ASHP members approve three policies at first virtual House of Delegates

More than 200 members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recently approved three professional policies at the organization's inaugural virtual House of Delegates.

Through the use of an online voting platform and ASHP's online member forum called "ASHP Connect," delegates voted to approve polices regarding the naming of biosimilar products, appropriate use of testosterone and the roles of pharmacy technicians.

The first policy states that original, related and biosimilar biological products share the same nonproprietary name.

The second policy has to do with providing the public, patients and pharmacists with information on the pros and cons of using testosterone and how to safely handle to avoid harm when coming into contact with other people.

The policy also educates healthcare providers on how to properly evaluate candidates for testosterone therapy and calls for additional research on the long-term effects associated with the therapy.

The third policy encourages the ASHP to provide a statement outlining the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians as well as describe a model that deals with the education and certification of pharmacy technicians. 

Before the creation of the virtual version, the ASHP's House of Delegates would meet once a year in June for the organization's summer meetings.

“With the advent of the virtual House of Delegates, ASHP can more quickly create professional policies to address rapidly evolving developments in patient care and pharmacy practice,” ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said. “The virtual House also allows more ASHP members to be engaged in the ASHP policy process through sharing their views and expertise, as well as being part of shaping the future of patient care and pharmacy practice.”