NEWS ARCHIVE
Pharmacists Mutual News & Announcements
Michigan Pharmacists Association Names Pharmacists Mutual as Endorsed Insurance Partner
The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) has officially named Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group (PMIG) as its endorsed insurance carrier for members. This strategic partnership brings MPA members access to a wide range of insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of pharmacy businesses and backed by PMIG’s 115 years of experience and commitment to pharmacy professionals.…
PMC Advantage announced expansion to Lansing, Michigan
PMC Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. (PMCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, has closed an asset purchase transaction with Lansing, Michigan-based PSI Insurance Agency (PSIA), resulting in the sale of all renewal rights to PMCA by PSIA. The transaction is expected to result in over two million dollars in new business opportunities for…
How to Thwart Potential Burglars from Entering Through the Back Door
While you’ve probably already considered how to make your pharmacy or retail location less attractive to burglars — by strengthening your windows, optimizing your alarms and cameras, and adding more external lighting, for example — you may be overlooking a key vulnerability in your physical security system: your building’s back door. Back doors are often…
Avoiding Deer and Other Animals While Driving
The Highway Loss Data Institute reports collisions with animals are more than twice as frequent as the yearly average during November when big bucks are searching for a mate.1 Often, they wander onto streets and highways in search of food, water, and shelter, either alone or in groups. In the U.S., there are over 2…
Why Your Company Needs Employment Practices Liability Insurance
A small business faced a wrongful termination claim from a former employee who alleged discrimination based on age. The employee sought damages amounting to $250,000, which could have severely impacted the company’s finances. Fortunately, the business had Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). The insurer covered the legal defense costs, which totaled approximately $50,000, allowing the…
Florida Fire Safety Alert
Click here to read the fire safety alert in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton
Pharmacists Mutual strives to provide peace of mind. If you need our help after the storm passes, rest assured we are here for you. Here is a list of tips to help you prepare for the storm. If any storm damage is incurred, please call our 24-hour hotline at 800.247.5930 and provide your policy number…
Tennessee Floods
Governor Lee issued Executive Order 105 on September 27, 2024, in response to the severe weather and flooding that has recently affected the state. In response to this order, the State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Tennessee issued Bulletin 2024-03 that was directed to all Tennessee-licensed insurance companies and insurance professionals licensed in…
Dental School to Dental Practice: Navigating the Journey
Read Time: 6 min Author: Julie Goldberg, DDS Embarking on a career in dentistry is a journey marked by years of education, dedication, and perseverance. The transition from dental school to practice is a phase that requires careful planning and preparation. This article aims to provide guidance through this transition phase, covering topics such as…
How Hidden Trackers Fight Pharmacy Losses from Looting
Looting is often associated with protests and civil unrest events that spiral out of control. Nefarious characters often take advantage of confusion and highly charged settings to rob and damage local storefronts, smashing and grabbing as much merchandise as possible. Pharmacies are particularly attractive targets for looters, as the potential for selling stolen narcotics…
Compounding and Distribution of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 drugs seem to be on everyone’s mind and in the news pretty regularly. Compounding pharmacies have played a crucial role in providing these medications to patients, while the manufactured drugs have remained in shortage for many months. Pharmacists Mutual has seen claims against pharmacists and pharmacies for adverse reactions in patients and allegations in…
3 Immediate Actions to Take When Civil Unrest is Imminent
Most business owners are aware of the potential for civil unrest within or near their communities. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, there have been more than 700 significant antigovernment protests in more than 147 countries worldwide since 2017. While some citizens take to the streets with good intent to protest peacefully, history…
Hurricane Preparedness
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. When a hurricane is predicted to make landfall near your location, it’s already too late to prepare. Stores will be out of preparedness supplies, and grocery stores will likely have bare shelves. Now is the time to prepare, to ensure you have the supplies…
5 Steps to Protect Your Business Against Civil Unrest and Riots
Recent studies show that political risk and violence rank as the eighth-largest worry for companies globally in 2024, up from 10th in 2023 and 13th in 2022. This steadily increasing concern is well-placed, as the costs from U.S. riots during the 2020 election year reached $1-$2 billion in insurance claims. Retail companies in particular…
PHARMACISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; KIRK HAYES RETIRES AS BOARD CHAIR AFTER A DISTINGUISHED 55 YEARS ON THE BOARD, INCLUDING 23 YEARS AS CHAIR
