proposed regions iii, iv, v resolutions · whereas, it is necessary for pharmacists to be...

SNPhA Regions III, IV & V Proposed Resolutions

2018

Table of Contents I. Education & Licensure

II. Medication Information and Regulations III. Professional Practice IV. Patient Care and Counseling V. Technology and Support Services

VI. Initiatives and Community Service

I. Education and Licensure

Proposed Resolution 2018.13P Sponsors: University of Findlay

Category: Education & Licensure

WHEREAS, SNPhA supports improving the standard requirements to qualify as a pharmacy technician and progressing their role to include certification and living wage, and

WHEREAS, 17 states allow pharmacy technicians to accept verbal prescriptions called in by a prescriber, prescriber’s agent, or transfer a prescription from one pharmacy to another,

Be it RESOLVED, that SNPhA supports legislation that allows certified and registered pharmacy technicians to receive and/or transfer verbal prescriptions in community or institutional settings.

Proposed Resolution 2018.32P

Sponsors: University of Texas at Tyler

Category: Education & Licensure

WHEREAS, the gap between underserved populations, such as those with english as their second language, and those at socioeconomic and educational disadvantages, with health care needs that continues to grow, it is essential that pharmacists aid in eliminating health communication barriers for these minority populations and their healthcare providers by providing appropriate education on their disease states as well as prescribed medications.

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA encourages the addition of a requirement to the PharmD curriculum aimed at addressing and alleviating this gap by educating pharmacists on how to properly serve as medical liaisons for these individuals and help meet their medical needs.

II. Medication Information and Regulations

Proposed Resolution 2018.57P Sponsors: Texas Southern University

Category: Medication Information & Regulations

WHEREAS; The CDC reports that deaths caused by opioids have increased by 5 times from 1999 to 2016 with deaths caused by opioid related overdose totaling over 200,000 in the U.S.

WHEREAS; Studies report that there were over 42,249 opioid related deaths in the U.S. in 2016, with a predicted increase for 2017.

WHEREAS; Pharmacies currently comply with DEA requirements regarding records of schedule II controlled substances including opioids.

WHEREAS; The pharmacist is more readily available than most healthcare providers to consult patients on opioid addiction.

BE IT RESOLVED; SNPhA supports a program that red-flags patients in the pharmacy database, that the program shows to be at risk for opioid abuse or whom could benefit from counseling of the potential dangers including but not limited to abuse/overdose.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that SNPhA encourage the implementation of this software at retail pharmacies nationwide.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that SNPhA encourages the requirement that pharmacist are trained on understanding the systems red-flags or alerts, and are trained on counseling the patients accordingly.

Proposed Resolution 2018.58P

Sponsors: Texas A&M University


Update to Resolution 2012.51

WHEREAS, OTC availability of dextromethorphan has led to an increasing rate of abuse;

WHEREAS, the adverse effects of dextromethorphan are potentiated with the additive active ingredients.

WHEREAS pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be aware of the many various combination products containing dextromethorphan as an active ingredient.

BE IT RESOLVED SNPhA encourages a national implementation of age restriction of dextromethorphan purchases and/or limitation to behind the counter.

Resolution 2012.51 reads as follows:

WHEREAS, OTC availability of dextromethorphan has led to an increasing rate of

abuse;

BE IT RESOLVED SNPhA encourages a national implementation of age restriction of dextromethorphan purchases and/or limitation to behind the counter.

Proposed Resolution 2018.65P Sponsors: University of Kentucky


WHEREAS, low health literacy affects medication adherence rates, leads to reduced health outcomes, and diminishes the patient centered health care approach,

WHEREAS, health literacy disproportionately affects minority, immigrant, limited education and elderly populations,

WHEREAS, expectations of patients by healthcare professionals are increasingly demanding,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports pharmacy health literacy assessments by objective parties to aid in the identification of barriers that prevent the effective use of pharmacy services and implementation of policies to optimize health outcomes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, use of pill (PictureRx) cards including photos of medications and pictograms displaying indication and daily use be a standardized option in the community pharmacy setting.

