APhA Policy Manual

Stakeholder Responsibilities in Appropriate Medication Use

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Recognizing pharmacists work in all facets of the medication use system and have varying responsibilities, APhA advocates pharmacist responsibilities align with the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) Pharmacist Patient Care Process and the Oath of a Pharmacist.
Recognizing patients are the focus of the medication use system, APhA advocates patients and caregivers assume responsibility for their health and well-being, actively engage in their care plan, communicate with health professionals, and learn more about their options for accessing care and associated costs for products and services.
Recognizing prescribers play a vital role in the medication use system, APhA advocates prescribers engage with patients and caregivers, in the assessment, development and implementation of the patient care plan. APhA also advocates that prescribers communicate, engage, and provide necessary information for pharmacists to engage in the care plan to ensure optimal patient care.
Recognizing payers’ role in the medication use system, APhA advocates payers fairly design coverage benefits for products and services utilizing patient, pharmacist, and prescriber input to optimize health outcomes. Additionally, APhA advocates payers assume responsibility for providing efficient, clear, and uniform communication, as well as administrative and payment processes that are adaptable for advances in care.