The following is a statement from Jo Ellen Rodgers, Pharm.D., FCCP, FHFSA, FAHA, BCPS, BCCP, CPP, president of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

The mission of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy is to improve human health through the science and practice of rational medication use. Our members provide high-quality patient care, promote the generation of innovative science, and disseminate new knowledge to advance pharmacotherapy.

The practice of clinical pharmacy requires the application of specialized knowledge of pharmacotherapy and evidence-based treatments. In their daily practice, clinical pharmacists collaborate with physicians and other health care providers to develop and implement patient-centered medication plans that improve health outcomes. The often complex and nuanced therapeutic interventions made by clinical pharmacists require that they have full access to scientific research and evidence-based treatment guidelines.

The standards of patient care developed in America’s health care institutions are built on evidence-based practices made possible by shared, transparent data generated through peer review of scientific research. To maintain these standards, clinical pharmacists must continue to have full access to scientific research. In addition, ongoing collaboration and communication between policy leaders across all levels of government and health care stakeholders are vital to ensure patient safety.

We urge government leaders at the federal level to maintain and uphold long-established practices that guarantee scientific evidence is freely and publicly available and to continue to invest in health-related programs and agencies that are essential to providing the best care for our patients.