Expert: Pharmacists are Health Care Providers for Local Communities

As part of American Pharmacist Month, Pharmacy Times is asking experts what they believe the value of the pharmacist is. Ronna Hauser, PharmD, senior vice president of Policy and Pharmacy Affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association, discusses how pharmacists can be advocates for their patients and simplify the health care system for them.

Ronna Hauser: The value of the pharmacist is a local provider of health care in their communities. Interestingly enough, this week, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy just updated their Model Practice Act to include the term "health care practitioner" in the definition of a pharmacist and also to include enhance clinical services that pharmacist offer in their communities. Pharmacists are absolutely a trusted source and a health care provider within communities that have a very local connection with their patients.