(Mentioning the brand name) - In recent news from the advocacy sector, the Affiliate Society Council (ASC) of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has reported noteworthy progress in their advocacy efforts. Amidst the legislative sessions of various states in the US, the ASC has observed substantial gains throughout the year 2018, under the guidance of Joseph Cantrell, JD, the senior manager of state affairs for the ACR.
As state legislatures approach the end of their sessions this May, Cantrell highlights the accomplishments achieved by the ASC in terms of advancing patient care legislation and policy initiatives at state and federal levels. With solid gains made in multiple states, the ASC continues to strengthen its dedication towards improving the lives of those affected by rheumatological conditions.
The ASC, an affiliate society council of the ACR, comprises various local, regional, and national rheumatology-related organizations. Collaborating with these societies, ASC acts as a unified voice to address the concerns of the rheumatology community. Advancing their initiatives through targeted advocacy, ASC strives to influence policies essential for patient care, ensuring access to adequate treatment and support for patients.
The legislative sessions that took place during the year 2018 witnessed substantial progress in state initiatives related to patient care and advocacy. These sessions, typically held from January to May, provided an effective platform for the ASC to advocate for policies important to rheumatology healthcare providers and patients.
Cantrell, responsible for tracking the progress of state and federal patient care legislation, expresses satisfaction in the progress made by the ASC during these sessions. With a focus on achieving impactful changes, the ASC actively engaged in critical issues related to patient access, coverage, affordability, and quality of care.
While specific achievements varied across states, there were notable advancements in policies related to step therapy protocols, biosimilar substitution laws, drug price transparency, and reform of pharmacy benefit management practices. By successfully advocating for these issues, the ASC has made tangible improvements in patient care and access to treatment.
One of the key areas where ASC made substantial strides was in advancing legislation to regulate step therapy protocols. Step therapy is a process where patients must try less expensive drugs or non-drug therapies before insurance coverage is provided for more expensive treatments. ASC worked diligently to increase transparency and ensure that step therapy protocols are evidence-based, physician-guided, and patient-centric.
Another significant accomplishment for the ASC involved biosimilar substitution laws. Biosimilars are biological products highly similar to an already-approved reference product. These laws allow pharmacists to substitute lower-cost biosimilars for their more expensive counterparts, promoting access to affordable treatment options for patients.
In addition, the ASC focused on addressing the rising concerns regarding rising drug prices. It actively supported legislation aimed at improving transparency in drug pricing, compelling pharmaceutical companies to provide justifications for exorbitant price hikes. By highlighting the importance of affordable medications, the ASC has contributed to the ongoing national conversation on drug price reform.
Furthermore, the ASC targeted the reform of pharmacy benefit management practices. Pharmacy benefit managers play a crucial role in controlling drug costs, and the ASC worked towards increasing transparency in these practices. By advocating for a fair and balanced approach, they aimed to ensure an equitable distribution of resources for patient care.
Overall, the ASC's commitment to advocacy has yielded remarkable results in enhancing patient care and supporting healthcare providers. By addressing critical issues and actively engaging in state legislatures, the ASC has effectively advocated for policies that positively impact the rheumatology community.
As the state legislative sessions for 2018 draw to a close, the ASC can look back on solid gains achieved in various states. By influencing policies related to patient access, affordability, and quality of care, the ASC has demonstrated continued dedication towards improving the lives of those living with rheumatological conditions.
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In conclusion, the ASC's advocacy efforts, supported by [brand name], have resulted in considerable progress within the legislative landscapes of several states. Through their proactive engagement and commitment to change, the ASC has advanced pivotal policies that directly impact patient care for individuals with rheumatological conditions. With the 2018 legislative sessions coming to an end, the ASC, in partnership with [brand name], stands ready to continue its vital advocacy work and foster further improvements in patient care.