To our supporters,
The last four years since starting this petition have been challenging. The learning curve to navigating the regulatory systems and finding out about many issues impacting our mediation access has been massive. Once again, I'm asking for help by either showing up or donating to support our advocacy.
Corporations and lobbyists appear to have the upper hand, but we don't quit easily. We are fighting against the wealthiest corporations in our nation. Discovering that the FDA and State Boards of Pharmacy are failing to regulate and protect patients from delays and unsafe medication temperatures of mail order pharmacies as many are forced to an insurance-owned mail-order pharmacy is disappointing. It's unethical, patient abuse, and neglect.
First, I appreciate the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy for their hard work in taking the first steps toward regulating the temperatures of mail order. I want to discuss an issue that may create an unfair playing field for the public vs the large corporations:
- Currently, most patients do not know that Boards of Pharmacy exist to complain to.
- Most of the Boards of Pharmacy meetings I've attended across our nation are filled with affiliates of corporations and very minimal if any, other patients or advocates.
Patients, caregivers, and the public impacted by the pharmacy and medication access crisis that is occurring in the US must begin to attend the public Boards of Pharmacy Meetings for their state.
As I learn more, I will share with the public how to navigate the complex regulatory processes with the Boards of Pharmacy. Each Board has a different website layout and a different process for notifying public comments. Sadly, there will be some trial and error as we learn and grow together.
That said, we missed the deadline for written public comments about the proposed rule for the nation's first attempt to regulate the temperatures of mail order pharmacies. I imagine large corporations didn't miss the written comment period as they could hire staff and lobbyists that easily navigate the system.
Although I checked frequently, I didn't notice a public comment notification on the website. The notification for public comment was on a document with complex rule language that most of the general public would need help comprehending. I discovered it after calling to request information about the meeting on February 1st, just days away. Although an agenda still needs to be posted for the February 1st meeting, a document mentions that in-person public comment will be allowed for this rule on February 1st's hearing.
The Texas Board of Pharmacy also noted that they would discuss the temperature issue at the 2/7/2023 Board meeting; an agenda is posted on their site. I was delighted to hear a Board of Pharmacy member from Texas say in the last Board meeting, "It is about protecting patients and being the best board we can be." This meeting will be live-streamed.
I believe that patients showing up will be 99% of the battle, so we need your support and voice.
I plan on attending both meetings in Oklahoma City and Austin, TX. I would appreciate connecting and meeting with other patients and advocates who care deeply about the issues.
I would also like to create a list of State Boards of Pharmacy with public meeting dates and post them on our website, Unite For Safe Medications. Please let me know if anyone would like to volunteer to help with this or in other ways that may help us improve our advocacy. My email is loretta@uniteforsafemeds.com
Thank you,
Loretta Boesing
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