2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Modernize The Iowa Pharmacy Practice Act

Since the Iowa Pharmacy Practice Act’s last complete update 30+ years ago, pharmacist education and training has transformed drastically. All pharmacists now graduate with a doctorate degree and training to perform clinical services in a wide variety of practice settings, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IPA supports modernizing the Iowa Pharmacy Practice Act to cut red tape, align with other healthcare practitioners in the state, increase professional autonomy, and match the evolving practice of pharmacists to improve patient access and outcomes.

Protect Iowa Medicaid

Across the country, state Medicaid programs and Governors look to Iowa Medicaid’s prescription drug policies in managed care. Iowa Medicaid’s current model utilizes a state managed survey, which prevents the opacity prevalent in private sector PBM relationships.

IPA supports laws, regulations, and policies that ensure prescription drug reimbursement under Medicaid is sustainable, predictable, and transparent. This includes maintaining patient access by paying pharmacies at average acquisition cost, plus a cost of dispensing fee.

IPA supports continued funding under Medicaid for prescription drug reimbursement, as has been in place since 2012. The most recent survey in 2021 showed the COD increased from $10.38 to $10.97.

State Policy Positions

Restricted Drug Distribution Models

Drug distribution models known as white bagging and brown bagging undermine hospitals’ patient safety protections and jeopardize patient care. IPA supports regulations that prohibit third-party mandated brown and white bagging, which interrupts safe chain of custody of medications and risks misuse by patients.

Maintain The Integrity Of The 340b Program

The 340B drug pricing program enables covered entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services. Ensuring the 340B drug pricing program remains protected is essential to preserving access to care. IPA supports regulations to ensure the intent of the 340B program is not further eroded.

Regulate Pbms To Ensure Patient Access

Pharmacists are the most accessible member of the healthcare team with nearly 9 of every 10 Americans living within five miles of a pharmacy.

Pharmacies in Iowa continue to risk closure due to unfair and predatory PBM practices. The unanimous passage of PBM reform during the 2022 Legislative Session is an encouraging step in the regulation of nontransparent PBM practices in Iowa, and regulatory enforcement is the next step to ensure patient access to critical pharmacy services and prescription medications.

LEARN MORE: www.iarx.org/legresources

NON-MEDICAL SWITCHING

The practice of non-medical switching by PBMs and health plans compromises patient health, interferes with the patient-provider relationship, and increases overall healthcare costs. IPA opposes restrictions and barriers on pharmacists and other healthcare professionals that limit access to and prevent the optimization of healthcare services for patients.

Professional Autonomy

IPA recognizes the professional autonomy of pharmacists who have the authority and obligation to use their training, education, and experience to make clinical decisions for safe and effective patient care. IPA opposes legislation, regulation, or policies that limit the ability of pharmacists to exercise professional autonomy.

Continue learning about IPA’s advocacy efforts after Pharmacist Day on the Hill!

1 Hour Pharmacy Law Ce Per Session

FREE with Pharmacist Day on the Hill registration for paid IPA members & FREE for all ENGAGED Pharmacist members! (Value $15/webinar)

AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND

PBM Regulation in Iowa and Beyond

Featuring:

Michael Murphy, PharmD, MBA, Advisor for State Government Affairs, APhA Andria Seip, Senior Policy Specialist, Iowa Insurance Division

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1:00-2:00 PM

First Funnel: Iowa Legislative Update

Featuring:

Matt Eide, IPA Lobbyist, Eide-Walton Lobbying and Government Relations

Kate Walton, IPA Lobbyist, Eide-Walton Lobbying and Government Relations

FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 1:00-2:00 PM

Pharmacy Practice Act Update

Featuring:

Seth Brown, JD, Director of Public Affairs, IPA

Brett Barker, PharmD, Senior Policy Advisor, IPA

For CPE details and more information, visit www.iarx.org/I2A_webinars .