MPhA

Ross Named Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Leigh Ann Ross has been named chair of pharmacy practice and associate dean for clinical affairs at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She replaces H. Joseph Byrd, who retired July 1.

The UM pharmacy alumna has spent the previous two years as a legislative assistant with U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran. Before joining Cochran's staff, Ross was a UM assistant professor of pharmacy practice and director of pharmaceutical care services. "I have every confidence that Dr. Ross will lead the Department of Pharmacy Practice and the school's clinical programs to new heights," pharmacy Dean Barbara G. Wells said. "I know her experience in business administration, advocacy, policy development and leadership will serve her department and the school well in the years ahead. She is committed to excellence in our educational programs, faculty development, growth of our research programs and advancement of patient care, including establishment of new roles and compensation mechanisms for pharmacists in Mississippi and across the country." Ross plans to promote more interaction between the Oxford and Jackson campuses, construct a permanent instructional and research facility on the Medical Center campus, and foster improved relationships with community partners. Her immediate attention will be directed toward improving the students' transition to the Medical Center campus and increasing collaborations between the pharmacy practice department and other departments in the school. "The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy is not only my alma mater but that of my father and my brother before me," Ross said. "The quality education my family received has served us well and allowed us to each have rewarding careers in pharmacy. I am deeply honored to be a part of such a talented and dedicated faculty and eagerly look forward to this expanded role in the leadership activities of the school and university." Her responsibilities include overseeing the teaching, research, professional service and patient care activities of the department, and advocating for interprofessional connectivity and collaboration in teaching, research, service and patient care opportunities. She also serves as an advocate for the department and school with many outside agencies and works with the school's Division for Pharmacy Professional Development to provide professional development opportunities for alumni and other pharmacy practitioners in Mississippi. Ross earned her bachelor's in business administration in 1993 and doctor of pharmacy from UM in 1998. Upon graduation from pharmacy school, she completed a residency in primary care at the UM Medical Center. She is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and a certified diabetes educator. She is also a certified disease manager in the areas of anticoagulation, asthma, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Her research interests are primary care, particularly medication therapy management in diabetes and dyslipidemia. In 2006, Ross completed the Academic Leadership Fellows Program within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Ross was named the Mississippi Pharmacists Association's Young Pharmacist of the Year in 2008 and served as the association's president during 2003-2004. In 2004, she received the Faculty Service Award from the pharmacy school and was selected Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists Outstanding Young Pharmacist in 2001.

CMS Releases Tamper-Resistant Prescription Pad Guidance to State Medicaid Directors

CMS released guidance providing baseline requirements to States to define and implement tamper-resistant prescription pads as required by law. more The law requires that all written, non-electronic prescriptions for Medicaid outpatient drugs must be executed on tamper-resistant pads in order for them to be reimbursable by the federal government. In the letter, CMS clarifies that to be considered tamper resistant on October 1, 2007 a prescription pad must contain at least one of the following three characteristics:

* one or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form; or

* one or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber; or

* one or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms. However, beginning October 1, 2008, a prescription pad must contain all three characteristics to be considered tamper-resistant. More from the Letter to State Medicaid Directors… In addition to the guidance outlined above, the tamper-resistant requirement does not apply when a prescription is communicated by the prescriber to the pharmacy electronically, verbally, or by fax; when a managed care entity pays for the prescription; or in most situations when drugs are provided in designated institutional and clinical settings. The Letter also allows emergency fills with a non-compliant written prescription as long as the prescriber provides a verbal, faxed, electronic, or compliant written prescription within 72 hours. Furthermore, if a State elects to purchase compliant prescription pads for Medicaid prescriptions and provide them to prescribers at no cost or at a discounted rate, the cost of the prescription pads will be reimbursable as an administrative expense. Keep in mind that some States may need to make legislative or regulatory changes to their Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement processes. Interested parties should follow up with the appropriate State Medicaid or Legislature officials for more information.

Oxford Native Hired as Development Officer for School of Pharmacy

Sarah Sloan Hollis has joined the University of Mississippi Office of Development as a major gifts officer. An Oxford native, Hollis is responsible for securing financial support benefiting the School of Pharmacy. "Sarah Hollis is committed to the success of the School of Pharmacy and the university," said Barbara G. Wells, dean of the pharmacy school. "By virtue of her education, background and experience, she is exquisitely prepared for her new responsibilities. She understands the pivotal role of alumni and friends in helping students and faculty realize their potential. She joins us at a critical time in the history of the School of Pharmacy, and there is no doubt that she is up to the task." Before joining the Ole Miss family, Hollis served as director of marketing and physician services at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. She has extensive experience in all aspects of health care marketing, including board development. "We are very pleased to have Sarah join our team," said Ted Smith, assistant director of University Development. "She has hit the ground running and shows great skill in working with pharmacy alumni and friends." The shift to fundraising is an exciting opportunity, Hollis said. "Having grown up in Oxford, I have seen firsthand the difference alumni make in the educational, capital and research opportunities," she said. "I am honored to play a role in shaping the future of Ole Miss." Hollis holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Alabama, and she earned summa cum laude honors while pursuing a master's degree in journalism from UM. She serves on the Lafayette-Oxford-University United Way board of directors and is active in various community activities. She and her husband, Jeffrey, are members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and are outdoors enthusiasts. Donations provide a pivotal margin of support for student aid and scholarships, research development, capital improvements and endowed faculty positions. For more information or for ways to give to UM, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/giving.

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