What is the purpose of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) primarily aims to enhance the quality of care for Medicaid recipients by establishing standards for patient counseling and drug utilization reviews. With the enactment of OBRA in 1990, one of its significant mandates was for pharmacists to offer counseling to patients regarding their medications, ensuring that patients understand their treatment regimens, potential side effects, and proper drug usage.

This patient counseling requirement not only fosters better communication between pharmacists and patients but also aims to improve therapeutic outcomes by ensuring that patients are well-informed about their medications. It emphasizes the role of pharmacists in promoting patient safety and compliance, which is crucial for effective medication management.

While other aspects of pharmacy and healthcare are addressed by different regulations and guidelines, the unique focus of OBRA on patient counseling makes it instrumental in the context of pharmacy practice and patient care.