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Legislative Day
legislative day 2020
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. ■
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.
IPA recognized Rep. Bobby Kaufmann with its 2020 Good Government Award on January 29th in Des Moines. The award is given annually to an Iowa legislator who has worked strongly on behalf of pharmacy and has demonstrated a commitment to health care issues.
In 2018, Kaufmann served as the Chair of the Government Oversight Committee. During this time, the committee turned its attention to investigating the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) in Iowa. Spurred on by prescription drug “spread pricing” uncovered in Wapello County by Ottumwa pharmacist Mark Frahm, Kaufmann worked closely with pharmacist and state representative John Forbes (D-Urbandale) on a formal investigation to bring accountability to PBMs who are responsible for state and taxpayer dollars.
The investigation culminated in a hearing before the Government Oversight Committee in April of 2018. Independent pharmacy owners, state officials, and high-ranking PBM officials were all present to testify before the committee. The hearing garnered national attention and has contributed to the increased scrutiny of PBM practices both in Iowa and across the country.
The association presented Rep. Kaufmann with the award during their annual Legislative Day at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, with over 200 members in attendance.
CAPITOL SCREENINGS + net working wit h state legislators
On March 10, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences students assisted IPA in administering nearly 50 health screenings at the Iowa State Capitol while networking with state legislators. This important outreach helps showcase the value of pharmacy to our elected officials, with students administering bone density tests, cholesterol tests, and point of care testing demonstrations, among others! ■
