Q&A: Resources and Legislative Advocacy for Point-of-Care Testing

Q&A – Staff Training and Legislative Advocacy

Main Discussion Topics:

• Resources for point-of-care testing staff training
• Legislative advocacy strategies for pharmacy practice expansion
• Expansion to additional clinical services (contraceptive prescribing)

Key Points for Physicians:

• CPESN provides valuable resources for protocol development
• Developing relationships with state legislators supports practice expansion initiatives
• Pharmacy-based testing can lead to expanded clinical service opportunities

Notable Insights:

• Data demonstrating cost savings (15% reduction in emergency department visits, 30% reduction in hospitalizations) supports legislative advocacy
• Building relationships with local legislators through personal meetings is more effective than general advocacy
• Initial point-of-care testing implementation often leads to additional clinical service opportunities

Clinical Significance:

Strategic advocacy efforts highlighting health care access improvements and cost savings potential can support legislative changes enabling pharmacy practice expansion. This ultimately creates sustainable health care access points in underserved communities.