Recent findings published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association reveal that Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) enhance the role of pharmacists in improving medication access, patient safety, and overall medication management. This study underscores the importance of CPAs, which are formal agreements between pharmacists and prescribers, allowing pharmacists to perform specific patient care functions to elevate healthcare delivery.
Initially adopted by the Indian Health Service in 1973, CPAs have transformed the pharmacy landscape across the United States, with implementations occurring in all 50 states. These agreements have enabled pharmacists to play crucial roles in patient care, marking a significant shift towards their recognition as essential healthcare providers. Despite this progress, disparities exist between states regarding the extent of pharmacists’ prescribing authority, including their ability to initiate and modify treatments.
The pharmacy sector has achieved notable milestones in prescribing practices, with certain states, such as Idaho, permitting pharmacists to prescribe a wide range of medications, including emergency epinephrine. In contrast, Nevada restricts pharmacist-prescribed services primarily to immunizations and specific therapies related to HIV prevention.
In a practical demonstration of CPA effectiveness, recent studies from Ohio highlight community pharmacists’ integration into care teams. Since the introduction of CPA laws in the state, pharmacists have progressively taken on roles that involve patient visits, medication management, and lab assessments. Despite the potential benefits, uptake of these agreements in Ohio has been limited, primarily due to insufficient collaborations within the healthcare framework.
The study conducted in Ohio evaluated the implementation of CPAs in five community pharmacies connected to a medical clinic. From February 2024 to January 2025, pharmacists wrote nearly 1,000 prescriptions across various health needs, with a significant focus on gender-affirming care and chronic conditions. Pharmacists reported an average of 80 prescriptions monthly without imposing any additional burden on healthcare providers’ workflows, further highlighting the CPAs’ utility in facilitating efficient, quality patient care.
These insights affirm the critical role community pharmacists hold in enhancing healthcare delivery through CPAs, demonstrating how existing professional relationships can positively influence the integration of pharmacy services into primary care. By embracing these opportunities, pharmacists can continue to provide valuable contributions to patient safety and medication access, fostering an overall improvement in health outcomes across communities.
This evolving model of collaborative care not only emphasizes the capability of pharmacists but also paves the way for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to healthcare, promising a brighter future for patient treatment and support.