To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of the VCU School of Pharmacy Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation, I am writing in support of the proposed regulation to require 5 live CE hours for pharmacists to maintain licensure. Continuing Education is critical for sharing best practices and to improve patient outcomes. This is best achieved when CE is earned live as it promotes professional engagement in a way that other types of CE do not. Home study is certainly more convenient but it does come at the cost of person-person interaction and significantly limits the dynamics of CE delivery, which is much more engaging when delivered live as speakers can utilize role-playing, simulation, and other types of active learning to engage participants. Additionally, live CE provides a platform for open engagement and inquiry, which is important for participants to walk away with a richer and deeper understanding of the content. Other nearby states (e.g., NC) and professions in the Commonwealth (e.g., medicine) also require live CE so it seems reasonable for Virginia to do the same as this can create opportunities for live, interprofessional CE that brings various disciplines together to see how we can improve the care we provide to our patients. This also allows pharmacists the opportunity to engage with other disciplines and educate them on the important role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. If we want a seat at the table then we must put ourselves out there and be seen by our colleagues in medicine, nursing, etc.

In closing, if we aim to continue advancing the profession of pharmacy, it is imperative that we engage in a more meaningful way and requiring live CE is one way to achieve this goal.

Sincerely,

Dave L. Dixon, PharmD, FCCP, FNLA, FACC, BCPS, BCACP, CDE, CLS

Director, Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation

Associate Professor, VCU School of Pharmacy