NEWS ARCHIVE
Pharmacists Mutual News & Announcements
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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. Read More »
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 Read More »
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. Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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. Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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 Read More »
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. Read More »
PHARMACISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP ANNOUNCES SENIOR LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION PLAN
Contact: Lindsay Pilgrim lindsay.pilgram@phmic.comcreate new email; 515-395-7277 www.phmic.com Algona, IA – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group announced that its Board of Directors has approved several changes to evolve the company’s senior leadership structure. These changes provide the strategic vision and leadership to usher in our company’s next phase of growth. Under the new structure, company veteran Shirley Read More »
THE DES MOINES REGISTER NAMES PHARMACISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY A WINNER OF THE IOWA TOP WORKPLACES 2021 AWARD
Algona, IA – Pharmacists Mutual has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces for the fifth consecutive year. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to Read More »
RM Alert: Tropical Storm Ida
Tropical Storm Ida is currently in the Caribbean and expected to gain strength and become a hurricane this weekend. If it continues the predicted path, upper Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle could have impact. As with any storm, the predicted path is subject to change, we urge you to monitor weather information Read More »
RM Alert: Hurricane Henri
Tropical Storm Henri is expected to gain strength and become a hurricane by Saturday. If it continues the predicted path, it could make a rare landfall in New York, Rhode Island or Massachusetts by Sunday. Risks of storm surge, wind, and rain impacts in portions of southern New England and eastern Long Island are increasing. Read More »
Congratulations to our 2nd quarter service anniversaries!
Patty Elbert – In 1996, Patty joined Pharmacists Mutual as a Life/Health Account Admin. In 2001 she became a Coverage Advisor. In 2017 she was promoted to Coverage Advisor Manager where she remains today. Patty received the Quality Performance award in 1998 and 2002, the Gung Ho Award in 2010, Multi Line Producer Award in Read More »
RM Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine Errors and Deviations
Case study: A patient presents to the pharmacy for a COVID-19 vaccine. During the intake process, the pharmacist mistakenly pulls the Moderna vaccine for a 16-year-old patient. The error is discovered during the documentation process after the injection was given. What should the pharmacist do? The CDC has an excellent resource for those providing COVID-19 Read More »
RM Alert: Opioid Cases Continued – Suggestions for Pharmacy Owners
Another court ruling involving pharmacists’ duties in the dispensing of opioid prescriptions has been issued. Like the Ohio case referenced in September 2020, the latest ruling involves the idea of Red Flags and pharmacists’ duty to resolve them. Shortly after the Ohio decision, Walmart filed suit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Eastern Read More »
RM Alert: Federal Covid-19 Safety Program targets certain industries
The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP), which focuses enforcement efforts on industries that have the greatest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. These are temporary programs, short of issuing an emergency Covid-19 safety standard, which many thought would come after President Biden’s executive order Read More »
RM Alert: 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 Read More »
Vaccination Requirement Considerations for Employers
As we move beyond the dark path created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to the prospect of greener pastures afforded through mass vaccinations. While the vaccination will lend itself greater control of the virus, it also presents a series of moral and ethical obligations to business owners of all sizes. There is no Read More »
Pharmacists Mutual Introduces New Individual Pharmacy Technician Professional Liability Policy
Algona, Iowa – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, with its century-long legacy for personalized service to its members nationwide, is pleased to unveil professional liability coverage specifically for Pharmacy Technicians. The pharmacy technician profession is ever-changing and expanding. With these changes, there is an increase in professional liability exposure for the technician. Pharmacists Mutual acknowledges the Read More »
IMPORTANT – ACTION REQUIRED FOR CA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION MEMBERS
Dear Pharmacists Mutual California Members, This is a follow up to our September 23rd communication regarding SB 1159. This new law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on September 17th and went into effect immediately. One of the important components of this law is the mandatory reporting responsibility of COVID-19 data by employers to Read More »
UPDATES FROM OUR CEO REGARDING COVID-19
As active COVID-19 cases climb in northern Iowa, I have made the difficult decision to close the PMIG Algona, Iowa office to most employees and the public. Effective Monday, September 21, 2020, all Algona employees, with limited exceptions, will be working remotely. Similarly, the PMC Advantage offices will be open by appointment only. Our priority Read More »
The Des Moines Register Names Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company a Winner of the Iowa Top Workplaces 2020 Award
Algona, IA – Pharmacists Mutual has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Des Moines Register. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success Read More »
Premium Deferral for Members Impacted by Hurricane Laura
For members with insurance policies issued in Louisiana and Texas who are affected by Hurricane Laura Upon request, payments due on Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, Chiron Insurance Company, and Rx Life policies (administered by Pharmacists Mutual) may be deferred for up to 60 days to provide extra time to work through this crisis. If you Read More »
Driving Change through One Simple Solution: Trees
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company Joins the Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees™ Algona, Iowa, September 1, 2020 – Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company joins the Arbor Day Foundation in their Time for Trees initiative. For every policy that goes paperless from September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021, Pharmacists Mutual will donate $1.00 to the Arbor Read More »
Premium Deferral for Members Impacted by Wildfire in California
Pharmacists Mutual is always with you – especially during your time of need. We are providing premium deferral of up to 60 days to members impacted by the fires in California. Payment requirements on policies written with other insurance companies through our agency, PMC Advantage Insurance Services, Inc., will be determined by those companies. Read More »
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company Named a 2020 Property-Casualty Ward’s 50® Company
Algona, Iowa – July 16, 2020 – Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement, human capital, and health solutions, has released the list of Ward’s 50® top-performing insurance companies for 2020, identifying U.S. companies that have achieved superior financial performance. Ward benchmarking is the leading operational and Read More »
Annual Meeting Notice
As a member of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, you are invited to the annual meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. This meeting will be held virtually. If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting, please register at https://AnnualMeeting.phmic.com between July 20 and August 18, 2020, at noon. The agenda for this Read More »
RM Intel Alert: HB 2455
On Friday, June 5th, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker signed an omnibus labor bill that includes death benefits for first responders who were presumably infected with COVID-19 while on duty and workers’ compensation benefits for essential workers under certain conditions. HB 2455 is the product of negotiations between business and labor establishing evidentiary standards and Read More »
COVID-19 Testing. Our pharmacists are covered.
Are you covered to order and administer COVID-19 tests to your patients? Yes, you are! Pharmacists are permitted to order and perform testing for COVID-19 pursuant to a declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. These activities are already included in the definition of Read More »
Personal Auto Credit
Pharmacists Mutual COVID-19 Relief
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company has been helping our members through difficult times for more than 110 years. Due to a reduction in travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are refunding approximately 15% of Pharmacists Mutual’s personal auto premium earned in April and May of this year. The refund will be offered as a one-time Read More »