Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, claiming an “unprecedented and powerful mandate” to dramatically overhaul the apparatus of the federal government. With Republican majorities in the House and Senate and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, the new administration is in an advantageous position to advance its policy agenda.

With a series of Executive Orders, the Trump Administration initiated a new era of “policy unknowns” characterized by a lack of clearly communicated guidelines and an absence of predictable process. Acknowledging the rapidly evolving regulatory environment of the Trump administration, ACCP is working to maintain its strategic, evidence-driven approach to advocacy while remaining vigilant and responsive in support of regulatory structures and conventions that delineate and facilitate the clinical practice of its members.

Capitol Hill Strategy

Both independently and as part of a multi-organizational coalition, ACCP has been active on Capitol Hill and has already held meetings with some of the leading offices in the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee.

ACCP-PAC is the political voice of the clinical pharmacy profession and will be a key advocacy tool throughout the 119th Congress. ACCP-PAC recently attended an event hosted by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), a pharmacist currently serving in the US Congress who was recently elected as chair of the Health Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, with jurisdiction over Medicare issues.

ACCP-PAC is nonpartisan and is the only federal political action committee dedicated specifically to advancing the practice of clinical pharmacists and the care of their patients. The College supports candidates whose perspectives align with ACCP’s mission to advance the profession and improve human health and who have demonstrated leadership on issues important to ACCP members, such as protecting Medicare funding for pharmacy residencies. Click here to learn more about ACCP-PAC.

ACCP Statement on Senate Hearing: HHS Secretary Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr

ACCP submitted a statement to the Senate Finance Committee related to the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Click here to read the statement.

ACCP Statement to Congress: Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

ACCP submitted a letter to Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Michael Turner (R-OH) in response to a request for information issued by these offices calling for input from stakeholders on addressing barriers to accessing medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Click here to read the statement.

ACCP’s Priorities for the 119th Congress

ACCP’s top advocacy priority on Capitol Hill is to establish Medicare coverage and payment for comprehensive clinical pharmacy services that optimize medication use for patients. Beyond this vital initiative, ACCP will work with its pharmacy colleagues and other key health care stakeholders—including physician organizations—to advance the following legislative efforts:

Protecting PGY1 Residency Funding

Substance Use Prevention and Pharmacy Oriented Recovery Treatment Prescription Act (SUPPORT Rx Act)

Advancing Medicare Coverage for Pharmacogenetic Consultations