Last week on
February 28th, I had the opportunity to attend Iowa Pharmacy Association's
Legislative Day at the Iowa State Capitol. The day began with a
legislative briefing to provide an overview of issues that the pharmacists and
student pharmacists can discuss with their legislators. Then we heard from the
newly elected House Representative member, pharmacist John Forbes about his
journey to being elected and how he is involved in health
related committees and how excited he is to represent the voice of
pharmacy. Following John Forbes, everyone visited the state capitol to
speak to their legislator and I had the opportunity to volunteer for Generation
Rx to teach about the proper disposal of unused medications. The afternoon
session included learning about medicare part D and drug shortages, medication
therapy management from the service provider, government, and health
insurance company perspective, followed by a session with the newly appointed
Iowa Insurance Commissioner on the rules governing PBM. The last
session gave pharmacists an opportunity to voice their concerns in dealing with health
insurance companies and ensuring that they they are compensated for their
services. I really enjoyed attending legislative day and was able to learn more
about a different area of pharmacy. I look forward to attending again
next year!
