Submitted by Thomas Buckley, RPh, MPH, CSHP Legislative Chair
The 2020 Connecticut legislative session is a “short” session, meaning it is only active from February 5th to May 6th. During these short, non-budget sessions, it is challenging to introduce new legislation, especially if it incurs any impact to the state budget. The state operates a two-year budget, which is deliberated during the “long” session or odd years. There is opportunity to modify current legislation or even introduce new legislation which would not impact the budget. We are currently discussing potential legislative opportunities to modify and update the current collaborative practice and immunization administration laws, and possibly re-visit tobacco cessation legislation. We, of course, will also be actively monitoring any proposed legislation that affects pharmacy practice. Finally, we are also building the framework to discuss introducing legislation next year focusing on reimbursement for pharmacist services. This will indeed be an exciting time to be involved in transforming your profession. Advocacy begins from the ground up – which means it starts with you!
We look forward to your participation.
Thomas Buckley, CSHP Legislative Chair
Contact: Thomas.e.buckley@uconn.edu