Reassessing the membership structure of ASHP

In this discussion paper, the ASHP Board of Directors suggests that it is time for the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists to move to another stage in the development of its membership structure. In 1975, ASHP broadened its purview to represent pharmacists who practice in all types of organized health-care settings. The Board has observed that ASHP members today often identify more strongly with their specific practice type or specialty than with "hospital pharmacy" or "pharmacy practice in organized health-care settings." Further, such members prefer to engage in organizational activities with peers from their specific area of practice. This has led the Board to examine the membership structure of the Society in an effort to improve ASHP's effectiveness in exercising leadership for pharmacy practice in organized health-care settings. The Board suggests for consideration by ASHP members two types of changes in membership structure: (1) the creation of sections and (2) the establishment of affiliation arrangements with national organizations that share ASHP's orientation toward pharmacy practice in organized health-care settings. The Board recognizes that membership sections would have to be given substantial autonomy for them to be effective. The Board believes that a pilot or experimental approach should be used in making changes in membership structure, with explicit evaluation after a period of time. The Specialty Practice Group and Practice Management Group programs are also being reassessed by the Board. Finally, the full name of ASHP will be reconsidered.