ARLINGTON, Va. — Christopher Smith has joined the National Association of Chain Drug Stores as director of federal public policy.
NACDS said Thursday that Smith, who started in the position on Aug. 27, previously was director of policy and regulatory affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association.
In his new role at NACDS, Smith will provide policy guidance on pharmacy issues, primarily at the federal level, in the area of patient care, including Medicaid, medical homes, health exchanges and accountable care organizations (ACOs). He also will analyze and interpret policies and regulations that impact pharmacy patient care, prepare and deliver official testimony and comments, and serve as an authoritative resource on those issues for NACDS members.
Smith reports to Kevin Nicholson, vice president of public policy and regulatory affairs at NACDS.
The association noted that the new director-level position will enhance the scope of policy expertise within its government affairs and public policy department.
"We are pleased to welcome Chris to the NACDS staff team," NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said in a statement. "His association and legislative experience, as well as his health policy law expertise, will help further advance NACDS’ pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy activities."
As NCPA’s director of policy and regulatory affairs, Smith provided expertise on Medicare, Tricare and health care waste, fraud and abuse issues. In addition, he was a visiting assistant professor of law at Widener University School of Law’s Health Law Institute. Smith also conducted a fellowship with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs.
