The History of Pharmacy’s Expanded Role in Combatting COVID-19

Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns in the United States have played a vital role in the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An unprecedented federal preemption of state pharmacy practice laws facilitated pharmacy’s expanded authority for COVID-19 testing and for providing immunizations and Covid treatments. The fascinating history of how the federal government created the pathway for broader pharmacy engagement in combating the pandemic is recounted in a video presentation available at this link.

The story of this historically important effort is told in the video by Will Chang, JD, who served as Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during much of the COVID-19 pandemic. He presented this talk at the September 30, 2021, meeting of the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP). Comprised of the CEOs and presidents of the major U.S. pharmacist associations, JCPP meets quarterly to share information and coordinate efforts to advance the profession. AIHP is an invited observer at JCPP’s meetings.

JCPP organizations have been strategizing on how to make permanent, post-pandemic, pharmacy’s expanded patient-care authority.

The basis for federal preemption of state pharmacy practice requirements, in times of public health emergency, stems from three laws: the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) of 2005, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020.

AIHP thanks JCPP for its assistance in making this video available for viewing.

Submitted by AIHP member William A. Zellmer

Posted: March 23, 2022