Partners in Access

State advocates can play a key role in stopping refusals in the pharmacy by working with state pharmacy boards. Pharmacy boards are state administrative agencies that have the power to enforce pharmacy laws, develop pharmacy regulations and policies, and discipline pharmacists and pharmacies. They wield enormous power and are usually easier to approach and quicker to act than legislatures. Pharmacy boards have taken the lead across the country in ensuring patient access to medication at the pharmacy.

The National Women's Law Center has developed a step-by-step toolkit for advocates to work with state pharmacy boards, Partners in Access: Working with State Pharmacy Boards to Stop Refusals in the Pharmacy.