Association Perspective
Scott J. Knoer, MS, PharmD, FASHP, APhA EVP and CEO
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and not just the ones it presented to public health. Pharmacies had their own puzzles to solve. What PPE should they use, and how would they get it? What was the best way to maintain 6 feet of social distance between pharmacy staff and patients at the counter? Could they put up plastic barriers, or would they have to improvise their own? When should a staff member stay home, and for how long? How would they safely administer immunizations? How could they prepare for flu season on top of everything else? We’re still sorting it all out.
The pandemic also presented opportunities.
It started when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) added pharmacists to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, allowing them to perform COVID-19 testing. Since then, HHS has authorized pharmacists to test and immunize for strep, flu, and COVID-19, later adding routine childhood vaccines for patients ages 3 through 18. And the agency has specified that these authorities apply to all U.S. pharmacists, regardless of state laws that limit scope of practice.
Most recently, HHS created a payment pathway for pharmacists who immunize against COVID-19: Pharmacists who enroll with Medicare as mass immunizers will be able to submit a roster bill for COVID-19 vaccines. These federal actions are not only a vote of confidence, but also show that the government is acknowledging pharmacists’ special role in the health care system.
Big changes like the ones HHS has enacted during the pandemic take time to fully manifest. While lots of pharmacists have already put the rubber to the road, others are still working out the details. But we know where this is going: to pharmacists serving a massive role in keeping Americans safe and healthy.
This is the time for pharmacists to own the magnitude of what they do for patients and communities. We’ve got the authority. Let’s use it.
It’s been a year like no other, for the world and for APhA. This was the year I came on board as CEO and executive vice president, and we’ve had to make some tough choices. But I’m excited for what we have planned in 2021. APhA will be taking huge steps to support all pharmacists and all of pharmacy.
Team Pharmacy is strong. I wish you all a happy new year, and I thank you for all you’ve achieved in 2020.