Independent pharmacist prescribing of statins for patients with type 2 diabetes: An analysis of enhanced pharmacist prescriptive authority in Idaho

Abstract Objective To describe the development and patientsu0027 perceptions of a community pharmacist independent statin-prescribing service for patients with diabetes. To identify reasons why patients indicated for statin therapy were not prescribed statin therapy at the time of pharmacist consultation. Practice description Due to recent law changes in Idaho, pharmacists can now independently prescribe statins and certain other medications without medical provider oversight or a collaborative practice agreement. A quality improvement program capable of tracking Centers for Medicare u0026 Medicaid Services star measures, EQuIPP (Electronic Quality Improvement Platform for Plans u0026 Pharmacies), was used to identify patients eligible for the statin prescribing service including those with a diabetes diagnosis and no current prescription claim for any statin medication. Patients were then contacted by their local community pharmacist to discuss the statin prescribing service. Once a statin was initiated, patients completed a brief, 7-question survey regarding their perceptions of the service. Setting This pilot service began in four community-based Albertsons Companies community pharmacies located in western Idaho. Patients were eligible for the statin prescribing service if they had a current diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, aged 40-75, were currently taking medications to manage their diabetes and no contraindications to statin therapy. Evaluation Number of patients eligible for the prescribing service, number of patients who received a pharmacist-written statin prescription and patientsu0027 perceptions regarding the service. Results Of 64 patients screened, 18 (28%) were eligible for statin therapy. Of those eligible, 6 (33%) accepted pharmacist services and 4 patients subsequently started on statin treatment. Two patients were prescribed a statin by the community pharmacist, while the other two patients contacted their primary care provider and requested a statin prescription at the pharmacistu0027s recommendation. Overall, participating patients (n=4) reported feeling comfortable and satisfied with all aspects of the protocol and their pharmacistu0027s role as a prescriber. Conclusion This pilot was the first example of community pharmacists independently prescribing statins without the need for a collaborative practice agreement or other medical provider oversight to patients outside of the clinic setting. The service could target an important health initiative.