Published On: November 6, 2014139 words0.8 min readCategories: ArticleTags:

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NACDS-PAC-supported candidate Buddy Carter (R-GA) won Georgia’s first congressional district to become the only pharmacist currently elected to the U.S. Congress. Carter won 61 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Brian Reese.

Having a pharmacist in Congress will give a voice to pro-pharmacy issues, which is especially relevant now as NACDS-backed, bipartisan provider status legislation—H.R. 4190—has garnered more than 100 cosponsors in the House of Representatives so far. The legislation would increase patient access to healthcare by allowing pharmacists to serve in medically underserved communities under Medicare.

Carter’s experience as a pharmacist—providing daily access to care for patients—will likely bring invaluable insight and personal experience about healthcare delivery to the legislative body. NACDS looks forward to continued work with the congressman to advance legislation that will improve patient health outcomes and reduce overall costs.