Pharmacists' Patient Care Process: A State “Scope of Practice” Perspective

OBJECTIVE: Explore the intersection of the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) and state laws in order to identify laws that may impede the delivery of optimal patient care. SUMMARY: A review of the PPCP identified six areas in which state laws can limit full pharmacist engagement: 1) ordering and interpreting laboratory tests; 2) participating in a collaborative practice agreement; 3) independently prescribing certain medications; 4) independently adapting medications; 5) administering medications; and 6) effective delegation. A framework is put forth to organize how these scope of practice matters are interrelated. CONCLUSION: For pharmacists to fully engage in the PPCP, state laws must enable full participation. By unleashing pharmacists to fully engage in the process, patient care delivery and outcomes can be improved, and total health care costs can be reduced.