How Legislative Advocacy Can Better the Health of Pharmacists’ Communities
Key takeaways:
As pharmacists, it’s possible to bring about change that betters our communities. Effecting this change through means of law-making is known as legislative advocacy.
Legislative advocacy is an important means for pharmacists to be involved in the bigger picture of pushing the profession forward.
Key advocacy issues being tackled include advocacy efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, policy campaigns for federal provider status, and calls for solutions to drug-shortage problems.
New laws are often crafted with the intent of creating better, healthier lived experiences for our communities. Changes can be enacted in broad sectors like education and public health, down to specific sectors like independent pharmacy practice or PBM reform. No matter the sector, pharmacists can participate in legislative advocacy and effect positive change.
Legislation is not necessarily as fixed, or static, as it may seem. People like you and I can bring forth changes in our laws that can benefit a cause for the better. In fact, pharmacist participation in legislative efforts is fully encouraged by legislative authorities. State and local government representatives want to hear about issues that are of concern to you and your community — especially if these issues ultimately affect patient care and well-being.
The core principles of legislative advocacy
Defining your cause. One of the first steps in legislative advocacy is knowing what you would like to see changed. No matter where you work in the healthcare setting, it isn't uncommon to notice inefficiencies in operations or gaps in care delivery and wish to improve upon them. Being able to pinpoint these issues and articulate them effectively with colleagues is key.
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Amplifying your cause using multiple voices. Legislative changes are often created by groups of people rather than just one individual. Having many voices advocating for the same issue is a powerful method to fight for a cause. It also allows for a more strategic approach. People can work through tasks according to their own unique skill sets or experiences. This way, the team can spread their efforts more efficiently. For example, one part of the group can focus on spreading awareness of the cause to the greater community. Another can be more directly involved in meeting with local representatives and policymakers.
Aligning your cause with those spearheaded by large organizations. Large organizations typically have years worth of established relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials. They also tend to have established processes for legislative advocacy, along with a strong policy network. It’s a great idea to make use of this expertise and align your effort with theirs. Most organizations are very open to new ideas and suggestions that align with their mission. Some professional pharmacy organizations that are notable advocates for the profession include but are not limited to the American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
Legislative advocacy within pharmacy
The field of pharmacy is always shifting and changing. As such, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant to these changes and keep innovating. Below are some current examples of key advocacy issues and legislation, aiming to grant our patients increased access to the health-related pharmacy services they need.
One key advocacy issue is federal provider status. Though scope and status varies from state to state, pharmacists are extensively trained to provide healthcare services like immunizations, wellness screenings, medication management, and adherence counseling, among others. However, without federal provider status, it is impossible for pharmacists to receive Medicare reimbursement for these services.
Over the past 20 years, multiple bills and policy campaigns regarding federal provider status have been introduced to Congress. The most recent effort was with the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, H.R. 2759/S. 1362, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in April 2021. The bill would recognize pharmacists as providers within Medicare and allow for reimbursement for pharmacist-led services administered to vulnerable populations. These populations are often disadvantaged due to their lack of ability to pay and lack of ability to access care. They may even be living in areas that generally have more access to pharmacists than physicians or hospitals. The passage of this bill would ensure that well-trained pharmacists provide these patients access to the crucial care they need.
Key pandemic-related points of advocacy
Another important advocacy issue has been defining and expanding the pharmacist's role in the COVID-19-related public health emergency response. At the onset of the pandemic, pharmacists quickly stepped up to the plate and continue to play important roles as front-line health workers. Pharmacists assumed responsibility to provide point-of-care testing and administration of COVID-19 vaccinations after the federal government made amendments to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. They had growing roles in educating the public based on developing scientific findings and easing their concerns.
As a direct result of the pandemic, there were extreme drug shortages in pharmacies and hospitals all across the nation. Causes for these shortages varied. National and global drug-supply chains were disrupted and delayed. During the beginning of the pandemic, there was increased patient fear about contracting COVID-19 and dealing with symptoms. This often resulted in patients over-purchasing medications like inhalers, over-the-counter cold medications, and even prescription antibiotics and hydroxychloroquine.
Legislative advocacy efforts have called for the FDA to become watchful about identifying drugs that are at risk of shortage. Manufacturers are encouraged to work to extend expiration dates and provide more details ahead of time. This way, the causes of these shortages and their expected durations will be available for better decision-making.
Being involved in advocacy efforts during pharmacy school and beyond
It’s never too late or too early to participate in legislative advocacy. Throughout pharmacy school, it’s a good idea to join student organizations on campus. These can vary from general professional pharmacy organizations to more specialized ones like geriatric pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, and even community service-oriented organizations. Legislative advocacy can always play a role in shaping and supporting the goals of these student organizations. If there are no legislative components to the organizations you’ve joined, start a new role or committee to lead those efforts!
Both students and practicing pharmacists can stay knowledgeable about new legislation that may affect the profession. Always do your research to stay up to date on new developments in the field. Try your best to follow trends in the media, and be aware of the ideas of thought leaders in the field.
The bottom line
If you have a cause that you are passionate about, legislative advocacy is something that you can actively participate in. Whether that is through working with peers to raise awareness, direct contact with legislators, or lobbying alongside organizations that are aligned with your cause, you can make a larger impact than you may believe possible.
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