Local pharmacies are an integral part of our health care system. Pharmacists often provide critical advice about how to properly use prescription medication, medical equipment and supplies.

When Congress passed the a law in 2008 to improve Medicare, the intent was not to increase the costs for small, independently owned pharmacies to offer services to senior citizens. Many Medicare providers are already exempt from CMS accreditation requirements and pharmacies that dispense durable medical equipment should be included in that list. These medical professionals are already highly regulated at the state level.

I look forward to supporting legislation to exempt pharmacies and their pharmacists from these costly and burdensome requirements.