Membership Benefits
 

Continuing Education ♦ APA assists its members in obtaining all continuing education credits required by the State of Arkansas and is an approved provider by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education. Throughout the year, the Association provides state-of-the-art seminars and recruits knowledgeable professionals to present up-to-date information.  At the Annual APA Convention, members can accrue up to twenty (20) continuing education credits.  Members also have the opportunity to participate in continuing education seminars held in resort areas.  These sessions are referred to as our CE in Paradise.  In the fall, APA hosts twelve (12) District Meetings around the state.  Members can obtain three (3) continuing education credits at these meetings.    ACPE approved continuing education is also available every quarter in “The Arkansas Pharmacist,” the Association’s official journal. 

Networking ♦ Have you ever needed a resource to help you solve day-to-day problems in your pharmacy?  Involvement in APA gives you opportunities to meet with your professional colleagues and discuss solutions to these problems.  Save time and ultimately money by problem solving with someone else who has experienced these same difficulties.  District Meetings, the Annual Convention and committee meetings are just a few examples of these opportunities.

Annual Convention ♦ The APA Annual Convention is an oasis of information and networking events.  The convention is an educational retreat with seminars covering the latest healthcare trends, legal issues and patient-care oriented programs.  In the exhibit area, you can have direct access to professional service suppliers.  You can be introduced to newly available products and services and conduct reviews on these products and services.  During the many social events, discuss business issues and problems with others in your profession.

Committee Member ♦ APA has various committees that tackle many issues facing pharmacy and healthcare both nationally and statewide.  These groups of individuals are a strong influencing factor on the outcome of these issues.  If you want to be a part of and leader in the decision-making process of the future and betterment of pharmacy and healthcare, consider being involved in a committee.

Pharmacy Foundation ♦ The Pharmacy Foundation was established to let you, the professional pharmacist, lead Arkansas pharmacy into the next century.  The Foundation is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students attending the UAMS College of Pharmacy; to providing resources that directly enhance patient outcomes; to conduct research or provide research grants in a collaborative effort with the UAMS College of Pharmacy, creative and innovative practitioners, academicians and/or the pharmaceutical industry; and to maintain and enhance high quality patient-focused practice.

Legislative Advocacy ♦ The foundation of governmental affairs is constituents.  During a legislative session, your pharmacy/business is in constant jeopardy in many areas such as defense of free enterprise and fair competition, protection of public health and the enhancement of the reputation and public esteem of your profession.  However, APA strives to protect pharmacy from harmful legislation and to pass beneficial legislation, on a state and federal level, for your profession and the patients you serve.  APA works closely with national organizations, such as the American Pharmaceutical Association, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, etc., to monitor legislation on a federal level.  During the General Legislative Session of the Arkansas General Assembly, APA is at the State Capitol daily to influence the legislative process.  Yet, legislative efforts of APA are only as strong as its members.  APA notifies members of crucial legislation and directs them on steps to achieve positive legislative outcomes for the profession.  The more voices we have fighting for the good of pharmacy and healthcare, the more we accomplish in a state and federal legislative session.  Be a part of the grassroots effort and join the many other pharmacists that work collectively to improve your profession in this state and nation.

AP-PAC ♦ The official political action committee of APA is AP-PAC, which is comprised of individual members.  As a non-partisan political committee, AP-PAC provides an effective way for members to encourage good government by providing financial and political support to qualified candidates within Arkansas.  During campaign season, AP-PAC researches each candidate to decide whether to support or oppose the potential lawmaker.  AP-PAC financially supports those candidates that best represent the interest of pharmacy.  AP-PAC contributions are voluntary.

Journal ♦ Hard-hitting practical advice on new drugs, newly recognized drug interactions or adverse effects, trends in your profession, updates on APA members, articles for continuing education credit and coverage of association activities are just a glimpse of information included in “The Arkansas Pharmacist.”  Your membership includes a one-year subscription to this quarterly publication.  Ever wanted a magazine that could help you trouble-shoot in your pharmacy or keep you informed of happenings in your profession around the state and nation?  With APA membership, you have it. 

Newsletter ♦ “PharmNews” is designed to give you brief updates on occurrences in the profession of pharmacy and health care industry.  Delivering special updates on various critical issues, notifying members of new government and school of pharmacy appointments and publishing a classified ad section is all part of this concise information channel.

Web page (http://www.arpharmacists.org) ♦ An easily accessible information tool is the APA web page.  The APA web page is a quick resource for obtaining knowledge about federal and state issues affecting healthcare and pharmacy as a profession, finding upcoming continuing education seminars, and being linked to important websites that are critical to your day-to-day operations.

Broadcast Faxes and E-lerts ♦ Healthcare and the profession of pharmacy are always confronted with both federal and state issues.  When these issues call for immediate action, APA sends faxes and e-lerts to inform the membership of these particular issues and gives them the appropriate action plan.  Action can happen fast in our state and national governments, and often time is our adversary.  Fax Alerts allow us to react quickly to make our voices heard on crucial issues either benefiting or threatening your profession. 

Arkansas Pharmacy Bytes ♦ These weekly emails are sent to APA members only.  Their objective is to provide the current information on upcoming events; local, state and national legislative news; and healthcare and pharmacy issues. This information is formatted just for you and sent directly to your computer.  It provides easy access and a direct link to the APA website.