Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
I was fortunate to participate on a panel discussion, Shaping the Future of Pharmacy, during the recent APhA Corporate Alliance Roundtable. Representatives gathered from the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy, manufacturing, and education to look ahead to what is on the horizon for our profession.
Despite the current challenges and uncertainties that pharmacists face, I left this event with tremendous hope and excitement for what the future holds.
We are currently in an unprecedented time of transformation of the profession’s scope of practice. In the past several years, pharmacists expanded their authority to provide PrEP/PEP therapy to prevent HIV transmission through prescriptive authority, statewide protocol, or population-based prescriber collaboration in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
Thirty-six states and Washington, DC, now allow pharmacists to provide hormonal contraception and support reproductive health care through similar means and nearly half of states authorize pharmacists to test and treat for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and/or strep.
These developments are improving patient access to needed medications and changing the landscape of health care. They are also permanently altering the face of pharmacy practice for both pharmacists and technicians. And while we still face challenges to our evolving profession, these changes are bringing renewed energy and opportunities for innovation to pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy leaders.
For decades, pharmacy has asked for a seat at the table—for the authority to optimize patient care through improved medication access and management—and to receive appropriate payment for these services. For the first time, we have a seat, a voice, and an audience at the table. These changes herald exciting developments for our profession and recognize the hard work of pharmacists and technicians nationwide.
Many of these developments are due to the continuous and tireless advocacy of APhA, along with other collaborative state pharmacy associations, on behalf of pharmacists and technicians. If you are looking to find out more about these developments and what is changing in your state, find Pharmacists’ Patient Care State Fact Sheets and other resources on the Advocacy page at www.pharmacist.com. In the meantime, buckle up—our profession is in for an exciting ride!
Have a great Today! ■