The role of the psychiatric pharmacist in the care of the mentally ill has continually evolved since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Pharmacists in the field of psychiatric pharmacy work to improve the health, safety, and welfare of those impacted by one or more psychiatric conditions. Specialty residency training programs are accredited to establish minimum training standards and a board-certification process ensures that individuals provide a high level of quality of care. It is the position of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) that Psychiatric Pharmacy residency programs obtain American Society of Health-System Pharmacy (ASHP) accreditation and help the profession move forward as a recognized specialty.
Keywords: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); postgraduate education; psychiatric pharmacy; residency.