These discussions are led by members, for members, and will address timely and complex issues, including vaccine policy, innovative residency models, dosing of combination antibiotics, the role of the pharmacist in value-based care, and the cognitive demands placed on pharmacists, including prescription time guarantees.

This member-driven process is foundational to our success. For decades, the policies shaped by ASHP members at Policy Week have elevated the role of hospital and health-system pharmacy and strengthened ASHP’s influence across critical areas, including:

• Clinical pharmacy and direct patient care
• Public health
• Reimbursement for pharmacists’ services
• Advancement of pharmacy technician roles
• Residency training
• Credentialing and privileging
• Patient safety
• Drug shortages
• Safe and effective adoption and use of technology
• Patient access to care

These contributions have helped position ASHP members as leaders in innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care.

This week’s discussions will be essential to achieving the priorities in ASHP’s newly released strategic plan. Policy Week builds the foundation we need to achieve our shared vision for the future by shaping where we direct our resources and strengthening our advocacy voice.

On Sept. 17, our members will take this work to Capitol Hill for Legislative Day, meeting with congressional leaders to show how our legislative priorities translate into patient outcomes. This year, we will urge Congress to improve access to pharmacist services, support funding residency training to strengthen the pharmacy workforce, and safeguard access to critical patient care services provided by the 340B Drug Pricing Program.  

We’ll also share our We’re Your Pharmacist campaign with members of Congress and educate them about the critical role of health-system pharmacists in caring for their constituents.

On Sept. 18, we will welcome internationally recognized patient safety expert David W. Bates as he presents the 2025 William A. Zellmer Lecture, a highlight of Policy Week made possible through our collaboration with the ASHP Foundation.

Policy Week has always had special meaning for me. Early in my career, my time as a member and chair of the Council on Administrative Affairs — now the Council on Pharmacy Management — gave me a firsthand view of the value of member-led policy. That experience guided my growth as a leader and continues to influence how I view our profession’s role in healthcare today.

This will be my last Policy Week as ASHP CEO before I retire, and I am especially proud to see our tradition of thoughtful debate, innovation, and advocacy continue.

We encourage all members, whether attending in person or not, to engage and follow Policy Week on social media using #4OurPatients and #YourPharmacist, email your congressional representatives to share your impact on the healthcare team, and tune in starting next month to our newest podcast series for deeper dives into the policies shaping our profession. Consider applying to serve on a council or committee. Nominations for the 2026-2027 term are open until Nov. 14. And don’t forget to watch our video, How an Idea Becomes ASHP Policy, to learn more about how you can get involved.

Policy Week is an exceptional event for members and a critical one for our profession. We look forward to the week ahead as we chart the future of pharmacy practice and strengthen patient care nationwide.

Thank you for all you do for your patients and our profession.

Sincerely,

Paul

Posted on September 15, 2025