Resolution No. 108-3-12
Title: Educating the Public about Pharmacist Care Services and the Pharmacists’ Role in Combating Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse
Action: Pass
Whereas, the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs across the United States is of epidemic proportions and a serious public health concern; and
Whereas, there is an immediate concern regarding the misuse and abuse of opiates and other drugs of concern, a problem noted by federal agencies and state prescription monitoring programs; and
Whereas, regulatory boards of all health professions with prescriptive authority have a responsibility to address prescription drug abuse, including the misuse and abuse of opiates and other drugs of concern; and
Whereas, in an effort to address this problem, states continue to review and revise state laws and regulations concerning the prescribing and dispensing of drugs subject to misuse and abuse; and
Whereas, the public and other health care professionals are often unaware of the education, training, and expertise of pharmacists, the critical role pharmacists play in health care, and the contributions pharmacists make in improving public health and safety;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) initiate conversations with interested stakeholders to collaborate in the development of the best regulatory, administrative, and educational practice models available to combat the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opiates and other drugs of concern; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NABP continue to utilize the AWARXE consumer protection program to protect the public by educating patients about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and abuse and informing health care professionals about educational resources for their patients about this issue; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NABP collaborate with interested stakeholders to develop an informational program to educate the public and other health care professionals about the role of pharmacists in the health care continuum, including information on pharmacist care services such as medication therapy management, counseling on prescription drug usage and proper drug disposal, and providing immunizations.
(Resolution passed at the NABP 108th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA)