use and distribution guidelines regarding viral diagnoses and treatments change frequently and limit quality care. even when physicians diagnose older patients with influenza, use of antiviral treatment can be low. provider knowledge of antiviral therapies can improve patient care, especially in geriatric medicine. furthermore, in local health departments (lhds) with access to antivirals, guidelines may be unclear, causing delays in treatment. with time-sensitive therapies, delays could lead to lack of treatment. overall, national guidelines, regarding infection control and management, standardize care and improve healthcare worker and patient safety. guidelines, such as those provided by the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) during the 2009 flu pandemic caused by the h1n1 virus, recommend, among other things, antiviral treatment regimens, clinical assessment algorithms for coordination of care, and antiviral chemoprophylaxis guidelines for exposed persons. roles of pharmacists and pharmacies have also expanded to meet the needs of public during public health emergencies. stockpiling main article: strategic national stockpile public health emergency preparedness initiatives are managed by the cdc via the office of public health preparedness and response. funds aim to support communities in preparing for public health emergencies, including pandemic influenza. also managed by the cdc, the strategic national stockpile (sns) consists of bulk quantities of medicines and supplies for use during such emergencies. antiviral stockpiles prepare for shortages of antiviral medications in cases of public health emergencies. during the h1n1 pandemic in 2009–2010, guidelines for sns use by local health departments was unclear, revealing gaps in antiviral planning. for example, local health departments that received antivirals from the sns did not have transparent guidance on the use of the treatments. the gap made it difficult to create plans and policies for their use and future availabilities, causing delays in treatment.