The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) coordinated its annual Legislative Day in Washington D.C. on February 1 & 2, 2016. Pharmacy students across the the United States prepared to lobby their legislators on S. 314, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Enhancement Act, allowing Medicare beneficiaries who reside in medically underserved areas to access Medicare Part B services from pharmacists.
S. 314 is allows pharmacists to perform health services within their scope of practice to individuals who cannot access care. These medically underserved populations may not be able to access care for numerous reasons: congestion of appointment times, shortage of primary care physicians, or transportation to medical facilities. The bill allows increase access to services in order to improve patient outcomes and allows the discretion of each state to what services pharmacists can provide. The bill does not expand the scope of practice, nor does it modify state law.
In California alone, ratio of patients to primary care physicians is 1,483 patients to 1 primary care physician. The shortage worsens each year since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act with increased coverage of the underserved throughout the state. Medical advancements and treatments have contributed to the growing geriatric population who need pharmacist services to manage multiple medication therapies and chronic illnesses. Currently, the Social Security Act Title XVIII does not recognize pharmacists as providers, limiting access to care for much of the elderly population.
As I am in my final year in pharmacy school and in preparation for residency applications, I take pride into my profession and enjoy providing patient care. It is important to be active in legislative advocacy as it shapes the future of our profession and moves it forward. As a future clinician, it is important to advocate pharmacist roles in a health care team. For pharmacists and future pharmacists I urge you to be involved in shaping the future of our profession and contacting your Senator, Congressman, and Assemblymen to advocate for the bill. For the House of Representatives, the bill is under H.R. 592 and for the Senate, S. 314.