Conference Overview
Highlights & Benefits
Advanced practice clinicians – NPs, CNMs, CNSs, CRNAs and PAs – are cost-effective members of the primary care team and have now gained prescriptive authority in all states. Although the details of prescribing privileges vary from state to state, many states also have broadened the scope of their prescribing laws to include the furnishing of controlled substances as well as a wider range of drugs used to treat acute and chronic health problems.
In response to expanded prescriptive authority for APCs, Contemporary Forums is offering these courses designed to review, expand and update your knowledge of pharmacology in preparation, and as required by law in many states, for attaining or renewing prescriptive authority.*Physicians and pharmacists will also fi nd the information useful as a clinical update and preparation for board exams. Each course will cover therapeutic principles for many common medications used in primary care and will include case illustrations for clinical application.
Highlights of these courses include:
- Back by popular demand: The Preconference, “Pediatric Pharmacology Update,” focusing on medications and prescribing regimens for common and complex pediatric health problems. This Preconference was presented at the 2009 Pharmacology Courses and received rave reviews!
- You will broaden your scope of practice and knowledge of pharmaceuticals and make yourself more “marketable” in this changing health care environment.
- The course instructors are experienced and knowledgeable and have a relaxed and entertaining teaching style.
- Through a case-based and interactive approach, the instructors will help you apply the content to clinical situations you deal with on a daily basis.
- Daily registration is available for participants with selective needs for renewing or updating their prescriptive authority and knowledge of pharmacology.
- The content required by the California BRN in order for NPs and CNMs to prescribe Schedule II Controlled Substances is included on Friday at the Las Vegas course.
* Because states’ requirements vary, it is important that you contact your Board for details regarding educational requirements for prescriptive authority.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:
- Explain the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the drugs discussed for each clinical condition.
- Discuss pharmaceutical options and choose the most appropriate drug or drug class for a disease, based on the
patient’s signs, symptoms, lifestyle and other health conditions.
- Utilize patient monitoring techniques to assess the impact and efficacy of drug treatment.
- Anticipate potential side effects, recognize adverse reactions and discuss their management.
- Demonstrate clinical application of the pharmacology content through case study discussion.
- Provide appropriate patient education regarding drug therapy for a given disease state.
- Discuss the pharmacology of select supplements and nutrients, and anticipate potential drug/supplement interaction and drug/nutrient depletion.
- Recognize the professional and legal aspects of prescribing and furnishing drugs.
Who Should Attend?
- Nurse Practitioners
- Certified Nurse-Midwives
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Physician Assistants
- Registered Nurses
- Nurse Educators
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
- Physicians
- Pharmacists
...and anyone else interested in a comprehensive primary care pharmacology update.
Online CE Library
The Contemporary Forums Online CE Library is an on-demand resource for ANCC and ACCME
accredited continuing education for healthcare professionals. Multimedia content is captured from our
live conferences and continually updated.
The library contains thousands of CE credit hours available from a wide variety of specialty areas.
Visit the online CE Library today for your free preview of any session - currently over 2,000 topics!
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Visit www.onlinecelibrary.com to request details or call: (800) 377-7707 x 5145.
The Pharmacology courses are not being recorded and will not be posted on the Online CE Library.
Online CE Library Special Offer!
Save 50% on all orders until 5/15/10! Enter code Pharm10 in the Promotional Coupon Box at checkout.
Conference Program
Monday, June 7 | Tuesday, June 8 | Wednesday, June 9 | Thursday, June 10 | Friday, June 11 | Saturday, June 12 | Sunday, June 13
Preconference Schedule
Las Vegas • June 7
Pediatric Pharmacology Update
Patricia Reiter Becker, MS, CFNP-BC
Victoria Weill, MSN, CPNP-PC
ACPE #263-000-10-179-L01-P 7.5 Contact Hours/.75 CEUs (Rx = 7.5 hrs.)
Keeping up with information on the medications you prescribe when caring for children is indeed a challenge.
Plan now to join your colleagues for what promises to be an information-packed day on drugs used for common pediatric health problems. Taught by two clinicians and educators, this update will enable you to better:
- Identify medications and prescribing regimens for common and complex pediatric health problems.
