Mark Hollis, retired Publix president and director emeritus, passed away early this morning at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, according to the company. He was 78.

Each year, we say goodbye to the current year and welcome in the New Year full of hope and aspirations for a successful year ahead. Customers turn out in droves for “New Year, New You” specials and when they reach the register, the retail pharmacy world knows the scenario quite well.

Publix on Thursday announced six new officer positions that will begin work in 2013 across human resources, information technology and retail operations.

Walgreens on Thursday announced the appointment of Brad Fluegel as SVP and chief strategy officer.

Safeway on Monday announced that Russ Jackson, Safeway SVP human resources, has been named by Human Resource Executive magazine to the influential 2012 HR Honor Roll.

There is no doubt about it. Pharmacy audits can be time consuming and laborious for all parties involved. And as both government and commercial money gets tighter and tighter, all of health care is searching for the most effective means to manage the financial challenges associated with doing business. In addition to the clinical aspects, audits are used to identify genuinely fraudulent or erroneously paid healthcare claims. Nevertheless, a survey released in September 2012 by the National Community Pharmacists Association found that nearly 87% of those surveyed stated that reimbursement and auditing practices are “significantly” or “very significantly” affecting their ability to provide patient care and remain in business.

McKesson on Monday named Steve Courtman president of Health Mart, a franchise of 3,000 independently owned pharmacies.

McKesson on Thursday announced that Brian Tyler has been appointed EVP corporate strategy and business development, effective immediately.

Healthcare providers in today’s environment are committed to promoting patient safety while providing access to the most reliable and innovative treatments. Medication reconciliation, which is defined by The Joint Commission as “the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking,” is designed to prevent drug-related errors — including adverse interactions, overdoses or allergic reactions — and can assist healthcare providers, especially during care transitions when patients are most likely to receive new medications or alternative doses.

The Natural Products Foundation on Monday named the three recipients of its 2012 NPF Scholarship.

In healthcare technology circles, e-prescribing is among today’s hottest topics. A vital component of patient-centered care, it creates a connectivity platform that encourages collaboration between the physician and pharmacist who are in joint pursuit of an enhanced patient experience.