Professional policies approved by ASHP House of Delegates

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) announced the professional policy changes approved by its House of Delegates last month. 

The House of Delegates sets the professional stance on pharmacy practice and medication use.

Among the policies set at the 68th annual session of the 163 voting state delegates, board of directors, ASHP past presidents, organization chairs and the five federal services delegates, was a policy calling upon Congress to ban advertising of prescription drugs and devices direct-to-consumers (DTC). Previously, the policy adopted in 1997 allowed DTC advertising if it met specific criteria.

The delegates also approved policies advocating strategies for pharmacists to follow when filling prescriptions with potential for abuse. Drug monitoring programs and take-back disposal sites help reduce the potential of prescription drug abuse.

Appropriate use and safety of antipsychotic drug therapies and epidural steroid injections were also addressed in the new policies. The delegates also formulated a policy regarding the use of methadone to treat pain.

Policies advocating professional training and career opportunities for pharmacy technicians were also presented to the ASHP membership. The delegates also advocated leadership opportunities, interprofessional education and training and cultural competency for pharmacy professionals.

The professional policies established by the House of Delegates determines the organization's stance on a variety of professional issues. The House of Delegates meets in person once a year at the ASHP summer meeting. It also meets virtually in March and November.