ALEXANDRIA, VA., June 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin's announcement that she would step down from her post, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) thanked Dr. Benjamin for her years of service.
Dr. Benjamin's work leading the U.S. Public Health Service raised the profile of pharmacists as health care providers and important members of the patient care team.
"ASCP applauds Dr. Benjamin for her work on behalf of patients and the clinicians who care for them," said Dr. Vera Jackson, ASCP Executive Director and CEO. "We wish to thank Dr. Benjamin for her support of a 2011 US Public Health Service report that highlighted the valuable contributions pharmacists can make to direct patient care. We appreciate Dr. Benjamin's support of pharmacists' increased involvement in direct patient care as recognized health care providers. ASCP wishes Dr. Benjamin the best on her future work."
The 2011 report, "Improving Patient and Health System Outcomes through Advanced Pharmacy Practice," made a case for recognition of pharmacists as health care providers. Dr. Benjamin endorsed the report's recommendations to better integrate pharmacists into collaborative practice teams and create compensation models that include the care provided by pharmacists.
About the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons. ASCP's members manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing facilities, sub-acute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and home and community-based care.