Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
Over the past 5 years, we have seen tremendous changes in pharmacy practice, from expanded roles in COVID-19 treatment to prescribing oral contraceptives and other medications to testing for and treating some conditions. Although pharmacists have seen many practice barriers melt away, these changes have often been introduced slowly —one step, or one drug, at a time—within the boundaries of each state’s pharmacy practice act.
This month’s cover story explores the limitations of this approach and how some states are finding better regulatory solutions. One such fix, a standard of care model that follows the blueprint of practice for other doctorate-level health care professionals, has been in place in Idaho since 2018. According to Jennifer Adams, PharmD, at Idaho State University’s L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, “In a standard of care model, each person involved in a patient’s care can practice to the top of their ability.” Period. This simplified approach revolutionizes the way we think of changes in the scope of pharmacy practice. Find out more about the standard of care model in this article, including steps to pursue legislative changes at the state level.
In this issue, you’ll also get the latest on new and approved drugs, learn about the role of tulsi—or holy basil—in achieving better sleep and relaxation, and get guidance on helping patients with heat-related illnesses. You can also find the latest guidelines for managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and catch up with your CPE credit with the second installment of our series on new therapeutic agents marketed in 2023.
Other states are beginning to pursue Idaho’s framework, with legislation for a standard of care regulatory model for pharmacists introduced in Iowa in April of this year. I am hopeful that more states will follow in Idaho’s footsteps because at the end of the day, achieving optimal patient care is, and always will be, our top priority. And how better to do that than by raising the standard of care for all patients at once rather than just one drug at a time? ■