Pharmacists as health care providers: Lessons from California and Washington

Abstract

Federal legislation has yet to be implemented designating pharmacists as health care providers. Progress has taken place at the state level, with California and Washington among the first states to successfully pass such legislation. Although the designation of pharmacists as providers has now been realized in these states, it should be recognized that the road to provider status has required decades of legislative efforts and advocacy. Similarities, as well as differences, are evidenced with the two states' efforts to expand pharmacy scope of practice. Although the goal of provider status has been accomplished in California and Washington, the lack of shared patient health care records among pharmacies and other segments of the health care delivery system, and a robust business model, are barriers to full implementation of pharmacist provider services.