National Group Develops State Policy Recommendations for Pharmacist Medication Administration
NASPA and CPNP Convene Experts to Improve Medication Adherence
The Medication Administration Stakeholder Group, convened by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP), has developed state policy recommendations for pharmacist administration of medications. These recommendations encompass all non-vaccine medications, and also specifically address the administration of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications, a class of medications that has a clear public health need for increased access.
Stakeholder Group participants included pharmacists and contributors from a variety of backgrounds, including mental health and were selected based on their knowledge and experience with medication administration or pharmacy policy. Participants considered the existing landscape of state laws and regulations, the need for increased patient access, and pharmacist education and training in compiling their recommendations.
Recognizing the importance of this work, NASPA Executive Vice President & CEO Rebecca Snead states: “There is a need for increased medication administration services, whether for a needle-phobic patient with a self-administered injectable medication, or for the patient with mental health conditions struggling with non-adherence with their oral medication but lacking access to a facility that can administer a long-acting product. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide this service, and may even help destigmatize the experience for patients, by offering this administration service in a community pharmacy, rather than in a mental health-specific clinic.”
CPNP Executive Director Brenda Schimenti states: “Evidence continues to grow regarding the efficacy of long-acting antipsychotic injections in preventing readmissions and improving the long-term prognosis for those with schizophrenia. However, access to these medications remains limited. As demonstrated through their success in improving rates of immunization, pharmacists are the most accessible health professional. These recommendations recognize the important roles pharmacists can fulfill in care coordination and the administration of chronic medications such as LAIs and naltrexone.”
NASPA and CPNP would like to thank Janssen for their sponsorship, which helped to make this work possible.
