The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists on Friday became the first organization to address medication therapy management (MTM) services for institutionalized Medicare beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries who have chronic diseases, are taking multiple medications and are likely to incur high prescription drug costs are eligible to receive MTM services. Sponsors of Medicare drug benefit plans must include MTM programs under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.

Among the key points ASCP emphasizes:

• Part D sponsors should be flexible with MTM Program services offered.

• Therapeutic outcomes and reduction of adverse drug events — not cost reduction — should be the primary concerns.

• MTM services and federally mandated Drug Regimen Review (DRR) services should be coordinated so they are not duplicative.

• A facility’s administrator must oversee coordination of MTM services provided by Part D sponsors; the facility’s consultant pharmacist should reconcile recommendations received by various resident advocates.

The full policy statement, “Medication Therapy Management Services in Long-Term Care,” can be seen at www.ascp.com/resources/policy/policystatements.cfm