The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) House of Delegates (HOD) is one of the most important functions of our association.  It represents not only a foundational governance mechanism, but also a dynamic engine for policy advancement and professional unity.  As our pharmacy community continues to confront the shifting tides of healthcare policy, economic pressure, and workforce demands, the HOD remains the collective voice of Illinois pharmacists.

Each year, the HOD provides pharmacists, technicians, students, and stakeholders with a structured forum to elevate issues, propose solutions, and shape the priorities that will guide IPhA’s advocacy and programming.  If you have never served as a delegate, now is the time to consider how your voice can be part of this essential dialogue.

The Function of the House

The House of Delegates is the democratic heart of IPhA.  Delegates are elected representatives from across our membership base, including practice settings such as community pharmacy, health systems, academia, managed care, and more.  These individuals come together to consider resolutions, adopt policy stances, and elect HOD leadership.  The House is also responsible for reviewing and updating our Association’s bylaws, issuing professional positions, and ensuring that member voices from every region of Illinois are heard.

Delegates carry out this work with purpose, ensuring that our professional association speaks not from a single vantage point, but from the collective experience of its members.  The House helps maintain the integrity of IPhA’s mission and strengthens our ability to respond to rapidly evolving challenges.

Highlights from the 2024 House of Delegates Session

The 2024 House of Delegates convened on November 10, via virtual session.  The HOD deliberated and adopted three important New Business Items, each representing critical aspects of modern pharmacy practice.

2024-01: Responding to Patient Misconduct, Harassment, and Violence
This resolution affirms IPhA’s zero-tolerance stance toward patient misconduct and supports tools for pharmacy staff to respond appropriately.  The motion passed with strong delegate support, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety and professional respect.

2024-02: Pharmacists Providing Primary Care Services
This resolution called for IPhA to support pharmacists as recognized primary care providers.  The resolution passed and affirmed IPhA’s endorsement of pharmacists providing services including point-of-care testing, prescriptive authority, and referrals as part of comprehensive disease management.

2024-03: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
This complex resolution tackled the emerging role of AI in healthcare delivery.  It included multiple clauses recognizing the value of AI as a clinical assistant tool, opposing any AI use that replaces licensed providers, and encouraging professional training on AI systems.  

These resolutions reflect the diversity of concerns facing Illinois pharmacists today from patient interaction and provider status to innovation and technology.  More importantly, they reflect our ability to come together, examine issues critically, and establish a common direction.

Why You Should Serve

Serving in the House of Delegates is a meaningful and enriching experience.  It offers pharmacists the opportunity to engage directly in the governance and direction of our association.  Delegates help determine our response to regulatory changes, professional opportunities, and threats to patient care access.   They also help strengthen our collective voice in Springfield, Washington, and across the healthcare system.

Participating in the HOD also offers a deeper connection to our professional community. It is a chance to collaborate with colleagues across practice settings and to develop leadership skills that can enhance your own career.  Most importantly, it is a reminder that each of us, regardless of title or role, has a vital contribution to make to the future of pharmacy in Illinois.

If you are passionate about your profession and committed to improving patient care, I urge you to consider serving as a delegate.  The House of Delegates is not just about governance.  It is about listening, representing, and leading.  It is where your voice can shape our future.

Join us in the House of Delegates and take your seat at the table.