ISMA has been very busy working with the AMA and stakeholders and advocating for physicians and patients during the pandemic.

This week’s actions have included signing on to a joint letter with the AMA, the American Pharmacists Association and the American Academy of Health System Pharmacists on inappropriate prescribing and ordering of COVID-19 medications; a joint letter to Congress to include physicians and medical practices in stimulus legislation; and a joint letter to President Trump urging him to order increased production of medical supplies and equipment.

At the state level, ISMA and the Indiana Pharmacists Association have asked the Professional Licensing Agency to act (PDF) to ensure current supplies of chloroquine (Aralen), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and azithromycin (Zithromax) are reserved for patients taking them for indicated uses and not as a prophylactic. ISMA also asked Gov. Eric Holcomb (PDF) for further clarification on the use of telephone or audio-only communications.

ISMA will continue to keep members updated on our work to make sure physicians have the resources they need to keep working, stay safe and care for patients during the pandemic.