ASHP Statement on Pharmacist Prescribing of Statins.

Abstract

Position The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) believes that existing models for over-the-counter (OTC) dispensing do not provide the safeguards required to ensure the safe and effective use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (“statins”) as part of a multimodal approach to preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASHP supports the goal of more widespread use of ASCVD-preventive therapies, including statin therapy, and encourages consideration of pharmacist prescribing models for statins that would advance ASCVD prevention. ASHP launched the Practice Advancement Initiative (PAI) in 2015 with the objective of significantly advancing the health and well-being of patients in hospitals and health systems by developing and disseminating optimal pharmacy practice models that are based on the effective use of pharmacists as direct patient care providers.1 In 2020, ASHP updated the initial PAI recommendations with the ASHP PAI 2030 recommendations.2 These recommendations included 59 recommendations focused on patient-centered care; pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ roles, education, and training; technology and data science; and leadership in medication use and safety. Recommendation B2 states that pharmacists should leverage and expand their scopes of practice, including prescribing, to optimize patient care. ASHP believes statins are an ideal candidate for dispensing under pharmacist prescribing models.