The Health-System Academy (HSA) of the Arizona Pharmacy Alliance (AzPA) received full affiliation status with ASHP in January 2007.  The AzPA was created in 2004 when the Arizona Pharmacy Association and Arizona Society of Health-System Pharmacy joined to represent all pharmacy professionals in Arizona.  AzPA was subdivided into four academies, including the health-system academy, to maintain autonomy for the health-system practice areas while maintaining a voice for the parent organization. The health-system academy believes their success in receiving full affiliation status, was based on 3 key principles:

1) Development of a mission statement

The mission of the Health-System Academy of the AzPA is…“to represent, support, promote and enhance the development of all pharmacy professionals practicing in hospital and health systems and to advocate for and advance the safe and effective delivery of rational pharmacotherapy.”

The HSA mission mirrors that of the AzPA…“The AzPA is committed to serving and representing all pharmacy professionals in all practice settings.  AzPA will foster safe and effective medication therapy, promote innovative, practice, and empower its members to serve the health care needs of the public.”

2)  Development of an Executive Committee structure

The Health-System Academy is uniquely structured at the academy level to mirror the parent organization (AzPA).  The HSA Executive Committee is comprised of a Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, Communications Director, Education Director, New Practitioner Representative, Technician Representative, and Student Representatives (SSHP President from the two colleges of pharmacy in Arizona).  This facilitates two-way communication and ensures representation of the HSA on every AzPA committee including the Education, Communications, Membership, Legislative, Finance, Continuing Education (CE), and Annual Meeting Planning committees and facilitates a relationship with the colleges of pharmacy.  The HSA is also represented on the AzPA Board of Directors by four of the Health-System Executive Committee members [Chair, Chair-elect, and two at-large members].  As a significant proportion of the total AzPA members are designated as health system pharmacists, technicians, and students, it was vital that the HSA maintained a strong voice in the combined organization.

3)  Development of Policies and Procedures

The Health-System Academy policies outline complete autonomy for the HSA over finances, governance, and policy development.  The HSA has its own line-item budget which is designated and requested annually through the academy budget worksheet for the fiscal year.  The Health-System Executive Committee has complete oversight and management of all educational activities, and any funds raised as a result of profitability of these activities.