UConn Pharmacy Leaders Track: NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capital Hill

RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill

My name is Robert Guarino and I’m a second professional year pharmacy student at the University of Connecticut. Last week I traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in RxIMPACT Day on Capital Hill. RxIMPACT day is a program that is put on by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and it brings together CEOs, CFOs, pharmacy operators, pharmacists, pharmacy school Deans, student pharmacists and executives to educate Members of Congress and their staff about the services pharmacists provide. As a team we discuss the importance of pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy and key issues affecting healthcare.

RxIMPACT is two day event. The first day the student pharmacists learn about leadership and advocacy. Cynthia Boyle (PharmD) explained how to incorporate proper leadership into our practice after graduating. Additionally, she informed the participants how to become involved with advocating as a student. The main idea behind her presentation was to keep looking for improvement. Whether it be improving our leadership skills or the profession, there is room for “improvement in the status quo.”

Deputy Chief of Staff James Paluskiewicz also attended our orientation meeting. He works in the office of Micheal C. Burgess (R-Tx26). James gave us a view from the other side of the table. We would eventually go on to talk to staff members like James about the profession of pharmacy and various bills. James gave the audience the inside scoop on how to effectively advocate to the Congress members and their staffs. He informed us to make any “asks” for the congressmen to be easily understood so that they don’t misconstrue your message. James discussed his experiences with other advocators and about effective techniques of communication that ensure policy makers hear your message.

Nick Dorich (PharmD) went on to give the audience a crash course in advocating. Some important ideas we discussed overlapped with ones we learn at UConn; such as, don’t assume everyone knows what you are talking about. Just because your advocacy team knows the importance of a pharmacist to the healthcare team, this doesn’t mean a policy maker will. It is essential to know your audience before giving any type or presentation or having a discussion. Another rule of thumb we went over, if you don’t know the answer to a question don’t lie! It is important to keep your facts straight. You need to be honest and tell someone you don’t know the answer to their question. You will get back to them after looking up the answer. The final point Nick drove home was how essential it is to follow up with the people we would go on to meet on the Hill. Follow up can be as simple as a thank you card and can include answers or information that Members of Congress and their staffs were seeking. Congressmen have a lot going on and by following up with your discussion they know you take your stance seriously and you won’t simply go away. Following up is what separates a good advocator from a great advocator.

On the second day, I was matched up with several pharmacists and fellow UConn pharmacy students to form Team Connecticut. We were scheduled to visit six different offices of various Connecticut House of Representatives and Senators. We discussed three bills with the staffers of the offices. The first “ask” we had for the offices was for them to sign a congressional letter to the HHS secretary requesting a one year transition for state implementation of Average Manufacture Price (AMP)-based Federal Upper Limits (FULs). Our group didn’t have any opposition to the program, we just believe the States need more time to properly implement the new reimbursement standards. Having another year would allow States to conduct dispensing studies to ensure pharmacies are fairly reimbursed.

The second “ask” involved the pharmacists expanding their role and gaining a provider status. We asked for the support of HR 4190, which would allow pharmacies to bill Medicare Part B for medically necessary services and preventative services. All the services are already in the scope of practice of a pharmacist. This bill would allow third party payors to recognize pharmacists as providers and thus would expand the types and number of services provided. Pharmacists would be able to perform at their full capability and would allow underserved populations to have access proper care.

The last “ask” was for the offices to sign a Congressional letter to urging CMS to finalize key pharmacy provisions in the proposed Medicare Part D regulation. Specific provisions in the proposed rule by CMS would lead to improved health outcomes at lower program costs. These Provisions would give pharmacies the option to participate in a Plan’s network and provide preferred cost sharing rates. This provision would empower the patient and would allow them to chose which pharmacy they go to. This increases the accessibility of healthcare to patient and allows for better more consistent care. When a patient is forced to go to another pharmacy, this leads to “gaps” in healthcare. The new pharmacy doesn’t know the patient like the original pharmacists does. The original pharmacist knows the patient history and social factors present. When a patient is uprooted and goes to a new pharmacy, there is a lack of patient history in the computer system. The new pharmacist has to start at square one and doesn’t know what to expect with each patient.

Team Connecticut spoke to different staffers for most of the day. The highlight of the day occurred during our last meeting. I was a little disappointed that my team and I hadn’t met any congress members. This is when Joe Courtney walked into his office the same time we did! Mr. Courtney invited us into his office to discuss our ideas. Mr. Courtney seemed very receptive to our ideas and recognizing pharmacists as providers. He had to step out of our meeting a little early so he could attend a vote. However, he snapped a picture with Team Connecticut before taking off. It was very exciting to meet the Representative of my district and discuss my profession with him! This was great way to end a long day with my team.

RxIMPACT was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to feel connected to my profession. I felt empowered and that my voice made a difference. It was interesting to see yet another way in which you can utilize your pharmD. This program educated me on how the Hill works and how to be an efficient advocator. RxIMPACT day allowed me to grow as a leader and meet with some of our professional and national leaders. I met pharmacy students from all over the country and have developed new friendships. This was a rewarding experience and I would highly recommend anyone attend RxIMPACT day. It is crucial to have students participating because we are the future. Our advocacy will influence our development as a profession and our role as part of the health care team. This a breath of fresh air and allows you to utilize your leadership skills. It is important to do things outside of the classroom and RxIMPACT day is a great way to get involved. NACDS showed me that I have the power to make a positive change in the profession of pharmacy.