NCPA to host 45th Annual Legislative Conference in May

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) will host its 45th Annual Legislative Conference May 7-8 in Washington, D.C., offering community pharmacists the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill to advocate for the value of their pharmacies and the services they provide.

“Our Legislative Conference will give members of Congress and others a chance to hear directly from the people on the front lines of providing patient care in their local communities," said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA.

This year’s conference will feature a shorter schedule, to give NCPA members more flexibility while maximizing their time and advocacy efforts in D.C., as well as a reduced registration fee to help ease the cost of attending. Congressional and federal agency staff will once again be on hand for panel discussions and briefings. A rally will be held on Capitol Hill, and personal visits with members of Congress will be offered. 

The event coincides with Community Pharmacy Advocacy Week May 6-10. During the week, community pharmacists will meet with elected officials and other decision-makers in D.C. and in their home states to talk about bipartisan pro-patient, pro-pharmacist policies to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

“This is a pivotal year for independent community pharmacy, with issues such as cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for diabetes testing supplies, mandatory mail-order programs, and changes to compounding regulations on the table,” Hoey said. “With the creation and expansion of state health care exchanges also taking shape this year, the role of the pharmacist in the delivery of health care services is more important than ever.” 

NCPA members can register for the conference here. More information about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.