Susan Sutter to Assume Board Chair Jill Link Elected to the Board Algona, IA (May 28, 2024) – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company today announced the retirement of Kirk Hayes as Board Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the date of the company’s 2024 Annual Meeting held on May 17. Following…
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company Releases New Civil Unrest & Riot Prep Toolkit
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company has recently released a robust toolkit designed specifically for our members. This toolkit equips businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to fortify themselves against the potential damage and loss caused by civil unrest and riots, empowering them to face these challenges with confidence. According to international risk watchdogs, 2024 has…
Civil Unrest Series #1:
Why Your Business Needs to Be Prepared for Civil Unrest & Riots According to recent reports by the Global Peace Index, civil unrest has doubled over the last decade, causing both social strain and economic impact. In fact, the global economic impact of violence increased by 17%, reaching $17.5 trillion in 2022, equivalent to 13% of global GDP. What…
Attend our Annual Meeting on May 17th
As a member of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, you are invited to the annual meeting on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting agenda will include a member report, the election of Directors whose terms are expiring, and other matters as may properly come before the meeting, as specified in the Bylaws. Members…
2023 Annual Report
Click here to view the 2023 Annual Report.
RM Alert: California Rain
Pharmacists Mutual strives to provide peace of mind. Realizing flooding may occur in many low-lying areas, be sure to park your vehicle in a location not subject to flooding. If you need our help after the storm passes, rest assured we are here for you. If any storm damage is incurred, you may report…
Slips, Trips, and Falls
The highlight of Louise’s week was driving to the local grocery store to do her shopping. Louise completed her weekly shopping every Tuesday at 9 A.M., like clockwork. Little did Louise know that this upcoming trip to the store would be her last trip by herself. Because of a slip and fall in the store,…
Prevent Freezing Fire Suppression Systems
Extreme cold temperatures are headed your way; now is the time to take steps to prevent freezing pipes and negative impacts on your fire suppression system. The last time a deep freeze occurred was in 2022, and businesses spent thousands of dollars repairing their fire suppression systems. Ensuring your systems receive regular maintenance and…
Civil Unrest Philadelphia
Pharmacists Mutual cares very much about the well-being of our members. You may be aware of the civil unrest affecting the Philadelphia area. During times like these, it is important to know that you have a trusted partner in Pharmacists Mutual. You should feel confident that we stand ready to respond to any hardship faced…
Sincere Sympathies on the Death of Officer Kevin Cram
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company and PMC Advantage Insurance Services express their shared sense of loss, anger and grief at the murder of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram. Officer Cram kept Iowa communities safe for over a decade, and made the ultimate sacrifice the night of September 13, 2023 in the service of where we all…
RM Alert: Hurricane Lee
Hurricane Preparedness The National Weather Service has issued a watch for Hurricane Lee. Hurricane-force winds may extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 310 miles (500 km). While the storm is expected to hit Maine, effects may be felt in New Hampshire and…
RM Alert: Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Preparedness The National Weather Service forecasts Idalia to become a major storm before it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida. There is an increasing risk of a storm surge and hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday. After making landfall…
RM Alert: Hurricane Hilary
Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Hilary strengthened to a Category 4 storm early Friday and is expected to weaken before reaching California. However, The National Weather Service warned the system was expected to bring “significant impacts” to the Southwest this weekend into early next week. Additionally, The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for…
PHARMACISTS MUTUAL SELECTS AARON PEARCE AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO, ALISON VANOTTERLOO AS INTERIM
Algona, IA (July 24, 2023) – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, the parent company of Chiron Insurance Company and PMC Advantage Insurance Services, Inc., announced July 21, 2023, that its Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Aaron Pearce as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Pearce, who currently serves as Vice President and General…
The DIR Hangover: The What, When, and How to Avoid
DIR (Direct and Indirect Remuneration) fees is a comprehensive term which covers charges made to pharmacies by Medicare Part D plans or PBMs outside of normal administration fees. The charges may be classified as service fees, network access fees, or they may even be tied to pharmacy performance quality measures. Two of the major problems…
Conveyor Belt Safety
Conveyor belts were invented in the 1790’s. American groceries began using steel conveyor belts in 1901. By the 1960’s, automated conveyor belts were appearing in grocery stores across the nation. Though a major convenience for staff and customers alike, conveyor belts also pose a number of risks. A study conducted in 2009 by Dr. Zhinong…
Status of Mifepristone Update 4/21/23
