This article was written by the 2025–2026 APhA–ASP Policy Standing Committee (PSC), which consists of: Kap Paull, a third-year PharmD candidate at the Mercer University College of Pharmacy and lead author; Joel Talley, MBA, a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis College of Pharmacy and PSC chair; Bryan Gomez, a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy; and Nicole Kayrala, a final-year PharmD candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Hayden Wood, a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy and the 2025–2026 APhA–ASP speaker of the house.
From wearable health technology to complex medication regimens, today’s health care landscape is evolving rapidly. Student pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help patients navigate it. Through the APhA–ASP House of Delegates, student pharmacists help shape policies that ensure the profession continues to meet these challenges and expand its role in patient care.
At the upcoming APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Los Angeles (March 27–30, 2026), student pharmacist delegates will gather on March 28 and March 29 to debate and discuss resolutions penned by the APhA–ASP Regional Delegates—including resolutions focused on integrating wearable medical devices into pharmacy practice, addressing inappropriate polypharmacy, advancing a standard of care regulatory model, and combating vaccine-related misinformation.
2026.1 Integration of Wearable Medical Devices in Pharmacy Practice
Wearable medical devices are changing how patients monitor and manage their health. From fitness trackers to continuous glucose monitors, these tools generate real-time data that can inform care and empower patients. This resolution encourages authorized pharmacy personnel to educate and support patients in selecting, using, and interpreting data from wearable medical devices. It also supports expanding education on emerging technologies, so pharmacists remain prepared to guide patients in technology-enabled care.
2026.2 Pharmacist Role in Combating Inappropriate Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy remains a significant challenge in health care, particularly for patients managing complex medication regimens. When overprescribing occurs, the risk of adverse effects and significant drug interactions increases alongside health care costs. This resolution urges pharmacists and student pharmacists to use their medication expertise to lead interventions that reduce inappropriate polypharmacy. It also promotes interprofessional collaboration and calls for sustainable reimbursement models for pharmacist-provided comprehensive medication management services that optimize medication use and improve patient safety.
2026.3 Student Pharmacist Role in Standard of Care
As pharmacy practice evolves, many states are exploring regulatory frameworks that better reflect the education, training, and clinical knowledge of pharmacists. The standard of care model emphasizes professional judgment and accountability rather than rigid, task-based regulations. This resolution supports establishing and recognizing a standard of care regulatory model that reflects pharmacists’ integral role in patient care. It also encourages student pharmacists to engage with state associations and professional organizations to help shape the development and implementation of such a model.
2026.4 Vaccine Related Misinformation
Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions, yet misinformation continues to undermine immunization efforts and public trust. This resolution recognizes vaccine-related misinformation as a significant public health concern and condemns the spread of false or misleading claims. It also calls on academic institutions and professional organizations to better prepare student pharmacists to address misinformation and empower patients to make informed vaccination decisions.
Your voice matters
These resolutions represent issues that will shape the future of pharmacy practice. As student pharmacists, engaging in these discussions helps ensure our profession continues to evolve to meet the needs of patients and communities.
We encourage all chapter delegates and student pharmacists attending the APhA–ASP House of Delegates to review these proposals, along with additional preparatory materials, here. Full materials will be posted in the coming days.
We look forward to the conversations ahead and to working together to advance a stronger, more innovative, and patient-centered pharmacy profession.
See you in Los Angeles!