H.R. No. 259
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition represents the
    1-2  concerns of pharmacists across the state, and its members provide a
    1-3  unique and essential health care service to doctors and patients
    1-4  alike; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, The rigorous academic and licensing preparation
    1-6  required of pharmacists ensures that they are knowledgeable in the
    1-7  fields of chemistry, biology, anatomy, and medicine; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, These important health care practitioners specialize
    1-9  in the uses, side effects, interactions, and contraindications of
   1-10  prescription and over-the-counter drugs; by monitoring their
   1-11  customers' medical and prescription drug histories, pharmacists are
   1-12  able to alert doctors to any serious reactions a patient might
   1-13  experience from a specific drug, and they also educate customers
   1-14  about the warning signs of allergic reactions or overdoses; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Patients not only rely on pharmacists to explain the
   1-16  correct dosages and instructions for taking prescription
   1-17  medications, but also draw on the extensive knowledge of these
   1-18  dedicated professionals in choosing over-the-counter remedies as
   1-19  well; individuals often consult their pharmacists to determine if
   1-20  medical attention is warranted, and by directing patients to see
   1-21  their doctors when symptoms suggest a serious problem, pharmacists
   1-22  perform a critical public health service; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, In recent years, federal legislation has sought to
   1-24  expand the role that pharmacists play in the delivery of health
    2-1  care services, and many Americans support this concept; nationwide
    2-2  Gallup polls have repeatedly recognized pharmacists as the most
    2-3  respected professionals in the country; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Always available to answer questions, provide
    2-5  commonsense advice, or offer reassurance to a customer, the
    2-6  pharmacist is an admired and respected member of the American
    2-7  health care system; pharmacists' ability to provide enlightening
    2-8  information on a myriad of health topics greatly enhances the
    2-9  health and well-being of all Texans, and thus they are indeed
   2-10  deserving of special praise and recognition; now, therefore, be it
   2-11        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-12  Legislature hereby designate February 23, 1995, as Texas Pharmacy
   2-13  Day and pay tribute to the Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition in
   2-14  recognition of the vital health care service provided by Texas
   2-15  pharmacists; and, be it further
   2-16        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-17  prepared for the Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition as an expression
   2-18  of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.