The ASAP Advantage
The ASAP Advantage
In this interview with Lisa Miller, president of ASAP, she tells PTMR Publisher Bill Lockwood about the advantages of being an ASAP member. Lisa is also sr. dir. of product operations with SoftWriters
PTMR: Let’s start with your message on why companies selling pharmacy technology solutions should be members.
Lisa Miller: Pharmacy management solution providers should be members of ASAP to stay updated on industry standards, regulations, and emerging technologies in pharmacy automation. Automation is something that everyone is looking for more of today. It plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and safety in medication management practices. ASAP is dedicated to pharmacy automation, providing a focused platform for members to dive deep into the niche area of pharmacy practice. Being part of the ASAP network provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy support that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their solutions.
PTMR: A big benefit is the annual conference ASAP holds in January. What is the value of attending, in your opinion?
Miller: The conference offers sessions covering a wide range of topics providing attendees with insights into the latest technologies, best practices, and regulatory updates in the industry. This allows attendees to gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, and emerging issues affecting the pharmacy industry. One of the biggest benefits is the format of the conference. In addition to all the great sessions, it offers ample time for networking with fellow pharmacy professionals and industry experts, with a dedicated afternoon networking session and reception. These connections can lead to collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
PTMR: ASAP has made a major contribution in the effort to fight the opioid crisis we still have in this country. Would you elaborate on this?
Miller: The ASAP standards provide a framework for pharmacies to implement robust controls, processes, and technologies to prevent opioid misuse, detect suspicious activities, and promote responsible opioid prescribing and dispensing practices. PDMP [prescription drug monitoring program] reporting has been instrumental in providing stakeholders with timely and actionable information to prevent opioid misuse, improve patient safety, and mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis on individuals, families, and communities. ASAP is recognized as a standards development organization by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), and the ASAP Standard for Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs allows pharmacy system vendors to report dispensed prescriptions to PDMPs.
ASAP works directly with PDMP administrators, pharmacy system vendors, and drug chains to continuously look for opportunities to enhance the data being reported. Version 5.0 of the standard was made available for use at the beginning of the year and includes 44 new fields that pharmacies can send to the PDMPs. Access to this data allows healthcare providers to make more informed clinical decisions when prescribing opioids. In addition to publishing the prescription drug monitoring standard, ASAP collaborates with policymakers, regulatory agencies, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and initiatives that address the root causes of the opioid crisis and promote evidence-based solutions. By leveraging its expertise and influence, ASAP contributes to shaping policies that support the responsible use of opioids.
Overall, ASAP plays a vital role in leveraging technology and innovation to address the opioid crisis, empowering pharmacists and healthcare providers with the tools, resources, and support they need to combat opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose effectively. PTMR