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The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) announces that preliminary published text of the proceedings of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates report that AMA House Resolution # 303 (renumbered substitution # 232) was modified to a less encompassing and concerning statement from the pharmacist perspective. It appears that comments provided by APhA (link to comments), and other pharmacy and healthcare organizations, resulted in intense discussions that resulted in a resolution that makes no mention of restricted use of titles, but does call for greater clarity and accuracy in their use by health professionals in clinical health care settings, identification for patients of the professional's qualifications and degree(s) attained, as well as calling for state legislative efforts to provide for prosecution of persons who specifically misrepresent themselves as physicians (www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/471/annotatedb.doc)

In addition, the AMA House reaffirmed current policy in lieu of resolution 513 opposing Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposal for "behind the counter" (BTC) availability of medications. (www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/471/actions.doc) The AMA resolution opposed a behind-the-counter (BTC) category of drugs, stating that "such a process may be out of the realm of a pharmacist's training and might affect patient safety and quality of care." APhA, in its comment letter, opposed the resolution and reiterated pharmacists' educational qualifications and value in clinical care regardless of practice setting. The letter explained that 43 states have laws authorizing pharmacists to provide patient care services through collaborative practice agreements. The letter also cited existing research documenting gains in patient adherence, safety, outcomes, and cost savings from pharmacist-provided patient care. (www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/471/annotatedb.doc)

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 63,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the military.

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