The outlook for pharmacist initiation and modification of drug therapy.

Changing state laws to permit an expanded scope of practice for pharmacists is a key step in positioning pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care. Sixteen states currently allow pharmacists to initiate and/or modify drug therapy; legislation is proposed in 15 other states. Twenty-eight of the 44 states that completed the survey allow pharmacists neither dependent nor independent authority to prescribe. Physician opposition was often cited as a barrier to passage of legislation. The Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs extend pharmacists independent prescribing authority.