NACDS chairman urges “active diligence” in engaging lawmakers

Noting the challenges that lie ahead for pharmacy, Richard D. Loeffler, chief administrative officer of H-E-B, stressed the pressing need for “active diligence” in engaging with federal and state lawmakers. Loeffler made the remarks in his inaugural address as chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) board of directors at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

Loeffler said the challenge the profession faces lies in communicating to the “budget chiefs” in Washington how pharmacy-based strategies to improve medication adherence can translate into healthcare savings. He also emphasized pharmacy’s need to continue defending against additional cuts to pharmacy reimbursement.

To help in overcoming these challenges, he urged the suppliers and retailers  attending the meeting to use the valuable resources offered through the NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots advocacy program, which can assist in “delivering your voice to elected officials.”

Loeffler also emphasized the NACDS commitment to help foster a better business climate for its members through its retail advisory board.

“For those of you who are in the business of researching and developing medications, and helping to improve and save lives, know that NACDS stands with you in creating a public policy environment and a business climate that help patients stay on their therapies and achieve better outcomes,” Loeffler said. “And for those of you in the business of selling consumer goods, I believe the advancement of legislation and policy that strengthen pharmacy, such as the medication adherence platform, contributes in a big way to having healthy retailers.”