- Anticipate potential side effects and adverse reactions and discuss their management.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of treatment regimens through interactive case study sessions.
| 7:00 a.m. |
Preconference Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Treating Infectious Conditions of the Ear, Eye, and Respiratory Tract
- Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion; Otitis Externa
- Conjunctivitis
- Pneumonia
|
| 9:30 |
Managing Respiratory Problems
|
| 10:30 |
Break |
| 10:45 |
Managing Respiratory Problems (continued)
- Bronchiolitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
|
| 12:00 p.m. |
Questions and Discussion |
| 12:15 |
Lunch Break |
| 1:15 |
Common Dermatologic Conditions
- Acne
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Impetigo, MRSA & Others
|
| 2:45 |
Managing GERD in Children |
| 3:30 |
Break |
| 3:45 |
Immunization Update |
| 4:45 |
Questions and Discussion |
| 5:00 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
Main Conference
Pharmacology Course Schedule
Las Vegas • June 8-13
Daily registration is also available . This course will not be recorded.
ACPE # refers to credit for pharmacists.
TUESDAY
ACPE #263-000-10-180-L01-P 8.5 Contact Hours/.85 CEUs (Rx = 8.5 hrs.)
| 7:00 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Introduction: The Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
(Including Drug Interactions)
Alan P. Agins, PhD
- Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
|
| 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch Will Be Provided |
| 1:00 |
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (Part 1)
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Type 2 Diabetes (Including Obesity)
|
| 6:00 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
WEDNESDAY
ACPE #263-000-10-181-L01-P 8 Contact Hours/.8 CEUs (Rx = 8 hrs.)
| 7:30 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Infectious Disease Pharmacology
Alan P. Agins, PhD
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Antivirals
|
| 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:00 |
Understanding the Basics of HIV Therapy
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
Treating Infections: Guidelinesand Case Studies
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Otitis/Sinusitis
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- MRSA
- C.difficile
- Adult Immunizations
Dermatology
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC |
| 5:30 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
THURSDAY
ACPE #263-000-10-182-L01-P 8 Contact Hours/.8 CEUs (Rx = 8 hrs.)
| 7:30 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Endocrine Pharmacology
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid Overview
Neuropharmacology
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Dementia and Delirium
- Drugs for Cognition
- Antipsychotics
- Antiepileptics
|
| 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:00 |
Psychopharmacology
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Antipsychotics (continued)
- Antidepressants
- Antianxiety/Sedative-Hypnotics
|
| 5:30 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
FRIDAY (*Schedule II Requirements)
ACPE #263-000-10-183-L01-P 8 Contact Hours/.8 CEUs (Rx = 8 hrs.)
| 7:30 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Stimulants for ADHD*
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
Opioid Analgesics*
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC |
| 10:45 |
Legal Aspects of Prescribing*
Carolyn Buppert, JD, MSN, CRNP |
| 12:30 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:30 |
Prescription Drug Abuse
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Neuropathic Pain/Migraine Headaches
Alan P. Agins, PhD
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptics
- Analgesics
- Triptans
- Others
|
| 5:30 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
ATTENTION :
California Nurse Practitioners & Nurse-Midwives
*Prescribing Schedule II Controlled Substances
Content to meet the requirements of the California Board of Registered Nursing to furnish Schedule II medications will be presented on Friday in Las Vegas only. California NPs and CNMs who already have a furnishing number may register for Friday only in Las Vegas and will receive a Schedule II certificate. The CA BRN requirements will NOT be presented at the Washington, DC course.
SATURDAY
ACPE #263-000-10-184-L01-P 8 Contact Hours/.8 CEUs (Rx = 8 hrs.)
| 7:30 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Hot Topics in Dietary Supplements
Alan P. Agins, PhD
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3
- Drug/Supplement Interaction
- Drug/Nutrient Depletion
|
| 9:45 |
Women’s Health Drugs
Patricia Geraghty, MSN, RN, FNP
- Hormonal Contraception
- Hormone Therapy
- Contraindications During Pregnancy and Lactation
- Case Reviews
|
| 12:15 p.m. |
Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:15 |
Women’s Health Drugs (Continued) |
| 2:45 |
Respiratory Pharmacology:
A Case Study Approach
Jamie Lynch, MSN, ARNP
- Allergies
- Asthma
- COPD
- Special Considerations in the Elderly
- National Guidelines Review
- Questions and Discussion
|
| 5:30 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
SUNDAY
ACPE #263-000-10-185-L01-P 4.5 Contact Hours/.45 CEUs (Rx = 4.5 hrs.)
