As vice president of the Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety at the United States Pharmacopeia, Diane Cousins focuses on patient safety issues related to medication errors. In this position, she developed the USP Practitioners' Reporting Network into four nationwide reporting programs that focus on the quality, efficacy, and safety of over-the-counter and prescription drugs used in human and veterinary medicine. Under her direction, reporting programs have become a significant component of the USP's standards-setting processes. She currently serves as the USP delegate, and Secretary, to this National Council. PR Contact: Sherrie Borden 301-816-8268 slb@usp.org

Michael H. Deskin is founder and president of the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute. He employs more than 20 years of experience in market research, marketing, data analysis and information interpretation to help human resource professionals design and administer pharmacy benefit management programs. Nationally recognized for his ongoing research of drug costs and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Mike has authored articles and presented seminars on a wide range of topics at national meetings of employers, pharmacists, PBMs, and managed care organizations. 480-730-0814 pbmi@pbmi.com

Edmund Pezalla, M.D., M.P.H., is vice president, medical director of Cosa Mesa, CA-based Prescription Solutions, where he oversees the PBM's clinical services, including formulary development and related Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee activities, prior authorization and clinical program development. Prior to joining Prescription Solutions Dr. Pezalla served as a Chief of Pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, in Fremont, CA. He also served as medical director and director of Clinical Sciences for Pfizer Health Studies. PR Contact: Teri Burko 818-610-0270 teri@scottpublicrelations.com

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