A panel of experts at McKesson ideaShare 2023 in Las Vegas discussed the importance of independent pharmacists advocating for policy changes at the state and federal levels. They emphasized the need for pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and highlighted House Resolution H.R. 1770, known as ECAPS (Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act 118th Congress), as a key priority. This resolution would grant provider status to pharmacists, expand their scope of services, and offer Medicare Part B coverage for certain clinical services provided in pharmacies.

While progress toward provider status and the passage of H.R. 1770 has been slow, there are additional bills at the state and federal levels that support these goals. These bills focus on various aspects such as disclosure of rebates and discounts, prohibiting spread pricing, ensuring access and utilization solutions, and promoting pricing transparency.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that community pharmacists should persistently engage with their legislators, providing compelling reasons for reform. It was also noted that legislative strategies may differ between states, and the advocacy work should continue even after the passage of legislation.

The panelists encouraged pharmacists to explore new policy approaches, seek alternate revenue streams, identify appropriate patients for clinical trials, address social barriers to health, and leverage new technologies to enhance patient care. They also highlighted the importance of supporting community health worker (CHW) training, as CHWs play a vital role in educating communities about available health services and identifying social determinants of health. Integrating pharmacists into the medical care team and establishing sustainable reimbursement models for clinical services were identified as key strategies to support independent pharmacies, which are essential to many communities.