ASHP House of Delegates to hold virtual session

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) said Thursday it will hold its first virtual House of Delegates session Nov. 13-20 to give delegates the chance to take early action on ASHP policy recommendations through online discussion and voting.

“The virtual House of Delegates gives delegates greater flexibility to vote on issues of importance to ASHP members as those issues arise,” ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said. “The online forum allows us to move faster in creating professional policies that improve patient care and advance pharmacy practice.” 

ASHP added a virtual session after its Task Force on Organizational Structure recommended making the policy cycle more timely and open. The second Virtual House of Delegates will be held in March 2016.

The proposed policies up for discussion during the November virtual House of Delegates session include nonproprietary naming of biological products, appropriate use of testosterone and the roles of pharmacy technicians. 

Policy recommendations approved by 85 percent or more of delegates will become ASHP policy. The House of Delegates will consider the recommendations that don’t reach consensus in June 2016.

ASHP members can log on to ASHP Connect before Nov. 13 and register to be a part of the House of Delegates. After registering, ASHP members can join the discussion board to comment on upcoming policy recommendations.