ASHP puts out call for co-sponsors on provider status legislation

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) said legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives that would help the medically underserved needs four more co-sponsors to get to the next phase.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said he wants the proposed Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act to have a minimum of 230 co-sponsors before he will convene a hearing.

At the last count, the measure had 226 co-sponsors.

"Time is of the essence to garner additional support as there is less than a month left in the first part of this congressional session and representatives will soon be debating extending the debt ceiling,"  the ASHP said. "ASHP members are strongly encouraged to ask their members of Congress to co-sponsor the legislation."