ASHP calls for adequate pharmacist representation on state boards of pharmacy

Last month, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) approved a policy that calls for adequate pharmacist representation on state boards of pharmacy by pharmacists from various practice settings, including hospitals, health systems, clinics, and nontraditional settings, to ensure proper oversight to protect public health.

The policy also calls for dedicated funds to train state board of pharmacy inspectors and to implement adequate inspection schedules for effective oversight of pharmacy practice, protection of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and protection of the public. In addition, ASHP favors pharmacy inspections to be conducted by pharmacists with specific expertise in the practice setting that they are responsible for.

ASHP delegates, including 163 voting state delegates, also approved a number of other professional policies during its 67^th annual session in Denver. The House of Delegates session was held in conjunction with the association’s annual summer meetings.

Approved polices included protection of the pharmaceutical product and supply chain integrity, support of broader patient access to medications under the FDA’s Expanded Access (Compassionate Use) Program, opposition of pharmacists’ participation in capital punishment, and support for creation of programs to help healthcare workers who are involved in patient-related injuries.

The ethics of a “Just Culture”

ASHP acknowledges “that the patient is the primary victim in any medical error, unanticipated adverse patient event, or patient-related injury,” but there is a second victim-the healthcare personnel involved in the patient-related injury. The association advocates for a “just culture and a healthy culture of safety that embraces a support system for second victims,” such as programs to support second victims and education for healthcare professionals, administrators, and regulatory agencies about the second victim and specific resources.

For more information about additional ASHP-approved policies, click here.