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This week, we are joined by Leslie Pires, director of specialty pharmacy and 340B for Care New England Health System in Rhode Island. Leslie successfully helped start Care New England’s first specialty pharmacy. She shares what 340B hospitals need to know about opening a specialty pharmacy, how to gain accreditation, and how to remain compliant with 340B. Before the interview, we update our listeners on a 12th drug company that has imposed restrictions on 340B pricing for drugs dispensed at community pharmacies as well as a new bipartisan letter from Congress to HHS about the increasing number of drug companies restricting program discounts. 

How to Build a Specialty Pharmacy

340B hospital-owned specialty pharmacies are becoming more common. Leslie explains the planning process for opening a specialty pharmacy and what to expect once it is open. She shares how Care New England built its specialty pharmacy in less than a year. She also provides insights on the challenges hospitals face, especially when it comes to payer and drug access.  

The Intersection Between Specialty Pharmacy and 340B

There are elements to operating specialty pharmacies that create unique challenges to remain 340B-compliant such as access to limited distribution drugs. Leslie explains how Care New England has used technology to help with compliance and how they used 340B savings to provide a patient with access to lifesaving drugs.

The Importance of the Accreditation Process

Leslie explains why it’s critical for hospital-owned specialty pharmacies to be accredited, what is needed for the accreditation process, and which organizations can accredit specialty pharmacies. 

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you’d like us to cover in this podcast, email us at [email protected].

Resources 

1. Statement on Bristol Myers Squibb Restricting 340B Discounts Through Community-Based Pharmacies 
2. Bipartisan Congressional Letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Regarding the 340B Community Pharmacy Dispute