Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Expand Pharmacists' Role in Primary Care

Strategic Insights -

The American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists have hailed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate to give tens of millions of Medicare patients in medically underserved communities access to primary health care services delivered by pharmacists. The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Area Enhancement Act would enable pharmacists to deliver Medicare Part B services that are already authorized by their respective state laws. This includes medication management, management of chronic conditions, cholesterol testing, point-of-care testing, immunization screening and administration, tobacco cessation services, and transition of care services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legislation, introduced by Sens. Charles E. Grassley, Robert P. Casey, Jr., and Sherrod Brown, would allow pharmacists to deliver Medicare Part B services that are already authorized by state laws, including medication management, management of chronic conditions, and more.
  • Pharmacists have advanced education and training to deliver these patient care services, including six to eight years of higher education to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and one to two years of post-graduate residency training.
  • Including pharmacists on interprofessional patient care teams has shown to produce better health outcomes and cost savings.
  • Nearly 90% of Americans live within five miles of one of the nation's 88,000 pharmacies, making pharmacists one of the most accessible healthcare providers.
  • The bill would bring Medicare rules in alignment with existing authorities granted to pharmacists by many states and healthcare organizations through credentialing and privileging programs.

Statistics:

  • 58,000: The number of ASHP members, including pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians.
  • 88,000: The number of pharmacies in the United States, with nearly 90% of Americans living within five miles of one.
  • 79 years: The number of years ASHP has been at the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety.
  • 6-8 years: The number of years it takes to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
  • 1-2 years: The number of years it takes to complete a post-graduate residency training program.

Sources:

  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
  • American Pharmacists Association
  • www.pharmacist.com
  • ashp.org
  • SafeMedication.com
  • Contify.com
  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2017)