Affiliated state chapter experience with a professional lobbyist for pharmacy legislative activities

The experiences of the New Jersey Society of Hospital Pharmacists (NJSHP) with a professional lobbyist are described. NJSHP hired a part-time lobbyist in 1985 for direct lobbying services, legislative monitoring, and public relations duties. Accomplishments of the lobbyist include reappointment of a hospital pharmacist to the state board of pharmacy, formation of a political action committee, development of a specific political action plan, and creation of position statements. Future goals include sponsoring legislative breakfasts featuring key state legislators and establishing an official state Hospital Pharmacists Day. The experiences of NJSHP with a professional lobbyist have been positive.