Pharmacy Legislative Advocacy Invitational Day brings together students and legislators

PLAID Day.

Front row L-R: Senator Timothy Kennedy, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Raymond Walter, Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, Assemblyman Michael Kearns
Back row L-R: Stephanie Kraft, '20; Allison Oddi, '20; Michael Austin, '20; Brittany Len, '19; Lukas Brightman, '18; Kevin Lavery, '18; Kelsey Violanti, '18; Karl Fiebelkorn, Senior Associate Dean for Student, Professional, and Community Affairs

Published December 1, 2016 This content is archived.

Pharmacy Legislative Advocacy Invitational Day (PLAID) took place on Wednesday, Nov. 30, on the University at Buffalo South Campus. This annual event is an opportunity for pharmacy students to discuss new legislation that affects health care with area legislators.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Senator Timothy Kennedy, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, Assemblyman Raymond Walter, Assemblyman Michael Kearns and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes conversed with nearly 150 pharmacy students on a variety of current topics:

Student Immunizers

Although all 50 states allow pharmacists to immunize, only 45 states allow certified students to give vaccinations. New York State is one of the five states that do not allow students to immunize. SPPS students explained to legislators that having the knowledge, training and certification should qualify students to give immunizations that will protect patients against preventable diseases, and will increase overall immunization rates.

Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order banning non-essential travel to North Carolina in March 2016. The order prevents students at SUNY schools to complete rotations in North Carolina while in school. North Carolina is one of the most progressive states for pharmacists, and would allow students to gain essential experiences prior to graduation. SPPS students asked legislators about their stance on the issue and for ways students could potentially work around the mandate.

Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM)

“This was a very good experience for students to inform our local legislators about current issues in pharmacy. ”
Kelsey Violanti, '18

Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) is an agreement that allows pharmacists to work in conjunction with other providers to manage chronic conditions for patients in teaching hospitals by adjusting dosages, changing medications and ordering laboratory tests. Signed into law last September, CDTM will continue as a demonstration program for four years in all hospitals, hospital-affiliated clinics and nursing homes with on-site pharmacies. The implementation of CDTM in New York State has decreased health care costs and improved patient care. SPPS students asked legislators if they support the continued progression of CDTM and the movement for the agreement to be implemented in all practice settings.