The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, or Provider Status, was introduced into Congress about a month ago and since that time we have seen a flurry of discussion about the bill. Advocates are sending letters and meeting with their members of Congress to discuss the importance of this bill for Medicare beneficiaries inContinue reading “How to make Congress see the value of pharmacists!”
Tag Archives: pharmacypolicy
What pharmacists can expect for health policy from a united government
On January 20th, President Biden was sworn into office, along with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock who were sworn in as Senators representing Georgia. This marks the transition of majority control for both bodies of the legislative branch and the Presidency to the Democrats. The idea of a united government, or one party having majorityContinue reading “What pharmacists can expect for health policy from a united government”
Final CMS rule changes that matter to pharmacists
In the final days of the Trump administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have finalized a flurry of rules and made announcements that can impact both the profession of pharmacy and the patients of pharmacists. This week, we review these rules and what to look out for as the leadership of CMSContinue reading “Final CMS rule changes that matter to pharmacists”
President-Elect Joe Biden & Prescription Drug Pricing Reform – Guest Writer Grace Singson
As the number of cases and lives claimed by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to surge, access to affordable prescription medication remains a leading healthcare priority for Americans. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 29% of the estimated 195 million patients taking prescription drugs do not take their medications as directed due to costs. This canContinue reading “President-Elect Joe Biden & Prescription Drug Pricing Reform – Guest Writer Grace Singson”
A reflection on pharmacists’ advocacy in 2020
We hope that each of you are making the most of the season and are finding some comfort in what might be a very different holiday celebration. We here at The Grassroots Pharmacist didn’t anticipate writing an end of the year post, partly because so much of this had been played out and said elsewhere.Continue reading “A reflection on pharmacists’ advocacy in 2020”
The Gap with Implementing Pharmacist Policy – Guest Writer Matthew Westling
Recently, the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association published a secret shopper study describing counseling provided during the dispensing of naloxone at chain pharmacies in Texas. Although it may seem crazy that the average counseling time was only 89 seconds, what was more striking was that any formulation of naloxone was unavailable at almost one-thirdContinue reading “The Gap with Implementing Pharmacist Policy – Guest Writer Matthew Westling”
Racial Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Continue – Featuring Larry Selkow
Earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic, we reported on the racial differences affecting our communities and the potential solutions pharmacists can provide. As the pandemic continues on, we see how these disparities remain magnified during public health emergencies. An analysis published last week describes continued higher mortality rates of communities of color as compared to Whites,Continue reading “Racial Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Continue – Featuring Larry Selkow”
Pharmacists tapped to provide COVID-19 vaccine in nursing homes
Late last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made two surprising announcements. First, a press release was sent out that CMS would not be enforcing provider restrictions for the administration of the anticipated COVID-19 vaccine in skilled nursing facilities (SNF), specifically referencing pharmacists. Following this press release, a second announcement shared theContinue reading “Pharmacists tapped to provide COVID-19 vaccine in nursing homes”
The Future of the Supreme Court of the United States and Healthcare
With the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, feminist icon and inspiration to many, the future of many healthcare issues are uncertain. The Supreme Court of the United States serves to protect the rights and liberties of the American people and utilizes the Constitution to ensure “Equal Justice Under Law.” Although the precedent was setContinue reading “The Future of the Supreme Court of the United States and Healthcare”
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident: Addressing Gender Inequality in the Profession of Pharmacy
It has been over 170 years since the signing of the Declaration of Rights and Sentiments at the Seneca Falls Convention, a key moment in the gender equality movement. Although significant strides have been made since 1848 to encourage equal rights for women, gender inequality remains an issue in many facets of our society, includingContinue reading “We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident: Addressing Gender Inequality in the Profession of Pharmacy”
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