Proposed Resolution 2018.70P Sponsors: University of Michigan



WHEREAS, the majority of states have varying legislation regarding the legal use of cannabis as a recreational and/or medicinal entity has led to increased access to and use of the substance by the public,

WHEREAS, long-term clinical data regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis is necessary for patients, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to make better-informed treatment decisions,

WHEREAS, research regarding the psychosocial impacts and medical efficacy of cannabis when used as a treatment for various therapeutic applications will be beneficial, especially in the context of the opioid epidemic,

WHEREAS, well-controlled, large-scale clinical studies of cannabis and insurance coverage thereof are limited due to its classification as schedule I controlled substance,

Be it RESOLVED, SNPhA supports the removal of medical cannabis from the list of schedule I substances.


WHEREAS, the majority of states have varying legislation regarding the legalization of the use of marijuana recreationally and/or medicinally has lead to increased access of the substance to the public,

WHEREAS, the prolonged prohibition of marijuana and its classification as a schedule I controlled substance has limited research regarding the psychosocial impacts and medical efficaciousness of marijuana as a treatment option for various disease states,

WHEREAS, it is necessary for pharmacists to be well-versed in drug interactions, adverse drug events, and medicinal chemistry for the drugs our patients may be exposed to, BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports the need for expanding clinical research on medicinal uses of marijuana, pertaining to efficacy and safety of the drug.

Proposed Resolution 2018.76P Sponsors: Washington State University


WHEREAS, the risks for prescribing opioid-containing cough and cold products to children younger than 18 years old outweigh the benefits of the product

WHEREAS, underserved populations face more barriers concerning opioid abuse

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports the FDA's action to limit the use of cough and cold products containing codeine or hydrocodone for children younger than 18 years old by revising labeling to limit pediatric use.

III. Professional Practice

Proposed Resolution 2018.16P Sponsors: Ohio Northern University

Category: Professional Practice


WHEREAS; pharmacists have an integral role in healthcare profession, still legislation does not view pharmacists as healthcare providers is largely misunderstood by the general public.

WHEREAS, without legislation recognizing pharmacists as providers, pharmacists are not compensated appropriately for services such as immunization administration, MTM, and point of care testing.

BE IT RESOLVED; that SNPhA chapters take initiatives to educate students about what pharmacists can accomplish with provider status and also to encourage all students to be actively involved in advocating for the profession;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; SNPhA supports all legislation naming pharmacists as healthcare providers, including but not limited to underserved areas where pharmacists can demonstrate their utility as outlined in The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that SNPhA promotes campaigns to raise awareness to legislators about the different patient-centered services that pharmacists provide and encourages that current legislation be amended to include pharmacists as nationally recognized healthcare providers.


WHEREAS; pharmacists have an integral role in healthcare profession, still legislation does not view pharmacists as healthcare providers is largely misunderstood by the general public.

BE IT RESOLVED; that SNPhA chapters take initiatives to educate students about what pharmacists can accomplish with provider status and also to encourage all students to be actively involved in advocating for the profession;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; SNPhA supports all legislation naming pharmacists as healthcare providers, including but not limited to underserved areas where pharmacists can demonstrate their utility as outlined in The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that SNPhA promotes campaigns to raise awareness to legislators about the different patient-centered services that pharmacists provide and encourages that current legislation be amended to include pharmacists as nationally recognized healthcare providers.

Proposed Resolution 2018.18P Sponsors: Touro University California


WHEREAS, many state legislatures are moving to recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers, such as SB 493 in California, pharmacists as providers have a vital role in assisting allergists through antimicrobial stewardship via the determination of true penicillin allergies by ordering and interpreting lab tests, such as penicillin allergy skin testing, and preventing penicillin allergies from being a major barrier to achieving therapeutic effectiveness in treatment of infections; WHEREAS, pharmacists may assist allergists in efforts to become more cost-effective and proactive in the clinical treatment of infections and to avoid complications in antibiotic therapy; BE IT RESOLVED; SNPhA supports penicillin allergy skin testing to be ordered and interpreted by clinical pharmacists who are recognized as healthcare providers and have completed training led by an allergist in an effort for progressive antibiotic stewardship.