| 7:30 a.m. |
Registration • Check-In |
| 8:00 |
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (Part 2):
A Case Study Approach
Jamie Lynch, MSN, ARNP
- Angina
- Risk Factors/Insulin Management
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Special Considerations in the Elderly
- National Guidelines Review
- Questions & Discussion
|
| 11:30 |
Review Self-Assessment Post-Test |
| 12:30 p.m. |
Conference Summary/Evaluation |
| 12:45 |
Adjourn |
Back to Top
Conference Faculty
Alan P. Agins, PhD
President, PRN Associates
Continuing Healthcare Education
Tucson, Arizona |
Patricia Geraghty, MSN, RN, FNP
Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Holy Names University
Oakland, California
Nurse Practitioner, Muir ObGyn Medical Group
Walnut Creek, California |
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC
Family and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Evercare - Tucson (United Healthcare)
Executive Director, Seminars for Healthcare Education, Inc.
Tucson, Arizona |
Jamie Lynch, MSN, ARNP
Nurse Practitioner
Orlando Heart Center
Orlando, Florida |
Patricia Reiter Becker, MS, CFNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Broomall Pediatrics
West Chester, Pennsylvania |
Victoria Weill, MSN, CPNP-PC
Associate Program Director
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
North Penn VNA Children’s Clinic
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
|
Carolyn Buppert, JD, MSN, CRNP
Author: Prescribing: Preventing Legal Pitfalls (2010)
The Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and
Legal Guide (2008)
Attorney, Health Care Law
Law Office of Carolyn Buppert, P.C.
Bethesda, Maryland |
|
Dr. Alan P. Agins earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. He has held faculty
appointments at Brown Medical School, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy and University of Virginia School of Nursing. During his tenure at Brown, he received the “Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award” over five consecutive years for his outstanding pharmacology lectures. Dr. Agins has also taught graduate & post-graduate pharmacology courses at a number of nursing schools around the country including Penn State, Idaho State, Radford, University of West Virginia and University of Arizona.
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Agins has lectured nationally to more than 50,000 advanced practice clinicians and allied health professionals. He is a regularly invited speaker at annual conferences for a number of national, regional and state nursing organizations. Dr. Agins contributes to various journals, continuing education monographs and pharmacology textbooks as a writer and reviewer. He has authored 2 books and written and “starred” in a series of entertaining online educational video clips to support nursing pharmacology textbooks. Dr. Agins presents bi-weekly live CE webinars for pharmacists through RxSchool (Pharmacy Choice), writes a monthly e-Newsletter for Lexi-Comp and serves as a consultant to Pharmavite LLC (Nature Made).
Jody F. Agins, MSN, ARNP, FNP/GNP-BC received an ADN from Kansas City Kansas Community College, BSN from Webster University and an MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Kansas. She has held faculty appointments at the University of Kansas, Truman State University, and Arizona State University.
Mrs. Agins is board certified by the ANCC in Family Practice and Gerontology. She currently works full time for Evercare-Tucson (United Healthcare), maintains a part-time private practice, lectures regularly for the University of Phoenix Nurse Practitioner Program, and is an invited speaker by a number of national, regional and local organizations. She is also a clinical preceptor for Family and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner students and is a former member of NPACE Board of Directors.
The “take-home-message” that Dr. Agins and Mrs. Agins attempt to instill is to adopt a profound respect for, but also cautious attitude about drugs - what they can do … and what their limitations are. After many years “on the road” and every conceivable pharmacology question from their audiences, they maintain their great sense of humor and wit, as well as a unique talent for breathing life into dry or difficult subject matter.
Their goal is to make this course memorable, informative and enjoyable … essentially the very best pharmacology CE experience for everyone who attends.
Accreditation
Certificate of Attendance is given upon completion of course requirements, enabling you to register your credit with the
appropriate licensing boards or associations. To apply for credit not listed below, use the procedure established by the
specific organization. Additional brochures and evaluation forms provided upon request.
Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 ANCC/9 CA BRN contact hours
Pharmacology Course:
45 ANCC/54 CA BRN contact hours
Contemporary Forums is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Contemporary Forums is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #04516.
(CA BRN contact hour = 50 minutes)
Approved for 45.25 contact hours by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the
ANCC. ONA #APN-03-R09
Physicians
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 credit hours
Pharmacology Course:
45 credit hours
Contemporary Forums is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide
continuing medical education for physicians. Contemporary Forums designates this educational activity for a maximum
of the listed AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of
their participation in the activity.
Nurse-Midwives
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 hours
Pharmacology Course:
45 hours
The Continuing Education Committee of the American College of Nurse-Midwives grants reciprocity status to
the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) for Category 1 offerings, providing the program is
relevant to nurse-midwifery. Nurse-Midwives may report up to the listed hours of credit.
Physician Assistants
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 hours
Pharmacology Course:
45 hours
The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited
by the ACCME to grant Category 1 hours toward the Physician’s Recognition Award. PA’s may report up to the
listed hours of credit.
Pharmacology Credit for Prescriptive Authority
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 hours
Pharmacology Course:
45 hours available
Rx indicates sessions with pharmacology content. Because states’ requirements vary, contact your Board of Nursing for more information.
Pharmacists
Pediatric Pharmacology Preconference:
7.5 hours/.75 CEUs
Pharmacology Course:
45 hours/4.5 CEUs available
Contemporary Forums is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education. Statements of Credit will be distributed at course completion in exchange for
a completed Conference Evaluation and Attendance Verification Form. This course is a Knowledge-Based CPE
activity.
Exhibits
To enhance your educational experience, we are inviting representatives from professionally relevant companies, organizations and hospitals to exhibit equipment, supplies, services and career opportunities. The schedule provides participants time for one-on-one discussion with exhibitors. For exhibit space availability or additional information:
Call the Exhibitor Information Line: (925) 828-7100, Ext. 5260
Email: exhibits@cforums.com
Location

Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas … you can’t resist the excitement of the neon lights, the unbridled cheers and shrieks of delight from jackpot winners, and the glitz and glamour of the new hotels on the strip.
Show-biz entertainment is tops here, including the world famous Cirque du Soleil and well-known headliners from the music and comedy worlds. Watch the volcano erupt at the Mirage, don’t miss the rousing pirate battle at Treasure Island, marvel at the dancing waters display at the Bellagio, or take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of the Venetian. Now home to the world’s greatest collection of chefs, Las Vegas boasts restaurants from Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, and Thomas Keller, just to name a few. For more information, visit www.lasvegas.com
Hotel/Travel
Hotel Accommodations
Special group rates are in effect for participants and their guests, based on room availability and may be available before and after each conference for those wishing to extend their stay. Please inquire when making your
hotel reservation.
You must make your reservation early and before the “hotel room block release date” listed for each hotel. Rooms may sell out before this date so be sure to make your reservation now. After the release date, rooms and group rates may no longer be available so call the hotel for availability. Rates are per room and subject to prevailing state and local taxes.
For room reservations, call the hotel and inform them that you are attending the Contemporary Forums’ Pharmacology Course. Request a confirmation number and written confirmation of your reservation.
For assistance in locating a roommate, please call Contemporary Forums at (800) 377-7707, Ext. 0.
Las Vegas
Experience all your fantasies of Parisright in the heart of Las Vegas! From guest rooms with a European flair to
great entertainment, fine French cuisine, sidewalk cafes and even the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Las Vegas has all the passion, excitement and ambiance of Europe’s most romantic city. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the
European village and mall, the lively casino, the dueling pianos at Napoleon’s, Barry Manilow’s all new show, or a breathtaking view of Las Vegas in the Eiffel Tower ride. And right outside the doors, see all “the Strip” has to offer.
Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hotel room release date: May 7, 2010
Rates: $99 single/double occupancy
For room reservations call 877-603-4389. For additional hotel information, call Paris Las Vegas at (702) 946-7000.