Update – Friday, April 21, 2023 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 today to stay the entire order issued by Judge Kacsmaryk of Texas. This ruling overrules the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ order that partially stayed Kacsmaryk’s order. As a result, mifepristone’s status will remain unchanged until the Fifth Circuit hears the case…
Status of Mifepristone Update
Update – Thursday, April 20, 2023 – Justice Samuel Alito extended his stay until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023. Pharmacists may continue to dispense mifepristone according to previous state and Federal laws until an order is issued or the stay extended again. The recent Federal court rulings on the status of mifepristone…
Alert – Members in Tennessee
The State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) issued Bulletin No. 23-01 in response to the tornadoes from March 31, 2023, and April 1, 2023. Please see the links below for more information. The DCI has requested that the cancelation or non-renewal of policies for the non-payment of premium be suspended for a…
Status of Mifepristone
The recent Federal court rulings on the status of mifepristone may leave pharmacists wondering where they stand if they dispense mifepristone. The answer has been changing rapidly and may continue to do so. The answer may also depend on where the pharmacist practices. On April 7, 2023, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the United States District…
Alert – Members in Arkansas
The Arkansas Insurance Department issued Bulletin No. 4-2023 in response to the recent severe storms taking place in Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski counties. Please see the links below. The Department has issued a 60-day moratorium on the cancellation and non-renewal of personal lines policies for the non-payment of premiums. This shall apply to all personal…
2022 Annual Report
Click here to view the 2022 Annual Report.
Documentation: Dos & Don’ts
Ask any healthcare professional why they entered their field; the answer will likely be to help people. You probably will encounter few, if any, that will tell you it was to spend extra time charting. However, this documentation is crucial to the care we provide. There are three aspects when providing services in which accurate…
Pharmacy Protests
Pharmacy Protests Pharmacists Mutual cares very much about the well-being of our members. We support the rights of people to assemble and protest injustice peaceably. We stand opposed to any violence and destruction perpetrated by groups in the cities and towns we serve. We know you are concerned about the civil unrest that has impacted…
Potential Civil Unrest
Pharmacists Mutual cares very much about the well-being of our members. We support the rights of people to assemble and protest injustice peaceably. We stand opposed to any violence and destruction that is perpetrated by groups in the cities and towns that we serve. We know that you are concerned about the civil unrest that…
Tropical Storm Nicole
Tropical Storm Nicole formed this (Monday) morning in the Atlantic Ocean. This storm’s projected path could reach Florida’s east coast by Wednesday evening/night near hurricane strength. While your insurance policy may provide coverage for wind-related events, you must make particular efforts to protect your property unless you have purchased flood coverage under a separate policy.…
Massachusetts Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care.
The recently enacted Massachusetts law that expanded protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care primarily applies to health insurance. Still, a section of the law pertains to medical malpractice insurance that does impact pharmacists. Under the law, pharmacists may dispense emergency contraception, which is considered reproductive health care services. If a pharmacist dispenses emergency contraception, the pharmacist…
Hurricane Preparedness- Tropical Depression Nine
Tropical Depression Nine currently moving in the Caribbean could approach Florida next week as a major Category 3 hurricane. This storm, soon to be named Hermine, is expected to increase in intensity to hurricane strength as it approaches warmer Gulf water. The path of this storm is expected to approach southern Florida next week.…
Flu Shots: The Perfect Time to Assess Your Immunization Processes!
School has started, and the air is getting chilly. In the pharmacy world, that means it is flu shot time! While pharmacy has been in immunization mode with COVID-19 for the past couple of years, this is a great time to review your policies and procedures for providing vaccines. The public health emergency declaration is…
Dispensing Abortifacients Drugs In Changing Times
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey. The ruling means laws regarding abortion revert back to the states. As practitioners who may encounter prescriptions for medication abortion that you understand the law and how it applies…
RM Alert: Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
Hurricane Preparedness A storm system has developed southwest of Florida. Alex is expected to develop to tropical storm intensity before approaching land. As Alex is the first storm of the season, Pharmacists Mutual wants to remind everyone to be vigilant regarding predicted storms, both path and intensity. While your insurance policy may provide…
New Mexico OSI Issues Emergency Order Amid Wildfires
Alert – Members in New Mexico The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) issued an emergency order effective immediately in response to the recent wildfires in Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel, Sandoval, and Valencia counties. This order will expire on September 30, 2022, or when the governor rescinds her executive orders for…
2021 Annual Report
Click here to read Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company’s 2021 Annual Report.
