As we reported last week, MIPA has hired David Roberts as the new CEO for the organization.
From the CEO’s Desk
David Roberts
As the new CEO of the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association, I’m energized by the opportunity and look forward to engaging our membership as MIPA continues its work to advance the profession of independent pharmacy across our state. Below is a brief summary of recent MIPA engagement activities.
Mississippi Board of Pharmacy Meeting
The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy held its meeting on Thursday, January 15th, with introductions and updates, including the introduction of David Roberts as the new CEO of the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association. The Board discussed a proposal to pilot a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) model as an alternative to traditional CE requirements and referred the matter to the regulations work group. The Board also received a presentation from Walmart on enhanced imaging and virtual verification technology to support pharmacist oversight in dispensing, and heard an update from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics on expanded coordination, training, and support for pharmacy compliance.
MIPA Board of Directors Meeting
The MIPA Board of Directors met on Tuesday, January 20th, led by MIPA President Joe Mohamed. The meeting provided an opportunity to align on advocacy priorities, membership initiatives, and operational goals for the year ahead.
LEAP Meeting
The LEAP (Leaders Engaging and Advancing Pharmacy) meeting convened on Tuesday, January 20th, at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Jackson, bringing together representatives from Mississippi pharmacy associations, schools of pharmacy, and the State Board of Pharmacy to share updates and coordinate legislative priorities. Discussion focused on Capitol Day logistics, PBM reform, pharmacist reimbursement, academic and workforce updates, and the importance of including pharmacy in Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Fund.
Pharmacy Capitol Day – MS State Capitol
On January 21, I engaged with pharmacy students, the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, the Mississippi Pharmacy Association, and state lawmakers during Pharmacy Capitol Day, laying the groundwork for continued engagement and future MIPA involvement.
Thank you for your membership and support of MIPA. I look forward to connecting with many of you whether in person or through upcoming events this year. We are here to support you and your profession.
Under the Dome: Capitol Updates
Monday, January 19, marked the first early deadline of the 2026 Mississippi Legislative Session with the introduction of general bills.
MIPA extends our thanks to Representative Donnie Scoggin and Senator Rita Parks for their leadership in introducing
HB 1672 https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1672.xml and
SB 2575 https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2575.xml
These bills are focused on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. These measures seek to improve transparency and accountability within the prescription drug supply chain and address PBM practices that impact pharmacy reimbursement and patient access to care. MIPA supports policies that promote a fair and sustainable pharmacy marketplace and will remain actively engaged as these bills move through the legislative process..
