ASHP Turns To Optometrists For Lessons On Advanced-Practice Licensing

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 14 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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ASHP has completed a policy analysis on the licensing for optometrists to gather lessons health-system pharmacy can use if it creates its own advanced-practice licensure.

The analysis found that optometry licensing isn't consistent nationally and can confuse patients, healthcare professionals and third-party payers. It suggests pharmacy create a uniform national licensure with minimal variations between states to avoid that confusion.

The image of pharmacists as drug dispensers is a barrier to ASHP's aggressive advocacy for payment for pharmacists' drug therapy management services. According to the policy paper, a licensing system could help break that barrier and increase the public's acceptance of pharmacists in advanced practice roles.

The paper will be used by ASHP's frontline advocates, members and state affiliates to educate policymakers.

ASHP's ability to conduct this type of policy analysis is an important feature of the Society's enhanced advocacy initiative. An upcoming policy analysis will examine the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.

Click here to read the policy paper.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists