Established in 2005 as the successor to the ASHP Certificate of Appreciation, the ASHP Award of Excellence may be conferred annually to an individual or group of individuals in recognition of a specific recent contribution or achievement that has advanced the ability of hospital and health-system pharmacists in the United States to serve the needs of patients. