Today marks another big milestone here at APhA. We are pleased to share exciting news about our efforts to secure formal federal recognition of pharmacists as health care providers. APhA has joined the newly formed Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC), with pharmacy organizations and stakeholders to achieve recognition of pharmacists as valued members of the health care team. The following organizations have all committed to the effort:

• Albertson's
• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
• American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
• Amerisource Bergen
• Bi-Lo Pharmacy
• Cardinal Health
• CVS Caremark
• Food Marketing Institute (FMI)
• Fred's Pharmacy
• Fruth Pharmacy
• International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP)
• National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
• National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
• Rite Aid
• Safeway Inc.
• SuperValu Pharmacies
• Thrifty White Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Winn-Dixie

PAPCC will lead the effort to develop and help enact a federal policy proposal to increase patient access to pharmacists’ patient care services. The legislative proposal would amend Medicare law to cover and pay for pharmacists’ services for some of our most vulnerable patients ― those in medically underserved communities. So this group will be knocking on the doors of Congress to ensure that pharmacists are formally recognized for their work as health care providers under federal law.

There is overwhelming evidence that when pharmacists are  full members of a a patient’s health care team, outcomes improve and overall health care costs are reduced. As we gain federal recognition, it will be easier for pharmacists to provide the critical care that our patients rely on, which will reduce system costs, improve patient outcomes and expand professional opportunities for pharmacists.

If we are successful, everyone gains, including patients, pharmacists, the medical community and the health care system. This will take time, but we are in it for the long haul. APhA and PAPCC remain steadfast in the idea that something important is worth investing in and we are committed to providing the time and resources necessary to achieve long-term success on behalf of our members, the profession and the patients you serve.

Pharmacists deserve greater recognition for the contributions they make every day to improving patient care. In the coming weeks and months, you will receive updates on the progress that the coalition makes, as well as the progress of our own APhA-directed efforts for provider status. There will be numerous opportunities to lend your voice and contribute to this cause. More information will be provided at APhA2014, in Orlando. New educational materials, tools and resources are available at pharmacist.com/providerstatusrecognition.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. This is your opportunity to support your profession. Securing your engagement and action in this initiative is how we will succeed.