Medication Assistance and Access Programs (Resolution No. 101-4-05)

May 25, 2005 1:13 pm Topics: Resolutions

Resolution No: 101-4-05
Title: Medication Assistance and Access Programs
Action: Passed

Whereas, the provision of pharmacist care by the pharmacist is an essential component of medication therapy management for all patients; and

Whereas, many pharmaceutical manufacturers administer medication assistance programs aimed at providing medications to low-income patients; and

Whereas, patients receiving medications from manufacturer subsidized access programs, such as sample medication and medication assistance programs, circumvent the access to pharmacists and the protections of pharmacist care; and

Whereas, there are inconsistencies in the overall operation of these programs, and these programs sometimes operate contrary to and in violation of state pharmacy laws;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NABP encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to amend their medication assistance and access programs to become compliant with state pharmacy laws and incorporate vouchers or other similar systems that enable patients to select a pharmacy of their choice where they can benefit from medication therapy management offered by pharmacists in consideration of patients’ existing pharmacotherapies.

(Resolution passed at NABP’s 101st Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA)