LEGISLATIVE Day
legislative day 2020
IPA Awards First Annual Legislative Champion Award
On January 29, IPA members from across Iowa took the Capitol by storm to advocate for the profession of pharmacy. With over 200 pharmacists, pharmacy students, and technicians in attendance, nearly all of Iowa’s 150 legislators were engaged through face to face advocacy. The day started off at the Embassy Suites Des Moines with a new attendee and student orientation. Representative Joe Mitchell and Senator Zach Wahls provided insight into their experiences as young legislators and best practices for effective advocacy. IPA’s annual Good Government Award was presented to Rep. Bobby Kaufmann. IPA also recognized Mark Frahm with its first annual Legislative Champion Award for his work to uncover egregious PBM spread pricing in Wapello County. Following the Legislative Briefing by IPA’s Director of Public Affairs Casey Ficek and IPA Lobbyist Kate Walton, attendees heard from pharmacist legislators Rep. John Forbes and Senator Tom Greene for an update on current pharmacy legislation in the House and Senate. After heading to the Capitol and meeting with legislators in the afternoon, members were joined by legislators back at the Embassy Suites for IPA’s Legislative Reception. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the day a tremendous success. The feedback from legislators regarding the knowledge and passion of our group has been overwhelming. ■
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| The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association
IPA recognized Mark Frahm with its first annual Legislative Champion Award on January 29 in Des Moines. Frahm, a pharmacist at Southside Drug in Ottumwa, was crucial in spurring the 2018 Iowa House Government Oversight Committee investigation into the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). In January of 2018, Mark helped uncover egregious examples of spread pricing in Wapello county when he compared what his pharmacy was reimbursed to what the county was being charged. This got the attention of legislators, eventually leading to the investigation and formal hearing in April. Mark testified before the committee, highlighting how taxpayer dollars were being taken advantage of. Mark’s story received national attention and was featured in media outlets across the country. Mark’s work is a direct contribution to the increased scrutiny of PBM practices both in Iowa and across the country. The association presented Frahm with the award during their annual Legislative Day at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, with over 200 members in attendance.
