To attend and be a part of ASHP’s Policy Week as the appointed student member of the 2014-2015 Council on Public Policy, was a privilege and unforgettably rewarding experience. Several weeks prior to meeting in person in September, we prepared by reviewing key documents such as: ASHP’s Mission and Vision, ASHP’s Strategic Plan, the recommendations from the ASHP Ambulatory Care Conference and Summit, the ASHP Research and Education Foundation Center for Health-System Pharmacy Leadership Pharmacy Forecast 2014-2018, and the current ASHP policy positions. The council then produced new agenda items, disseminated related resources, engaged in extensive background reading, and prepared to introduce and discuss these matters with the Council and ASHP staff over Policy Week in Bethesda, MD.
As a student amongst a group of seasoned and experienced leaders, you expect to take on an observatory role; however, my role proved to be quite the contrary. With the help of ASHP’s Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs, Christopher Topoleski, I was trusted with preparing and introducing a number of issues relating to Medicare prescription drug benefits and health insurance coverage for US Residents. These, amongst other pressing issues, were deliberated for two days separated by a legislative day where members of all councils and commissions came together to advocate for the profession. Divided by state, we educated members of Congress and their staff about the health system pharmacists’ role in our patients’ care and requested support for the very issues described in our policies and positions – such as, provider status for pharmacists. The discussions that ensued between members of the Council and the ASHP staff, afforded me the opportunity to understand the current priorities and direction of the organization; gain new perspective from leaders in health system pharmacy from across the nation; and above all, appreciate that ASHP’s policy and positions are created for its members, by its members!
[If you would like to nominate a student, or practitioner for appointment to an ASHP council or commission, click here: www.ashp.org/menu/AboutUs/OurLeadership/CouncilsCommitteesandAdvisoryBodies. The deadline is November 12th, 2014.]
I challenge ALL current students and new practitioners to plan to participate in an upcoming Legislative Day, and do so as often as possible. This was my third legislative day, and each time I participate I am reminded that by speaking directly to a member of Congress and sharing examples of how pharmacists are advancing healthcare, you are able to influence their choice to support legislation that will enhance our roles and responsibilities in healthcare.
Rumor has it ASHP is planning a spring legislative day, that students will be invited to participate in. So stay tuned... and in the meantime:
(1) identify your member of congress (www.house.gov/representatives/find);
(2) find out if they are on the list of cosponsors for HR4190 (http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/4190/cosponsors?q=%7b%22search%22%3A%5b%22hr+4190%22%5d%7d;
(3) If they are, thank them – if not, ask them to join their colleagues. Offer to be a resource to answer questions on how pharmacists can help improve patient care.
Enjoy being part of the change!