Collaborative Practice

Topic(s):

Pharmacy Benefits for the Uninsured/Underinsured

Policy 0118

11/01/2001 Introduced
02/01/2006 Revised
12/01/2010 Reapproved
03/25/2019 Revised
10/16/2023 Revised

AMCP supports the appropriate access to medications and the development of integrated systems to ensure access to enhanced pharmacy services and pharmaceutical products for all patients, regardless of insurance coverage or income.

Therapeutic Interchange

Policy 9928

11/01/1999 Introduced
03/01/2004 Reapproved
12/01/2008 Reapproved
10/01/2012 Revised
03/25/2019 Revised
02/08/2024 Revised

AMCP supports the use of evidence-based therapeutic interchange programs as a part of a comprehensive approach to quality, cost-effective patient care. AMCP believes that therapeutic interchange may improve the patient's access to more affordable health care and represents an efficient use of pharmaceutical resources that helps keep medical costs down. The therapeutic interchange programs are designed to work in conjunction with other tools that health care professionals use to promote quality medical outcomes and increase affordability to patients and payers. Therapeutic interchange is not always about simply lowering the medication costs; however, therapeutic interchange frequently occurs when overall health care savings can be achieved. There are instances where replacing one drug with a more costly drug may result in fewer treatment failures, better patient adherence to the treatment plan, fewer side effects, and improved clinical outcomes, which could result in lower overall health care spending.

(See AMCP Managed Care Pharmacy Practice Positions – Therapeutic Interchange).

Emergency Response

Policy 0303

11/01/2003 Introduced
02/01/2008 Revised
10/01/2012 Revised
10/28/2022 Revised

AMCP recognizes that pharmacists, as medication management experts, play a vital role in maintaining and promoting public health, especially during a public emergency. Therefore, AMCP supports pharmacists practicing at or above the full scope of their license during a national emergency through the continued efforts of the state boards of pharmacy, state and federal governments, and military agencies. AMCP also encourages pharmacists to participate in National Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and serve on local units of Medical Reserve Corp to respond to national and local emergencies.