APhA Policy Manual

Specialty Pharmacy and Specialized Pharmacy Services

DRUG PRICING AND DISTRIBUTION PHARMACY PRACTICE SPECIALTIES IN PHARMACY

APhA recognizes that certain complex medications require more specialized care and resources. Further, APhA asserts that delineation of medications as specialty versus non-specialty, and associated payer and manufacturer practices, may introduce continuity of care disruption, patient access issues, and financial inequities.
APhA supports pharmacists and pharmacies choosing to specialize or incorporate specialty pharmacy services into their practice to optimize patient outcomes.
APhA opposes payer policies and practices that limit patient choice of pharmacy providers, disrupt continuity of care, or compromise patient safety through the creation of specialty drug lists, and restrictive specialty pharmacy networks.
APhA opposes manufacturer distribution and related business practices that restrict patient or pharmacy access to medications, medical products, and patient care services.
APhA advocates for the adoption of pharmacy profession-developed, harmonized practice standards for specialized pharmacy practices, and specialty pharmacy services and products.
APhA encourages increased availability and use of data integration, patient financial assistance, and other resources to inform clinical practice and support the provision of specialized pharmacy practices and specialty pharmacy services.
APhA supports the availability of education and training for pharmacists and student pharmacists related to specialized pharmacy practices and specialty pharmacy services.