Advocacy Team
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Approximately, 6,000 bills are introduced during every California legislative session. That's 6,000 possible changes to the practice of pharmacy every two years! Learn about the CSHP Advocacy Team, comprised of CSHP staff, CSHP's Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC), and legislative advocate, which is dedicated to protecting the profession of pharmacy and California patients.
Meet Your Advocacy Team
The Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC)
The GAAC is comprised of a dozen or more CSHP members that are annually appointed by the CSHP President-elect. GAAC members terms typically run for one year, but members often serve for numerous years. 2010 GAAC Chair Jason Bandy (pictured right) and the GAAC play an integral role in analyzing approximately 50 bills each year and determining how those bills either positively or negatively impact the practice of pharmacy. At the conclusion of reviewing those bills, GAAC members suggest a position and priority for each bill during a mid-March meeting. The GAAC chair then presents the GAAC's recommended positions and priorities to the CSHP Board of Directors in April for official approval. For the remainder of the year, GAAC members follow the bills they were assigned and insure that any changes to legislation are acted upon in a beneficial and appropriate manner. The GAAC is essential in guaranteeing that all various pharmacy practice settings are protected in the state legislature.
Director of Governance and Government Affairs Philip B. Swanger
Philip B. Swanger (pictured left) serves as CSHP's Director of Governance and Government Affairs and is dedicated to coordinating CSHP government affairs efforts. In his capacity, he oversees CSHP's government affairs, grassroots advocacy and political action operations, and works in concert with CSHP's GAAC and legislative advocate. Mr. Swanger plans and coordinates CSHP's Legislative Day, grassroots and legislative Advocacy training programs, publishes and co-authors CSHP political updates, attends legislative and regulatory functions, and oversees correspondence sent to legislative and regulatory bodies. Mr. Swanger is dedicated to those within the practice of pharmacy and has been with CSHP since July 2005.
Legislative Advocate Bryce W.A. Docherty
Bryce W.A. Docherty (pictured right) is CSHP's legislative advocate. Mr. Docherty, owner of The Docherty Group, provides lobbying and advocacy representation on behalf of CSHP members before the California Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies. Mr. Docherty works closely with the GAAC to provide professional input to bills that will affect the practice of pharmacy. Prior to establishing his firm, Mr. Docherty was the Associate Director of Government Relations for the California Medical Association – the largest statewide physician trade association in the country. The legislative advocate is vital to assure that CSHP’s best interests are always represented at the State Capitol and regulatory boards. Read Bryce W.A. Docherty Bio