Unless Minnesota policymakers act now to modernize outdated policies that limit pharmacies’ ability to provide the level of care now expected by the public, patient access to the array of healthcare services that have been available at their local pharmacy will be in jeopardy!
Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) allowances that enabled pharmacies across the country to provide a broad array of immunizations and testing services during the pandemic will soon expire. A legislative solution -- HF 1197/SF 1176 -- would help remedy regional disparities in healthcare access to enable use of the entire pharmacy team (including pharmacy technicians) in administering these services.
In the state of Minnesota, bills not approved by their committees of jurisdiction by April 4th will not be further considered in 2023. Help NACDS RxIMPACT tell legislators that it is critical that HF 1197/SF 1176 is committee-approved by April 4th so this legislation has the chance to be enacted into law before the expiration of pharmacy flexibilities.
Temporary federal PREP Act allowances have allowed pharmacy providers to play a vital role in connecting the broader public to essential healthcare services. Over the last two years, pharmacies have taken extraordinary measures to meet Americans’ needs for essential healthcare services. From keeping doors open and lights on in the early days of the pandemic, to getting shots in arms and providing important testing services, the pharmacy community has played a vital role in expanding patient access to care and helping communities reopen and return to normal.
With 87% of Minnesotans saying it is very or somewhat easy to access pharmacies, ranking their accessibility the highest among healthcare destinations tested, pharmacies have effectively connected millions of patients – including those who do not otherwise have a primary care provider – to important healthcare services. A poll commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Morning Consult found that 64% of Minnesota adults believe “learning the lessons of the pandemic means keeping in place policies that make it easier for patients to access services from pharmacists and other pharmacy team members.”
Engage in this NACDS RxIMPACT effort TODAY to permanently maintain the allowances for pharmacy personnel as authorized by the PREP Act! Simply enter your contact information once, click the "Send Message" button, and the system will generate personalized communications to your state senator and state representative.
If you have any questions or would like any assistance, please contact Jill McCormack via email or at 717-592-8977 or email or Heidi Ecker via telephone at 703-837-4121 or email.
Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) allowances that enabled pharmacies across the country to provide a broad array of immunizations and testing services during the pandemic will soon expire. A legislative solution -- HF 1197/SF 1176 -- would help remedy regional disparities in healthcare access to enable use of the entire pharmacy team (including pharmacy technicians) in administering these services.
In the state of Minnesota, bills not approved by their committees of jurisdiction by April 4th will not be further considered in 2023. Help NACDS RxIMPACT tell legislators that it is critical that HF 1197/SF 1176 is committee-approved by April 4th so this legislation has the chance to be enacted into law before the expiration of pharmacy flexibilities.
Temporary federal PREP Act allowances have allowed pharmacy providers to play a vital role in connecting the broader public to essential healthcare services. Over the last two years, pharmacies have taken extraordinary measures to meet Americans’ needs for essential healthcare services. From keeping doors open and lights on in the early days of the pandemic, to getting shots in arms and providing important testing services, the pharmacy community has played a vital role in expanding patient access to care and helping communities reopen and return to normal.
With 87% of Minnesotans saying it is very or somewhat easy to access pharmacies, ranking their accessibility the highest among healthcare destinations tested, pharmacies have effectively connected millions of patients – including those who do not otherwise have a primary care provider – to important healthcare services. A poll commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Morning Consult found that 64% of Minnesota adults believe “learning the lessons of the pandemic means keeping in place policies that make it easier for patients to access services from pharmacists and other pharmacy team members.”
Engage in this NACDS RxIMPACT effort TODAY to permanently maintain the allowances for pharmacy personnel as authorized by the PREP Act! Simply enter your contact information once, click the "Send Message" button, and the system will generate personalized communications to your state senator and state representative.
If you have any questions or would like any assistance, please contact Jill McCormack via email or at 717-592-8977 or email or Heidi Ecker via telephone at 703-837-4121 or email.