Shape pharmacy practice in your state

Provider status is one of the most important pieces of legislation to each and every pharmacist. Pharmacists and student pharmacists across the country are working to raise awareness and convince their legislators to pass H.R. 592 and S.314, however, there is even more that can be done.


Within the past year, several states have announced the different ways they have implemented a state pharmacist provider status program. These programs allow pharmacists to expand their scope of practice in different ways. Behind each of these changes has been a driving force of pharmacists and student pharmacists alike. 


Change practice for the better


State legislators have the ability to pass the legislation that could affect you and your practice more closely than some of the federal legislation. For example, states like Washington have passed their own version of provider status, despite the federal government not passing a national bill yet. This means that you can shape your pharmacy practice in your own state and become a great example for the rest of the country to follow.


Taking a vested interest in your local legislation is essential to ensuring the advancement of the profession. Pharmacists are ready and willing to accept provider status throughout the country, but the state level is a great place to start. If you are able to be considered a provider on the state level, your practice can drastically change for the better. Provider status may look very different from state to state, but the expansion of access to pharmacist services in any shape or form is an incredible leap forward for pharmacy. It shows the rest of the country just what pharmacists can do if given the opportunity. Your state could be the model for the federal legislation and the rest of the country can adopt your ideas, changing the face of pharmacy forever.


Connect with local leaders


The state legislation is easier to access for student pharmacists who are looking to make a difference, for their legislators hit more close to home. These legislators will typically have offices in your home area and represent a smaller area of the state than your federal representation. Being able to leverage your knowledge of your hometown, you can really make a meaningful connection with your state legislation. Student pharmacists have the unique opportunity to meet with legislators as not only students, but also as young (voting) professionals in their area.


It is important to stay engaged on the state level because the state board of pharmacy and state legislation govern more closely how you will practice as a pharmacist. Keep in touch with your local legislation by setting up a meeting or a call with your legislator to introduce yourself. Keep the conversation friendly and light. Being on good terms with your state legislator can come in handy when you want to change something that affects the way you practice. 


State legislators are the people in your community and they view you as a voting member of their community. Linking how these changes in practice can help make your community better is essential to persuading a state legislator to vote a certain way. The legislators are always looking to improve their district and the lives of the people who voted (or can vote) for them. 


Make a meaningful impact


As a student pharmacist, you have the privilege and duty to change how you practice the profession. In today’s world of ever-changing health care, the focus on quality has never been more important. Pharmacists have the ability to make a meaningful impact to increase the quality of care given to patients. All practitioners want to practice at the top of their license.


Student pharmacists are the future of this great profession. Talk to your local legislators, get active in your community, and be the best provider you can be.