Proposed Resolution 2018.69P Sponsors: Midwestern University


WHEREAS: There has been a decrease in ischemic stroke incidence in the past decade as reflected by concurrent increase in statin and hypertension pharmaceutical treatment, hemorrhagic stroke incidence has remained the same.

BE IT RESOLVED: that SNPhA supports pharmacists and patients alike in identifying and distinguishing signs and symptoms between the two classes of stroke in addition to continuing to provide support for modifiable risk factors.

Proposed Resolution 2018.73P Sponsors: Purdue University


WHEREAS, studies have shown a lack of confidence and responsibility in decision making among pharmacists that can affect patient outcomes, and

WHEREAS, pharmacists play a key role in patient health at all levels,

BE IT RESOLVED, that SNPhA encourages the implementation of professional opportunities designed to increase clinical confidence, responsibility and decision-making in all settings of practice.

IV. Patient Care and Counseling

Proposed Resolution 2018.15P Sponsors: Cedarville University

Category: Patient Care & Counseling

WHEREAS, an increasing number of the underserved population abruptly discontinue their anti-depression medications due to socioeconomic factors that lead to many detrimental side effects such as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS).

Be it RESOLVED, SNPhA supports the training of pharmacists to safely recommend and consult the underserved patients about the importance and efficacy of antidepressant medications and the effective methods to taper therapy to avoid abrupt discontinuation of such medications.

Proposed Resolution 2018.17P Sponsors: Ohio Northern University



WHEREAS, misconceptions and fears of vaccine dangers are leading to an increase in under vaccination and a decrease in herd immunity

WHEREAS, a decrease in herd immunity and under vaccination has led to the reemergence of once controlled diseases

BE IT RESOLVED: SNPhA supports providing patient education and counseling about the importance of proper vaccination especially early childhood, teenage and young adult timing of booster doses, along with age appropriate adult vaccinations.


WHEREAS misconceptions and fears of vaccine dangers are leading to an increase in under vaccination and a decrease in herd immunity

BE IT RESOLVED: SNPhA supports providing patient education and counseling about the importance of proper vaccination especially early childhood, teenage and

young adult timing of booster doses, along with age appropriate adult vacciations.

Proposed Resolution 2018.22P Sponsors: University of Texas


WHEREAS, one of SNPhA's objectives is to educate students about, and promote active participation in national healthcare issues, and

WHEREAS, victims of assault and abuse are a vulnerable and underserved population,

WHEREAS, pharmacists are some of the most trusted healthcare professionals and a resource to many patients

Be it RESOLVED, SNPhA condemns abuse of power used to assault and/or harm another human, especially by healthcare professionals who have access to patients and their trust, and

Be it further RESOLVED, SNPhA will work to support victims of abuse when/if they decide to speak out against their offenders and to encourage policies in workplaces, schools, and public establishments that protect against such offenses.

Proposed Resolution 2018.30P Sponsors: University of Louisiana Monroe



WHEREAS, there is a societal stigma for those suffering from a mental illness, causing these individuals to deny their suffering out of fear they will appear morally weak, incompetent, or socially unacceptable,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA acknowledges mental illness as described by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to be as valid as physical

illness and supports legislations pertaining to increased financing of and improved access to mental health treatment.


WHEREAS; our society is plagued with a widespread prejudice against those suffering with mental illness, causing these individuals to deny their mental suffering out of fear that they will appear to be morally weak, incompetent, or not meeting socially acceptable standards;

BE IT RESOLVED; SNPhA acknowledges that mental illness is as valid as physical illness and supports legislations pertaining to an increased financing of and improved access to mental health treatment.

Proposed Resolution 2018.36P Sponsors: University of Houston


WHEREAS, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) asserts that every 98 seconds another person experiences sexual assault;

WHEREAS, RAINN further asserts that 1 in 33 men, 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 2 transgender people report experiencing an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime; WHEREAS, victims of rape or sexual assault are at an increased risk for mental health conditions, such as, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders; BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA acknowledges the harmful effects sexual assault can have on a victim’s mental health. Thus, a partnership with Mental Health America is encouraged to assist student pharmacists in recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health disorders associated with sexual assault.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, SNPhA supports connecting survivors of rape or sexual assault with organizations, such as RAINN, that provide proper counseling, support groups, and local resources for victims in a fragile mental health state.

