Why it Matters: The American College of Clinical Pharmacy represents a mature lobbying operation hitting its stride. After 22 years and $11 million in total spending, ACCP’s latest $144,981 quarterly expenditure comes as Congress considers unprecedented bipartisan legislation on pharmacist services. Their in-house lobbying strategy demonstrates a deep institutional commitment to elevating clinical pharmacists’ role in healthcare.
By the Numbers: ACCP spent $144,981 in Q3 2025 through its in-house lobbying team. The organization has filed over 130 disclosures totaling more than $11 million since 2003. Internal lobbying accounts for $8.6 million across 77 filings. Two lobbyists handle the work: John K. McGlew, who has represented ACCP since 2007 across 70 disclosures worth $8.2 million, and Katherine D. Pham, who joined in 2018 and has filed 31 disclosures worth $4.5 million.
Broader Context: Congressional momentum on pharmacy issues has reached historic levels. Recent hearings have scrutinized pharmacy benefit managers’ market dominance and anti-competitive practices. The Senate Judiciary Committee examined competition in prescription drug markets, while the House Energy and Commerce Committee investigated PBM cost impacts. Drug shortage concerns have also prompted supply chain security hearings.
The Agenda: ACCP focuses on five core areas: securing Medicare coverage for direct patient care services by qualified pharmacists, improving Medication Therapy Management Services under Medicare Part D, restoring Medicare funding for specialized pharmacy residency training, including pharmacists in National Health Service Corps loan repayment programs, and promoting medication safety through greater pharmacist involvement in patient care. These priorities have remained consistent across 68 disclosure instances on medication safety and over 65 filings on Medicare Part D.
Competitive Landscape: ACCP operates within a broad coalition pushing similar goals. Major pharmacy chains including CVS Health and Walgreens support pharmacist provider status legislation. Distributors like McKesson Corp. and trade groups like the National Association of Chain Drug Stores lobby on the same issues. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists also pushes pharmacy residency funding. PBM reform draws support from the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Between The Lines: Bipartisan legislation directly aligns with ACCP’s goals. The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (S.2426) and Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R.3164) would provide Medicare Part B reimbursement for pharmacist services. Rep. Buddy Carter and Rep. Diana Harshbarger champion the PBM Reform Act (H.R.4317). Sen. Chuck Grassley supports the Pharmacy & Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act (S.2800). Rep. Cliff Bentz introduced pharmacy-related patient safety legislation. The Drug Shortage Compounding Patient Access Act (H.R.5316) addresses medication access issues.
The Bottom Line: ACCP’s sustained lobbying strategy positions it well for potential legislative wins. The organization’s consistent message over two decades now matches congressional priorities. With bipartisan support and industry coalition backing, this represents ACCP’s best opportunity to achieve long-held policy goals.
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
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