A Year on the Hill: ASHP Federal Legislative Priorities for 2008

1/31/2008

Taking advantage of opportunities to strengthen medication therapy management programs, including pharmacists in loan forgiveness programs, and ensuring evidence-based safety measures for generic biologics all top ASHP’s priorities for the second session of the 110th Congress. 

ASHP’s enhanced advocacy initiative lets Joseph Hill, the Society’s director of federal legislative affairs, spend more time on Capitol Hill, where he is becoming a familiar face.  His presence is paying off with information that has been helpful in charting the ASHP’s legislative strategy. 

“We’ve heard through the grapevine that there may be interest in doing something to strengthen MTM under Part D,” Hill said.  “We hope to be able to take advantage of Congress’ interest in fixing the pay cuts for physicians to insert language that will ensure that pharmacists play a more prominent role in MTM.” 

Hill noted that the opening of Medicare to fix the physician payment issue may also present an opportunity to push for a legislative solution to funding for post-graduate year two residency programs.

“It’s still too early to know what issues will resonate with policymakers,” said Hill.  “But we will be poised to educate legislators and their staffs about all of our top issues and work with them to find the best solutions.”

An issue still on the table from 2007 is the inclusion of pharmacists in the National Health Services Corps loan forgiveness program.  ASHP partnered with the National Rural Health Association to persuade legislators to open up the program, which already serves physicians, dentists, and nurses, to pharmacists. 

The Society will also be closely watching as Congress works to launch a pathway for the development of biosimilars and provide incentives for ePrescribing.

Track ASHP’s progress on these and other important issues by adding the Government Affairs area of ashp.org to your list of favorite bookmarks.  Check back frequently for updates and for opportunities for you to get involved in the Society’s efforts.