Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA, left) participated in Safeway pharmacy tour in Petaluma, Calif., as part of the NACDS RxIMPACT program.
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) participated in an Albertsons Companies pharmacy tour in Petaluma, Calif., as part of the NACDS RxIMPACT program. Ann Carpico, division pharmacy manager, discussed all of the key pharmacy issues with the congressman, who has not participated in a tour for several years.
Carpico said Huffman was “incredibly attentive” throughout the tour, including during her discussion on the vital need for DIR fee reform, which she said Huffman listened to carefully as she gave pharmacy’s perspective on the issue. Carpico outlined the many services pharmacists provide, especially on managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and their specific interest in providing care to the many senior citizens in Marin and Sonoma Counties in California.
Overall, Carpico said of Rep. Huffman, “I was very impressed with his sincerity and attentiveness.”
Carpico said the congressman was very familiar with provider status legislation (H.R 592/S.109) and that he was very supportive of pharmacists providing services to patients in underserved areas and in general as well.
Huffman’s congressional district extends from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Oregon border. Carpico told him about an entire practice of physicians that had left the Eureka, Ore., market this year and emphasized the need for pharmacists to provide additional services in this remote area. Huffman strongly agreed. He also voiced support for an NACDS-backed nationwide prescription monitoring program.
Overall, Carpico said of Rep. Huffman, “I was very impressed with his sincerity and attentiveness.”