Proposed Resolution 2018.39P Sponsors: California Northstate University


WHEREAS, CDC reports that flu vaccination coverage is lower among racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States, and

WHEREAS, these populations are more affected by chronic diseases including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, which places them at an increased risk for severe flu-associated complications or even death;

BE IT RESOLVED, that SNPhA supports the national campaign to promote the importance of flu vaccination among underserved populations, along with information on how to receive it at no cost to the patient, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SNPhA supports the expansion of student pharmacists’ involvement in social media and vaccination promotion events in the community to inform and encourage flu vaccinations.

Proposed Resolution 2018.55P Sponsors: Wayne State University


WHEREAS, increased fracture rates in elder community are not well addressed

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports Bone Health Assessment and education for older adults through the use of posters and aids during community health fairs in underserved communities to promote the referral of patients for help to reduce fracture and mortality rate in this population

Proposed Resolution 2018.63P Sponsors: The Ohio State University


WHEREAS, immigrants and refugees face numerous barriers regarding access to healthcare, and

WHEREAS, low health literacy and language barriers are major contributors to the health disparities of immigrants and refugees,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA encourages programs that focus on education for immigrant and refugee populations on navigating the American healthcare system including but not limited to the basics of using a pharmacy, insurance, and utilizing over the counter medications.

Proposed Resolution 2018.71P Sponsors: University of Michigan



WHEREAS, for adults and children patients suffering from severe allergies, the use, and the availability of affordable prescription emergency epinephrine is an essential prescription medication regardless of a patient's' age, gender, race, or economic status, or any protected status,

WHEREAS, many physicians do not know how to write a prescription which allows pharmacists to dispense generic versions of epinephrine auto injectors creating dispensing delays and subsequently putting patients at risk for untreated anaphylaxis,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports and encourages pharmacists to inform patients and prescribers about the availability of affordable brand/generic epinephrine drug options in the US market and the correct process by which to obtain them.


WHEREAS, for adults and children suffering from severe allergies, the use, and availability of emergency epinephrine is an essential prescription medication regardless of patients' age, gender, race or economic status,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA supports and encourages pharmacist to inform patients and prescribers about the availability of affordable brand/generic epinephrine drug options in the US market.

Proposed Resolution 2018.79P Sponsors: University of Houston and St. Louis College of Pharmacy


WHEREAS, The U.S. Census Bureau states that there are approximately 1.2 million adults living with intellectual disabilities, such as autism, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, with a higher prevalence associated with low socioeconomic status; WHEREAS, patients with intellectual disabilities suffer from significant health care disparities, due to a lack of specialized training by healthcare professionals; BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA encourages a partnership with the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to formulate enhanced techniques to counsel and care for patients with intellectual disabilities with the goal of improving medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

V. Technology and Support Services

Proposed Resolution 2018.56P Sponsors: Texas Southern University

Category: Technology & Support Services

WHEREAS; Current technology and internet search engines have made access to prescription drug information more readily accessible to patients.

WHEREAS; Internet searches are convenient for patients, however, they provide broad information which is not specific to individual patients.

WHEREAS; Internet medication records would allow patients more privacy than carrying paper printed medication records.

WHEREAS; Online prescription records would make personal records accessible to the patient immediately or in an emergency, regardless of location, similar to the online accessibility of labs and imaging currently made available by other providers.

BE IT RESOLVED; SNPhA encourages adding current patient medication list to an online patient portal, including drug education leaflets, to increase patient accessibility, knowledge, safety, and adherence to drug therapy regimen.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; That the proposed portals would require secure servers and patient registered password logins, in order to protect patient privacy and adhere to HIPPA regulations.

VI. Initiatives and Community Service

Proposed Resolution 2018.1P Sponsors: University of the Incarnate Word

Category: Initiatives & Community Service

WHEREAS, SNPhA aims to improve the healthcare and healthcare awareness of underserved populations, and

WHEREAS, SNPhA develops efforts to understand and be inclusive of diverse underserved communities,

BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA incorporates efforts to identify remote rural communities that are medically neglected, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, SNPhA support these identified rural communities through health fairs or health education.

