for our profession as a member of the APA Board of Directors. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? Some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy today include DIR fees, PBMs/reimbursement, and an over saturated job market. The APA has been at the forefront of these issues, specifically the fight against PBMs.
Region 2 Representative
Erin Beth Hays Full-Time Clinical Coordinator / Residency Program Director, White River Health System Pleasant Plains Education BS in Chemistry, UCA, May 2005 PharmD, UAMS COP, May 2009 Pharmacy Practice Residency, White River Medical Center, 2009-2010 Professional Activities AAHP President (2019-2020); Member of ASHP, APA, AAHP; Accreditation Committee at Harding University COP Special Honors AAHP New Practitioner of the Year - 2015 Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I want to be involved in helping shape the direction of pharmacy in Arkansas. With my experience in both hospital and retail pharmacy, I feel like I can provide some insight through both perspectives. I have served for 5 years on the AAHP board as board member at large and president. I appreciate how organizations like APA through direction of their boards can provide benefit for the members and advance the profession of pharmacy in our state. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? Reimbursement for services (dispensing and other services); Being recognized as providers for billing purposes; Drug shortages which can effect patient care
Jett Jones The Medicine Shoppe Jonesboro Education UAMS College of Pharmacy 2009-2013 Arkansas State University 2005-2009 Professional Activities Arkansas Pharmacist Association Board of Directors Region 2 Representative 2019-2020; The Hog Pharm Podcast; UAMS College of Pharmacy Preceptor; Harding University COP Preceptor; University of Tennessee COP Preceptor; Pharmacist United For Truth and Transparency Special Honors UAMS College of Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year 2019; APA Upsher-Smith Excellence in Innovation Award 2019 Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I'm seeking re-election to the APA Board of Directors because I have now witnessed just how much our association really does for our profession, and I want to continue to give back and be a part of it. Expanding services will be a big part of pharmacy over the next few years, and I feel like my experiences with point of care testing and e-care plans will be valuable in maximizing those opportunities. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? Crippling DIR fees, low reimbursements, and confusing GER payments are major burdens that pharmacies are currently having to carry. Continuing to fight for fair PBM practices should always be at the top of our agenda. Also, while we continue to expand pharmacy services, we must find ways to establish payment models to be compensated for those services.
Elizabeth Smith Pharmacy Barn Gepp Education Doctorate of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Undergraduate, University of Arkansas Professional Activities ASHP, KPHA, MSHP Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I want to advocate and advance the profession of Pharmacy. As an Independent Pharmacy Owner, I know that a community pharmacy and pharmacist is the heartbeat of a community and most accessible form of healthcare for patients. Successful advocacy will not only open doors for pharmacy but also ensure it's long-term sustainability. I would also like to see Pharmacists obtain Provider Status, be nationally recognized as a member of the healthcare team and close the knowledge gap amongst pharmacists regarding issues in our profession. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? DIR Fees; Reimbursement for dispensing and clinical services; Lack of regulation and enforcement of PBM's; PBM evolution toward new delivery models; Rising Drug Costs; Provider Status; Lack of cohesiveness and self confidence as a profession; Unsafe work conditions and Workforce Issues; Drug Shortages; Expansion of value based payment models by CMS; Lack of Public Education on Pharmacist Role and/or member of Healthcare Team
Region 3 Representative
Brooks Rogers Don's Pharmacy Little Rock Education University of Arkansas 2007-2010 UAMS College of Pharmacy Class of 2014 Professional Activities APA Organizational Affairs Committee Chair 2017-2020 Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? I would like to give back to the profession that has given so much to me and my family What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? I feel that some of the biggest issues pharmacy is facing are reimbursement issues not only at the claim submission level but also retroactively in the form of DIR fees. Another major challenge is that retail pharmacy payments are very product-centered and we need to continue innovating and finding other ways of payment that are patient-centered such as immunizations and point of care testing. Payers should recognize pharmacists' worth and allow us to practice at the top of our license.
