The outlook for pharmacist initiation and modification of drug therapy.
Changing state laws to permit an expanded scope of practice for pharmacists is a key step in positioning pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care. Sixteen states currently allow pharmacists to initiate and/or modify drug therapy; legislation is proposed in 15 other states. Twenty-eight of the 44 states that completed the survey allow pharmacists neither dependent nor independent authority to prescribe. Physician opposition was often cited as a barrier to passage of legislation. The Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs extend pharmacists independent prescribing authority.
Shefcheck
S L
SL
Pharmaceutical Economics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., USA.
Thomas
J
J
D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D007885:Legislation, Pharmacy / Q000639:trends*; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States