HR0124 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0124 LRB097 10954 KXB 51555 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Pharmacists serve as an immediate link between the patient and the healthcare industry; citizens turn to and trust pharmacists to provide them with their prescribed medications, as well as healthcare information regarding the usage and safety precautions of both prescription and non-prescription therapies; and

WHEREAS, Pharmacists practice in a variety of settings, including local communities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, managed care programs, academia, and government; and

WHEREAS, In order for someone to become a pharmacist, he or she must complete extensive education and training; individuals must obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and pass a National Board examination in order to legally practice as a licensed pharmacist in this country; this education and training ensures that pharmacists are the medication therapy experts in the healthcare industry; and

WHEREAS, There are currently over 12,000 pharmacists practicing and residing in the State of Illinois, and each one of them is dedicated to providing services that seek to improve and optimize medication use and advance patient care; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize March 16, 2011 as "Pharmacy Legislative Day" in the State of Illinois, giving Illinois Pharmacists the opportunity to continue their work with the General Assembly to advance issues of healthcare; and be it further

RESOLVED, That "Pharmacy Legislative Day" will give Illinois Pharmacists a better opportunity to share dialogue with the members of the General Assembly in efforts to advance issues of healthcare, improve healthcare access to all Illinois citizens, seek policies for improved efficiency, and control the rising costs of healthcare for all patients, while ensuring appropriate compensation for patient healthcare services.