Lanita White Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, UAMS College of Pharmacy Little Rock Education Xavier University of Louisana, Doctor of Pharmacy, May 2006 Professional Activities American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Taskforce on Leadership Pipeline, 2018 – 2020; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Arkansas State Delegate, 2017 – 2020; American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Preceptor Special Interest Group Coordinator, 2017 – 2018; Society of Student-Run Free Clinics Faculty Association, President, 2017 – 2018; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Committee on Nominations, Member, 2016 – 2017; Arkansas Pharmacists Association, Organizational Affairs Committee Chair, 2016 – 2017; American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Preceptor Special Interest Group Coordinator – Elect, 2016 – 2017; Society of Student-Run Free Clinics Faculty Association, President-Elect, 2016 – 2017; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Council on Education and Workforce Development, 2015 – 2018; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Committee on Nominations, alternate member, 2014 – 2016; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists Student, Resident, New Practitioner Council, 2014 – present; The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Student National Pharmaceutical Association, Chapter Co-Advisor, 2013 – present; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists Immediate Past President, 2014 – 2015; The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 12th Street Health and Wellness Center Student Board of Directors, Organization Advisor, 2012 – 2018; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists President, 2012 – 2014; Arkansas Pharmacists Association, Board Member 2012 – 2014; Arkansas Pharmacists Association, Professional Affairs and Ethical Practices Committee, 2012 – 2013; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Taskforce on Organizational Structure, 2012 – 2013; United Way Combined Federal Campaign Chairperson, Top Campaign in Greater Arkansas Area, 2011; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists President-Elect, 2011 – 2012; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. State Delegate – State of Arkansas, 2010 – 2014; Department of Veterans Affairs Leadership Development Institute Project Manager and Class Lead, August 2009 – May 2011; American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists Manuscript Peer Reviewer, 2008 – present; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists Fall Seminar, October 2008 – 2014; Fall Seminar, Committee Member, Student Session Coordinator and Exhibitor Session Co-Chair, Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists, 2008; Membership Committee, Resident Representative, Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists, 2007 – 2008 Special Honors The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Chancellor’s Teaching Award for Society and Health Education Excellence, May 2019; Arkansas Business, Healthcare Hero Finalist in Innovation, November 2016; Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, Joycelyn Elders Lifetime Achievement Award, June 2016; The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Phenomenal Woman Award, October 2015; The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Chancellors Award for Diversity and Inclusion, Chancellor, Dan Rahn, M.D., September 2014; American Association of Health-System Pharmacists Presidential Service Award, June 2014; Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists Presidential Service Award, June 2014; Arkansas Pharmacists Association Board of Directors Service Award, June 2014; Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award, Arkansas Pharmacists Association, June 2013; United Way Combined Federal Campaign Chairman's Trophy Top Campaign and Highest Dollar Amount Raised, April 2011 Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? As a pharmacist not originally from Arkansas, I still can't imagine practicing in any other state. In visiting other states and observing the relationship between the various state associations and the state board of pharmacy, I have a special appreciation for the collaboration and mutual respect that exists in Arkansas. The progressiveness of our small state and the internal pharmacist's collaboration makes me want to continue to serve. I want to be a part of continuing to move the profession forward, sharing innovative ideas, and solidifying the case for all pharmacists as an integral part of the healthcare team. While this seems like an insurmountable task, we have already shown what a concerted effort can do, and I willing to put in the work to continue moving us forward. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? As an educator, I have a different lens on the issues facing pharmacy both statewide and nationally. I feel that pharmacy's role in healthcare has not been appropriately recognized. This has lead to issues such as PMB overreach and abuse, health system underutilization of pharmacist's expertise, and community pharmacist being marginalized as opposed to utilized as a partner in patient care. In many cases, our services are volunteered which perpetuates the idea that pharmacist cognitive services come at no cost. We must continue to work to change this perception to reposition ourselves as the highly-trained healthcare professionals we are.
Region 5 Representative
Lelan Stice Administrative Director of Pharmacy, Jefferson Regional Medical Center; Owner, Doctor's Orders Pharmacy Pine Bluff Education University of Houston College of Pharmacy UALR MBA Professional Activities APA, ASHP Why do you want to serve on the APA Board of Directors? To continue to move the practice of pharmacy to a higher level. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing pharmacy statewide and nationally? PBM reform, increasing regulatory pressures, provider status, and pharmacist being recognized equally with their healthcare peers.
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