ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) recently asked members to weigh-in on changing the name of the Society, to better articulate that its members care for seniors regardless of their care setting. Today the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) has announced full support for ASCP's efforts to explore a name change.
"Because ASCP took the initiative to create CCGP in 1997," said Ken Tuell, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy, "it is clear that ASCP's interest and commitment to serving seniors regardless of care setting is a longstanding concern. Choosing a name that better communicates this vision is a logical next step." CCGP now has over 2,100 Certified Geriatric Pharmacists who work in a wide variety of care settings.
Older adults are especially at risk for problems related to medicines because they take more medicines than younger persons and because their bodies may eliminate medicines more slowly. Certified Geriatric Pharmacists have expertise in helping older adults achieve the best results from medicines with the lowest risks. They work with older adults and other health professionals to help reduce the risk of falls and other adverse drug effects in older adults.
The Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) is a nonprofit corporation created by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). CCGP, now in its 16th year, was created to oversee the certification program in geriatric pharmacy by establishing eligibility criteria and other program policies. CCGP is autonomous from ASCP, with its own governing Board of Commissioners, and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Visit the CCGP Web site at www.ccgp.org.