A conversation about pharmacy care
Pharmacy standard of care reform could give qualified pharmacists more ways to use their training to help patients. Learn what could change and what would still matter.
Understand the ideaQuestions for your pharmacist
The idea, in plain language
The care a reasonably careful professional would provide in a similar situation.
The discussion about pharmacy reform also concerns how the law is interpreted and which services pharmacists may provide. The idea is clearer authority for qualified pharmacists to use their training. Any change to Wisconsin law would determine which services pharmacists could provide.
Wisconsin already holds pharmacists responsible for meeting professional standards. That rule does not by itself give them broad prescribing authority. Ask your pharmacy which services it offers today.
Availability would depend on the law, the pharmacist’s preparation, and what the pharmacy can safely support. Some concerns need a doctor or another health professional.
A change in law would not automatically change insurance coverage. Ask about the cost of the visit and any medicine before agreeing to a service whenever possible.
Pharmacy care can give patients another appropriate place to seek help. Communication, follow up, and referral help keep that care connected with the patient’s other health professionals.
Why this conversation matters
When you cannot reach your doctor’s office, getting a refill can be difficult. Reform could help with some medication needs. The pharmacist would still need enough information, appropriate training, and a pharmacy equipped to provide the care.
Ask your pharmacy about current options. Some concerns need another clinician.
At your pharmacy
Use these questions to talk about a medicine or health concern.
A two-page sheet with room to write your questions and next steps.
Choose what you need. PDFs are for reading or printing. The complete set includes editable Word and PowerPoint files, social images, and the video.
10 resources
The idea, patient examples, and evidence.
Open PDFA short introduction. Print the Letter copy at actual size.
Open PDFQuestions about care, costs, and your next step.
Open PDFFive messages for campus boards and information tables.
Open PDFThe Wisconsin discussion and a patient example.
Open PDFSlides for a chapter meeting or campus discussion.
Open PDFInvitations, captions, and social posting instructions.
Open PDFDiscussion points for the four patient examples.
Open PDFFive slides explaining the idea. PNGs are in the complete set.
Open PDFFill in the event details before sharing. Editable flyer and story are in the complete set.
Open PDFZIP download. For a single item, use its PDF link above.
A short introduction
A silent animation with the explanation on screen. Pause it at any time.
Read the video transcript
Student PSW clubs
This is an MCW pharmacy student research project developed with Dr. Michael DeBisschop. The plan is to collaborate with PSW to connect student chapters at MCW, UW–Madison, and Concordia University Wisconsin.
For a chapter meeting, use the student presentation and one patient example. For an information table, bring a poster, flyer, and patient conversation sheet. The sharing kit includes invitations, captions, and instructions for social posts.
Open the chapter sharing kitDiscussion guidancePrescribing research reports promising findings, but studies differ and certainty is limited. Wisconsin pharmacy research also identifies staffing, time, and payment barriers. Legal authority is one part of making care available.