Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA)

03/19/2026

Your Advocacy in Action

IPhA continues to deliver results for patients and the profession.

Today, HB4154 and HB4793 advanced out of House Committee and are now positioned for House Floor consideration.

HB4154 modernizes pharmacist licensure by eliminating the MPJE exam requirement while maintaining competency and removing unnecessary barriers.

HB4793 removes unnecessary administrative barriers that delay patient care by allow non-pharmaceutical prescription adaptation (e.g. adding a spacer for an inhaler).

Together, these measures represent meaningful progress toward a more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered care in Illinois.

Advocacy works. Progress is happening.

➡️ On to the House Floor

03/18/2026

Pharmacies - Make sure to get your applications submitted by March 31st!

IRMA is pleased to announce the availability of an online application for the State of Illinois Pharmacy Assistance Program. Supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IRMA will provide direct payments to qualifying pharmacies in Illinois to increase the availability of pharmacy services in Illinois’ underserved communities.

Pharmacies are encouraged to apply soon as the application period closes at midnight on March 31!

Details about the application and qualifications can be found by clicking here:
🔗https://irma.org/irma-pharmacy-assistance-program/

03/18/2026

Participation at the national level strengthens leadership at the state level.

The APhA Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for Illinois pharmacy professionals to engage in discussions shaping the future of the profession, exchange ideas across practice settings, and bring national perspective back to the state.

Continued engagement in national forums reinforces Illinois’ commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and professional standards.

03/18/2026

🎉 Happy Match Day! 🎉

We’re so proud of the student pharmacists reaching this milestone and taking the next step in their journey. 👏

For those continuing on to Phase II, we’re rooting for you, your path is still full of opportunity! 💊✨

03/17/2026

Yes, costs will go down and states will save money when pharmacies are paid fairly and PBM middlemen are no longer allowed to divert and siphon off critical healthcare dollars.

The burden of high drug prices cannot be pushed onto pharmacies and patients, creating pharmacy deserts and threatening access across our communities..

03/16/2026

Poison prevention requires proactive education and clear communication.

Pharmacists remain accessible healthcare professionals positioned to guide families, caregivers, and communities on safe medication use and storage.

This week highlights the importance of preventive counseling and community readiness across Illinois.

03/13/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of former IPhA Executive Director, J. Michael Patton.

Mike Patton served as Executive Director from 2003 - 2012 and played an important role in guiding the organization during that time. His leadership and dedication helped shape many of the programs and initiatives that continue to benefit our members and the profession today.

We are grateful for the lasting impact Mike Patton made on our organization and the many relationships built throughout his years of service.

If you would like to learn more about arrangements or share condolences with the family, information can be found at: https://www.staabfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/John-Michael-Mike-Patton?obId=47538766

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

🚨 Pharmacy Technicians — Ready to Level Up?

Become trained to support vaccine administration and help improve access to immunizations in your community. Our Immunization Training for Pharmacy Technicians provides the education and confidence you need to expand your role in patient care.

💻 This training is fully virtual, so you can attend from anywhere — you do not need to be from Illinois to participate.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills and impact!

03/09/2026

Patient safety is embedded in every decision pharmacists make, from dispensing accuracy to medication reconciliation to interdisciplinary communication.

During this national observance, we recognize the systems, safeguards, and professional standards that protect patients across Illinois.

Continued vigilance and process improvement ensure that safety remains central to pharmacy practice.

03/08/2026

Evidence of pharmacists’ impact on patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency and access to care is highlighted in a new FIP infographic released today at its inaugural Self-care Summit in The Hague: https://www.fip.org/file/6504. The infographic reinforces the profession’s contribution to people-centred care and improved access to medicines and services.

It compiles evidence from FIP outputs, including reports, guidance documents and policy statements, highlighting pharmacists’ expanding role in supporting patients to manage common ailments, strengthen health literacy and improve access to care.

03/05/2026

🌊 Save the Date! 🌊

Join us August 28–30 in East Peoria, IL for the 2026 IPhA Annual Conference – “Pharmacy Currents: Charting the Course for Pharmacy.”

Come together with colleagues from across Illinois for three days of continuing education, professional connection, and advocacy-focused programming. The conference brings together pharmacists, technicians, student pharmacists, and industry partners to advance practice, share innovation, and strengthen the profession statewide.

📅 Dates: August 28–30, 2026
📍 Location: East Peoria, IL