_____________ resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF MONTANA'S PHARMACISTS' SERVICES TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO CARE; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 68TH LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the Human Resources and Services Administration recognizes a shortage of primary care physicians in Montana affecting patient access to health care services; and

WHEREAS, there are high rates of patients not meeting treatment goals such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression leading to high rates of complications, emergency visits, and hospitalizations; and

WHEREAS, there are increased hospitalization and rehospitalization rates for chronic medical conditions when a person also has a mental illness; and

WHEREAS, the use of pharmacy services has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, Montana pharmacists graduate with a doctorate degree from the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy with at least 6 years of education, some with additional education, residency, or both, and training; and

WHEREAS, Montana pharmacists are trained to assess and optimize complex medication regimens to ensure that they are appropriate, effective, safe, and can be taken as intended; and

WHEREAS, comprehensive medication management has been studied as an evidence-based process of care; and

WHEREAS, there are over 1,200 pharmacists in Montana with numerous pharmacies in rural areas; and

WHEREAS, pharmacists provide preventive care services by screening for tobacco use and chronic conditions and by providing immunizations, and either provide services or refer to providers for care, as appropriate; and

WHEREAS, research supports that pharmacists on the health care team improve medication-related outcomes and reduce overall health care costs by focusing on optimizing medication use for people with complex medication regimens; and

WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature has continued to seek changes to enhance access to health care services; and

WHEREAS, pharmacists are not identified as health care providers in Montana statute, which limits patient and provider access to their services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to undertake a comprehensive review of:

(1) options and services Montana pharmacy professionals can provide to improve access to health care services across the state;

(2) the training and skills pharmacy professionals possess that will improve access and quality of health care services in Montana; and

(3) obstacles in existing Montana laws and regulations hindering the expansion of pharmacy services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders, including but not limited to representatives of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, licensed pharmacists, representatives of the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy, hospitals, federally qualified community health centers, mental health providers, physicians, and clinical provider associations, organizations that advocate for people with mental health and substance use disorders, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.