That’s the message Chris Schaffner, PharmD, got while he was showing a prospective resident around Schaffner Pharmacy & Apothecary Coffee in Sedro-Wolley, Wash. “My first reaction was ‘Uh oh, what did I do wrong?’” he relayed in a recent LinkedIn post. He wasn’t in trouble, as it turns out, but the caller—Washington State Sen. Keith Wagoner (R)—did have something urgent to say about a PBM bill that was coming up for a vote. Wagoner wanted to hear from his constituent Schaffner about what to do about E2SSB 5213, which strengthens pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations in the Health Care Benefit Manager Chapter, an action the Washington State Pharmacy Association says is “an important incremental step toward regulatory oversight, transparency, and accountability of PBMs.” The result? It was signed into law on March 25.
“This was an amazing example of how important it is to continue to engage with our state and federal legislators,” says Schaffner. “I have met with Senator Wagoner many times in the past few years. He is aware of my challenges as a pharmacy owner and understands the tremendous value that we bring to our local community with all of the services we provide. I was honored that he sought my advice on this matter.”