Nurse Convicted in Medication Error Case
While health care professionals do not commonly face criminal charges for cases of negligence, the following cases show the possibility exists. For example, a nurse in Tennessee was recently convicted of gross neglect of an impaired adult and negligent homicide as a result of a medication error. The nurse intended to withdraw Versed® from a…
7TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS TOP WORKPLACE
DES MOINES REGISTER NAMES PHARMACISTS MUTUAL A WINNER OF THE IOWA TOP WORKPLACES 2023 AWARD Algona, IA – For the seventh consecutive year, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company has received a Top Workplaces 2023 honor. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC.…
Pharmacists Mutual Recognized as Top Workplace for 6th Consecutive Year
The Des Moines Register names Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company a winner of the Iowa Top Workplaces 2022 Award Algona, IA – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company received a Top Workplaces 2022 award by Iowa Top Workplaces for the sixth consecutive year. The award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by…
2022 Annual Meeting Notice
As a member of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, you are invited to the annual meeting on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 9:00 a.m CDT. The meeting will be held virtually and at the home office at 808 Highway 18 West in Algona, Iowa. If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting, please register at…
RM Alert: Steps to Take to Protect Against a Cyberattack
Malicious attacks on your business can cripple operations. With the recent tensions in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, those crippling effects are closer than you think. At Pharmacists Mutual, we take government warnings seriously and aim to circumvent any malicious attacks upon our members. Federal cybersecurity professionals have issued warnings to American businesses that we should all…
RM Alert: COVID-19 Reporting Reminder for California Members – SB 1159
This is a reminder that SB 1159 as signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom remains in effect. One of your responsibilities under this law is the mandatory reporting responsibility of COVID-19 data by employers to their Claims Administrator. Employers must report the following four items: Any employee who has tested positive whether work-related or not…
RM Alert: Flash Mob Robberies
“Flash Mob” thefts are increasing in frequency at retail locations. Recently a new form of burglary/robbery has been playing out at retail stores in several areas across the country. This new form of burglary involves several individuals conducting the crime as a coordinated group, storming a retailer, and moving quickly to take as many items…
RM Alert: Cyber Security
On Friday, December 10, the IT world discovered a substantial cyber security exploit that impacts nearly every company in the country regardless of size. The technical name is called Apache Log4j. It is essentially a door that is easy to open, allowing the cybercriminal to take full control of your systems. Your systems’ vendors are…
RM Alert: REMS
What is a REMS? The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 gave the FDA authority to require a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) from manufacturers. This strategy would ensure the benefits of certain drugs or biological products with serious safety concerns would help outweigh the risks. REMS are designed to reinforce medication…
RM ALERT: VACCINE MANDATES
November 4, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. The standard covers employers with 100 or more employees. Covered employers must develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to…
Hurricane Preparedness
Pharmacists Mutual reminds everyone to be vigilant regarding predicted storms, their path, and intensity. Also, be aware that storm surge is considered flooding and not covered unless specific flood coverage/policy is in place. Please take action to protect your property from flooding. Hurricane season begins June 1st (May 15th in the Pacific Ocean) and will…
Congratulations to our 3rd quarter service anniversaries!
30 Years Joanne Eden – Joanne joined Pharmacists Mutual in 1991 as a Rating Clerk. She has served as an All Lines Rating Programmer, Data Quality Coordinator, Sr. Data Analyst, and in 2020 became Sr. Applications System Analyst, where she remains today. She received the Quality Performance award in 2001, 2003, and 2009, the Extra…
RM Alert: Vaccine Mix-Ups
Did you know that pharmacies have provided more than 141 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the country as of early October? Last year, 48 million flu vaccines were given at pharmacies. As we continue to battle through the pandemic and this year’s flu season, it is important to be vigilant when providing multiple vaccines.…