ASCP wants input on society's name change

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) wants its members to help choose a new name for the society, according to Sean M. Jeffery, PharmD, ASCP's president. More specifically, the organization wants a name that clearly expresses the role of consultant pharmacists in caring for the elderly regardless of the care setting.

Jeffery, who spoke during the opening session of the ASCP Spring Conference, explained that with the development of new models of care delivery, it is important that seniors have access to consultant pharmacists and understand that they don't have to be in a nursing home to receive services from consultant pharmacists. He also noted that other healthcare professionals and legislators may have a hard time differentiating consultant pharmacists from other pharmacists.

"ASCP faces a dilemma that has challenged the society for years. Are we an organization defined by a care setting (long-term care) or by the patients that we serve (vulnerable seniors)? The Board of Directors believes that the best way for our members to succeed is to clearly articulate that we care for seniors regardless of their care setting. One way to advance this goal is by changing our name to emphasize this distinction," Jeffery wrote in a letter to ASCP members May 14.

The ASCP board believes that a name change will help its advocacy efforts for its members. A name change will help individuals focus on what consultant pharmacists do as opposed to their practice settings.

"By clarifying our position, we stand to be better recognized as healthcare providers," said Jeffery, who is also clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy.

ASCP has asked its members to complete an online survey. For additional information, contact info@ascp.com.