Travel Discounts
Contemporary Forums has a special discount agreement with United Airlines unavailable to the general public. To obtain these special conference fares either go online at www.united.com or call the Special Meeting Desk at (800) 521-4041, Account Code 510CW. Ticketing and payment can be done directly by you or through your travel agent. To ensure the best flights and times, since seats are limited, make your reservations early. Fares are guaranteed at the time of ticket purchase.
Hertz is the official car rental agency for the conference. Special rates will be in effect throughout the conference as well as one week before and after. To obtain the special rates, call HERTZ at (800) 654-2240 and refer to Contemporary Forums plus the conference discount code: CV# 03000247 for Las Vegas
Fees
Registrations must include full tuition payment to be accepted. Registrations faxed without payment will not
be processed. Confirmation is sent by email if your completed registration form and payment are received two weeks
before the conference begins. Since conference registration and hotel rooms are limited, early registration is advised.
Out of consideration to registrants, children of any age and spouses may not attend the sessions.
| Tuition Fee (U.S. Funds) |
|
|
|
|
|
Pediatric Pharmacology
Preconference |
Pharmacology Course |
Daily Registration |
Early Fee*
(On/Before 30 days prior to start date) |
$195 |
$745 |
**See Below |
Regular Fee
(Within 29 days of start date) |
$235 |
$835 |
**See Below |
* Postmarked or phone/fax/online registration and fees received on/before 30 days prior to each course.
Tuition includes Program Syllabus, lunch on Tuesday, refreshment breaks and Certificate of Attendance. Registrations may not be shared.
**Daily Registration is Available
1 day.......$195 3 days..... $450 5 days..... $700
2 days.....$325 4 days..... $580
California NPs & CNMs
Content to meet the requirements of the California Board of Registered Nursing to furnish Schedule II medications will be presented on Friday in Las Vegas. California NPs and CNMs who already have a furnishing number may register for Friday only in Las Vegas and will receive a Schedule II certificate. The CA BRN requirements will NOT be presented at the Washington, DC course.
Method of Tuition Payment
Make payment by check (payable to Contemporary Forums and enclose with Registration Form), Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express or Purchase Order. A $30 fee is charged for any returned check. Personal checks are NOT accepted at the conference. Purchase Orders must be received with registration by the conference date and include the P.O. number, invoice address, tuition, approval signature, and contact name, email address and phone number.
Register Online, by Phone, Fax or Mail (Payment required to register)
Register only ONCE, by mail, online at www.contemporaryforums.com, fax (800) 329-9923 or call (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5252, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Before calling, complete all registration information.
Tax Deductibility
Expenses of training, tuition, travel, lodging and meals to maintain or improve your professional skills may be TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Consult your tax advisor.
Cancellations
Cancellations may be made by phone or in writing. Cancellations received on/before 30 days prior to the start of the conference receive a full tuition refund. Cancellations received after that date are assessed a $50 processing fee. No refunds for cancellations received after the conference begins or for “no shows.” If this meeting is cancelled for any reason, including labor strikes or acts of God, liability is limited to a full refund of registration fees.
Program Changes
Contemporary Forums reserves the right to make necessary changes in speakers, topics or schedule. The most current program can be found on our website.
Questions?
Please contact Contemporary Forums at (800) 377-7707, Ext. 0, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) or email info@cforums.com.
If you require special arrangements at this conference, call (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5252, at least 30 days prior to the conference.

Download Brochure PDF
“ This course provided an excellent review of all drug classes, up-to-date indications, and new agents with applicable clinical indications based on evidence, all presented in an engaging mode. A great review for the novice or experienced nurse practitioner.”
M. Michelle Forthouse, MS, NP, ACHPN
Fredericksburg, VA
“Made pharmacokinetics crack my blood-brain barrier! Truly amazing!”
Toni A. DeProsperis, MSN, CCNP-FNP
Mission Viejo, CA
“I have attended this conference several times and always come
away with new useful information to apply clinically.”
Carrie A. Glenn, MHA, MSN, FNP
Ventura, CA
“Dr. Agins takes what could be a very dry course and infuses it
with life and a healthy dose of stand-up comedy. You will leave
with a great deal of knowledge and a smile on your face.”
Sallie Hill, CNM
Vallejo, CA