Advocacy

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New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists (NYSCHP) works tirelessly to improve public health by ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacy personnel work at the top of their license; NYSCHP advocates for policies that optimize the role of the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the care of patients.

NYSCHP supports legislation that permanently authorizes pharmacists to perform simple non-invasive tests and directs the Commissioner of Health to establish which CLIA-waived tests pharmacists may perform.

Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) offers a valuable opportunity for pharmacists to work directly with physicians in managing and optimizing drug therapies for patients. Under CDTM, pharmacists can adjust or manage medication regimens for specific diseases or conditions, provided the patient consents and the practice occurs in facilities regulated by Article 28 of the Public Health Law, such as diagnostic centers, treatment centers, and hospital-based outpatient departments.

The successful implementation of CDTM across New York has led to notable improvements in patient care outcomes, medication adherence, and reductions in healthcare costs. The authority for CDTM has been renewed for another two years as of July 2024, as it is necessary to ensure the continued availability of these essential services.

It is crucial to communicate to your legislators the importance of maintaining and supporting CDTM to be signed into law. Frequent renewal requirements can hinder the growth and stability of these valuable services, potentially impacting patient care and healthcare efficiency.

Please consider reaching out to your legislators to advocate for the continued support and robust development of CDTM services. Your support helps ensure that these critical resources remain available for improving patient care across New York.

What can you do to support the legislative efforts of the pharmacy community?  

  • Schedule a meeting with your Assembly member or State Senator
  • Contact your Assembly member or State Senator (via mail, phone, email) and ask for their support on a piece of legislation
  • Ask your legislator to visit your site – this will allow them to appreciate Health-System Pharmacy and everything you do to provide excellent patient care
  • Talk among your peers about the need to pass pharmacy legislation (staff meeting, interdisciplinary meetings, etc.)
  • Come to Albany for Pharmacy Day  and join us for NYSCHP Advocacy Week
  • Make a personal donation to the NYSCHP Political Action Committee (PAC); organize/attend a fundraiser for the PAC
    • To contribute to the PAC, make checks payable to NYSCHP-PAC, 230 Washington Avenue Extension, Suite 101, Albany, NY 12203. PAC contributions are not tax deductible.

Not sure what to do? Contact our NYSCHP Advocacy team for guidance.

State Advocacy Resources:

NYSCHP predominately focuses on only a few pieces of legislation; please review each page for the applicable information for those policies:

Scheduling a visit with a legislator’s office. For a sample email, click HERE.

Going to your first visit with a legislator? See a sample script HERE.

You may hear some frequently asked questions by the legislator. Click HERE for answers.

Interested in learning how a bill becomes a law in New York? Click HERE.

How do I tell if my assembly member or state senator supports legislation we prefer? Click HERE

NYS Medicaid Proposed and Approved State Plan Amendments

NYS Medicaid Plan Update Page

National Advocacy Resources:

NYSCHP is the New York State affiliate of ASHP, and therefore supports ASHP's strong advocacy message and mission. Please visit ASHP's Advocacy Page for information.