McKesson’s Policy RecommendationsWith our deep expertise in pharmaceutical distribution, analytics, and information technology, we are committed to using our industry knowhow to help address some of the multitude of issues contributing to the opioid epidemic. The opioid epidemic is a multi-faceted problem that cannot be solved by focusing on individual parts of the healthcare system. It must be addressed through a comprehensive approach that includes doctors, pharmacists, distributors, manufacturers, payors, regulators and law enforcement.Our public policy recommendations focus on the need for public and private partnerships that promote patient centered solutions and foster clinical collaboration across the care continuum. Our recommendations are detailed in the 2018 White Paper “Call to Action: Execute Solutions Today to Combat the Opioid Crisis”. Highlights include:Establishing a national Prescription Safety Alert System (RxSAS) to identify patients who are at risk for opioid overuse, abuse, addiction, or misuse. To learn more and watch a short video, click here. Expanding electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) that allows healthcare providers to electronically send prescriptions to the pharmacy. E-prescribing will help to prevent opioid abuse by reducing forged prescriptions and improve patient care by reducing errors and improving medication adherence.Promoting electronic prior authorization (ePA) which uses technology to streamline the prior authorization process. Current paper prior authorization forms can be outdated and cumbersome for patients, providers and pharmacists. Standardizing ePA will improve efficiencies in Medicare and ensure safe prescribing for patients.Improving Access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment. We believe pharmacists can play a key role in effectively treating SUD. If we leverage pharmacists’ clinical training, unique vantage points on prescription history, and strong patient relationships, we can enhance access to opioid abuse disorder treatment and achieve better outcomes. We support the recognition and reimbursement of pharmacists providing much-needed Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services to patients.