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Retail News Breaks Archives Internet pharmacy verifier LegitScript has sent a letter to leading pharmacy retailers and pharmaceutical distributors to stress the importance of only supplying prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. South Carolina has signed into law a budget bill with a provision that fortifies pharmacy reimbursement for Medicaid prescriptions, which the National Association of Chain Drug Stores hailed as a "major victory" for pharmacies and their patients. As part of its "To Your Health" community wellness program, CVS/pharmacy plans to begin offering free health screenings in the Washington, D.C., area this weekend. In a move to expand its specialty pharmaceutical services, Cardinal Health Inc. has agreed to acquire Healthcare Solutions Holding LLC in a $517 million cash deal. Walgreen Co.'s Take Care Health Systems subsidiary is managing a work-site pharmacy opened at General Dynamics Electric Boat, a maker of submarines for the U.S. Navy. Anthony Cuti, former chief executive officer of metropolitan New York drug chain Duane Reade, has been convicted in federal court of securities fraud and other charges, according to published reports. CVS Caremark Corp. plans to terminate Walgreen Co.'s participation in its pharmacy benefit management unit's retail network in 30 days. Five pharmacy associations are urging Congress to extend the temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which provides funding for state Medicaid and other health programs. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has lauded Microsoft and Yahoo for their new policies requiring Web sites selling prescription drugs to be accredited through NABP's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association have praised a decision by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to forgo proposed reimbursements cuts for pharmacy and other health care providers. Operators of drug stores in Ontario had their hopes dashed this week when the provincial government opted to proceed with a health reform plan that stands to halve prescription drug reimbursement for pharmacies. The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) and the Specialty & Biotech Distributors Association (SBDA) plan to integrate associations and operations. The National Community Pharmacists Association praised two Congressmen for calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to force Medicare prescription drug plans to comply with a "prompt pay" provision in legislation effective at the start of this year. CVS Caremark Corp. expressed disappointment with Walgreen Co.'s announcement that it won't be a part of CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefit management network going forward. A new law in Pennsylvania will foster more teamwork between pharmacists and doctors on behalf of patients, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Walgreen Co. no longer plans to participate in any new and renewed prescription drug plans awarded to the pharmacy benefit management business of CVS Caremark Corp.
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