Interprofessional education: state and federal policy considerations in the tale of two professions

There have been concerns regarding eroding numbers of traditional, physician-led primary care practices. Alternative practice models, ideally ones where interprofessional practice is the norm, must be supported by necessary changes in health policy. Integrated APRN/clinical pharmacist care models are a logical, if inadequately studied, answer to primary care shortages. The Framework for Action on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice provides policymakers with ideas on how to implement interprofessional education and collaborative practice within their current context. The progressive evolution of nursing and pharmacy disciplines in a health policy context makes a good case study to examine interprofessional education and practice for several reasons. Further, we must adopt public and private payment models that recognize interprofessional team-based care including clinical pharmacists working in collaborative practice with nurses, physicians, and other providers. Collaborative practice happens when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, careers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care. Major changes in the roles of nurses and pharmacists have occurred over the past sixdecades driven by changes in state and federal policies related to education, scope of practice, and reimbursement. The professions of nursing and pharmacy have extremely long and deep roots in the United States and around the world. Both professions have evolved significantly as they strive to meet societal needs for the care these professionals provide, both in their unique disciplinary roles and as part of interprofessional patient care teams.