10/14/2019

OPA Launches New Pharmacy Practice Transformation Initiative

The goal is to improve pharmacists' integration in the healthcare system

Today, the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at expanding patient access to pharmacist services across the state. The effort seeks to utilize a new state law that aims to better integrate pharmacists onto healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes.

In April 2019, a new law signed by former Governor John Kasich took effect to formally recognize pharmacists as providers throughout the state insurance code, which grants pharmacists similar rights, responsibilities, and designations as other healthcare providers. This change, which was initiated by state Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chargrin Falls) and received unanimous approval of Ohio lawmakers, removed a major barrier that has stood in the way of developing and increasing access to pharmacist-provided patient-care services.

OPA and lawmakers have made great strides in evolving the role of pharmacists in recent years, but the previous legal barriers in the insurance code prevented many institutions from deploying pharmacists in more elevated, clinical roles that reflect their extensive education and training.

Please select this link to read the complete press release from OSAE Member OPA.