A recently released report from the Office of the Chief Pharmacist of the United States Public Health Service, “Improving Patient and Health System Outcomes through Advanced Pharmacy Practice. A Report to the U.S. Surgeon General, 2011” (see http://www.accp.com/improvingoutcomes), argues for increased utilization and recognition of clinical pharmacists. The report discusses (1) the current roles of pharmacists who have been integrated into primary care settings, (2) why pharmacists that deliver patient care services should be recognized as health care providers as defined in the Social Security Act and other health legislation/policy, (3) why compensation mechanisms for pharmacists in clinical roles need to be changed, and (4) how pharmacists deployed in clinical roles improve patient and health system outcomes. The report relies on an evidence-based approach in supporting its recommendations.

In her letter of response to the report (see http://www.accp.com/supportletter), U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin provides her public support for its recommendations, including recognition of pharmacists as health care providers “given the level of care they provide in many health care settings.”