ASHP to Launch First Virtual House of Delegates Session

PRESS RELEASEBETHESDA, MD - ASHP will hold its first virtual House of Delegates November 13-20, 2015, providing delegates the opportunity to take early action on ASHP policy recommendations through online discussion and voting. This innovative approach will allow ASHP to take action on policies more quickly and increase member engagement in policy discussions.

ASHP's House of Delegates traditionally has met during the Society’s annual Summer Meetings to debate and vote on professional policies. ASHP added a virtual session based on a recommendation from its

Task Force on Organizational Structure

to make the policy cycle more timely and responsive. The second Virtual House of Delegates will be held in March 2016.

“The virtual House of Delegates gives delegates greater flexibility to vote on issues of importance to ASHP members, as those issues arise,” said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, Pharm.D., Sc.D. (Hon.), FASHP. “The online forum allows us to move faster in creating professional policies that improve patient care and advance pharmacy practice.”

Any ASHP member can log on to

ASHP Connect

before November 13, 2015, and register to be a part of the House of Delegates community. Once a part of the community, ASHP members can join the discussion board to comment on upcoming policy recommendations.

The following proposed policies are up for discussion during the November virtual House of Delegates:

Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products

To advocate that originator biological products, related biological products, and biosimilar products share the same global nonproprietary name as defined by the United States Adopted Name Council, the World Health Organization Programme on International Nonproprietary Names, and United States Pharmacopeial Convention; further, to oppose unique nonproprietary naming for originator biological products, related biological products, and biosimilar products.

Appropriate Use of Testosterone

To educate pharmacists, patients, and the public about the risks and benefits of testosterone use and about best practices for safe handling of testosterone, specifically regarding harmful effects of contact with another person; further, to educate healthcare providers about the importance of including accurate testosterone levels and confirmed evidence of clinical symptoms in the evaluation of candidates for testosterone therapy; further, to encourage additional research on the long-term effects of testosterone therapy.

ASHP Statement on the Roles of Pharmacy Technicians

The purpose of the

statement

is to outline the evolving roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians, describe a model for educating and certifying pharmacy technicians, and propose a legal and regulatory structure that reflects the evolving nature of pharmacy technician responsibilities.

ASHP has posted these policy recommendations to the

ASHP House of Delegates website

and

ASHP Connect

for review. Delegates will participate in secure online voting during the week of November 13-20. Policy recommendations approved by greater than or equal to 85 percent of delegates will become ASHP policy. Those recommendations that do not reach this level of consensus will be considered by the House of Delegates in June 2016