Proposed Resolution 2018.40P Sponsors: California Northstate University


WHEREAS, free clinics that deliver health services to predominantly uninsured patients and depend greatly on volunteers for clinical expertise, remain an underutilized academic institution partnership, and

WHEREAS, partnerships between pharmacy schools and free clinics may procure a role for free clinics in the health-care delivery setting;

BE IT RESOLVED, that SNPhA supports these organizations to offer pharmacy students an opportunity to serve underserved populations in a supervised environment, while concurrently supporting the mission of the free clinic, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SNPhA supports the responsibility of pharmacy school educators to maximize student awareness of the needs of the underserved and encourage student choice into professional practice in underserved communities.

Proposed Resolution 2018.42P Sponsors: University of Cincinnati


WHEREAS, SNPhA’s mission is to serve the underserved communities and is concerned about the poor minority representation in pharmacy and other health-related professions; and,

WHEREAS, 84,995 refugees were resettled to the U.S in 2016 form East and South Asia, Africa, and Europe (The UN Refugee Agency); and,

WHEREAS, refugees often suffer from acute mental health problems and trauma symptoms, notably depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (Langlois, 2016); and,

WHEREAS, refugees are subject to disparities in access to healthcare (ACA Section 4302); and,

WHEREAS, many adult refugees become uninsured after their 8 months of Refugee Medical Assistance expires (ACA);

BE IT RESOLVED, that SNPhA will take all appropriate measures to spread awareness about the healthcare disparities that refugees face as a minority, and advocate to provide more healthcare services to them.

Proposed Resolution 2018.75P Sponsors: Xavier University of Louisiana


WHEREAS; SNPhA supports cultural competency and diversity in health care and other professions, in the efforts of breaking down barriers and connecting the P.I.E.C.E.S., to produce a better understanding of the diverse populations we will likely serve.

BE IT RESOLVED; that SNPhA will play an integral role in the National Leadership Alliance (NLA), a coalition of five minority-focused national student/professional leadership groups, which include the organizations: SNMA, NBLSA, SNDA, and NSBE;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; SNPhA supports the implementation of a Cultural Competence CIC Coordinator, or component, within chapters to help facilitate and maintain a steady relationship and continued collaboration in efforts to promote cultural competence and eliminate health disparities

Proposed Resolution 2018.78P Sponsors: Rosalind Franklin University


WHEREAS Elementary aged children are not adequately informed on possible future health careers, especially pharmacy, and the wide variety of options within the profession,

BE IT RESOLVED that SNPhA supports the education of these children with outreach and education events at local elementary schools in underserved areas that are in close proximity to the chapter’s school location.

Proposed Resolution 2018.80P Sponsors: California Health Sciences University


WHEREAS, there is a current and future deficit of minority and bilingual health care professionals, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and a need to attract and develop students from these communities to serve these communities as part of any sustainable solution, WHEREAS, the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) supports minority and bilingual students engaging in pharmacy careers and shares our vision for diverse health professionals serving the community, WHEREAS, the applicant to seat ratio for admission into a US Doctor of Pharmacy program is at a historic low despite a national shortage of healthcare providers,

WHEREAS, SNPhA currently encourages High School Affiliate Membership, WHEREAS, programming and recruitment of pre-pharmacy students occurs at many of the SNPhA chapters but may lack a unified vision, focused coordination, sharing of best practices and sustaining resources across chapters, BE IT RESOLVED, SNPhA promotes the development of coordinated programming that provides students from underserved communities motivation, support, training, guidance, mentorship and a network of resources and opportunities necessary to pursue higher education and a create a pipeline to the profession of pharmacy, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, SNPhA hereby establishes “FutuRx: Mentoring the Underserved” as a new national initiative to develop and sustain this pipeline, cultivating the necessary leadership and resources at the national, regional, and chapter levels, beginning fall 2018.

proposed regions iii, iv, v resolutions · whereas, it is necessary for pharmacists to be...

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