The role of state boards of pharmacy is undergoing critical reevaluation amidst widespread reforms in healthcare oversight. This paper explores the evolution of pharmacy governance through the lens of Idaho, a state that has emerged as a national leader in regulatory innovation. In 2025, Idaho enacted legislation that essentially eliminated the quasi-legislative function of its Board of Pharmacy, restoring all policymaking authority to the state legislature and adopting a flexible, statutory-based model grounded in the "standard-of-care" framework. This restructuring reflects broader national trends influenced by legal challenges to antitrust immunity and efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. The paper examines the implications of Idaho’s approach, contrasting traditional quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial roles of pharmacy boards with emerging alternatives such as centralized adjudication systems and consolidated health professional oversight bodies. It argues that the Idaho model may serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to modernize pharmacy regulation, raising fundamental questions about the future necessity and structure of state pharmacy boards in an increasingly adaptive healthcare system.
The Filipino pharmacist is an important healthcare frontliner and can especially contribute meaningfully to the national response to HIV/AIDS in the country. However, national policies need to elaborate their roles and functions better. This review aims to summarize and synthesize the existing literature available in the country to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacists and their contribution to HIV prevention and management. Although their emerging roles have been internationally recognized, research and evidence in the Philippines remains limited. Furthermore, limitations in logistics, administration, regulation, professional practice, and patients are observed in many pharmacy-led programs and initiatives which can be anticipated in pharmacy-led HIV programs. On top of that, there needs to be a more effective translation of evidence into the context of the Philippines. This calls for a re-evaluation of current practices, standards, and guidelines to ensure pharmacists can be involved and become proactive in this area of healthcare. Collaboration with key stakeholders isimportant in ensuring the effective integration of the pharmacists in the current framework of HIV care continuum in the country
Introduction: Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for more than 80% of patients on the AD continuum. Objective: The objective of this study is to query patient concerns towards their risk of developing preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and assess patient beliefs and preferences towards screening and taking potential preventive therapies. Methods: An electronic survey assessed older adult perceptions towards their risk of developing preclinical AD, screening, and preventive therapies. Results: One-hundred eight patients aged 55 to 80 years completed the survey during routine care at a family medicine clinic. Overall, 89% of participants would undergo blood screening for preclinical AD, despite 75% not believing they are at higher risk than peers. When asked about treatment, 83% showed interest in medication treatments, with 71% interested in intravenous (IV) formulations and 61% in subcutaneous formulations. These data show a slight preference for IV formulations. There were no significant differences between demographic groups and willingness to test or treat preclinical AD. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for patient-centered approaches to preclinical AD screening and treatment.
Over the past decade, community pharmacists have remained among the most accessible healthcare professionals in the U.S. Their role has expanded significantly through regulatory changes and practice innovations, positioning them as trusted educators, public health providers, and essential access points for primary care services. Pharmacists now offer a broader range of patient care services—from test-to-treat programs to contraceptive prescribing—and are helping patients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system through culturally responsive, patient-centered communication. However, critical challenges remain. Pharmacy closures continue to deepen health disparities in underserved communities, medication affordability remains a barrier, and growing stress and burnout among pharmacy staff threaten the sustainability of the workforce. To realize the full potential of community pharmacy, targeted efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, support staff wellbeing, and ensure equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care for all.
Background: Pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare team members, are uniquely positioned to leverage technology to increase healthcare access. The increasing prevalence of technological innovations such as telemedicine, health hub programs, and e-visits, prompts the question of whether the public can benefit from pharmacist-provided care through technology. Objective(s): The primary aim of this investigation is to evaluate patients' awareness and readiness to use technology-based pharmacist-led patient care services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Arizona participants to assess patients' awareness and readiness levels to use pharmacist-provided care through technology-based solutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants' level of awareness of and readiness to use the services/platforms, their prior experience with the services/platforms, and demographics. Chi-squared tests were performed on the categorical variables (corresponding to each advanced service and technology platform) by participants' demographics. Results: Patients were most aware of pharmacists providing immunizations (61%) and over-the-counter medication recommendations (56%) and less aware of automated medication dispensaries (78%), HealthHub (44%), and video conferences/e-visits (42%). Despite their lack of awareness, most patients reported being ready to use technology platforms in the pharmacy. Participant gender, education, and access to primary health care were found to be significantly associated with their awareness while having health insurance or a chronic health condition was found to be significantly associated with their readiness to use a service and/or technology platform. Conclusion: The results of this study provide another promising contribution to the literature supporting the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, increase healthcare access, and inspire and motivate the healthcare community to continue to reduce health inequities in the United States. Further work is needed to expand knowledge into the perceptions, preferences, and access of patients to further address the use of advanced and technology-based pharmacy services.
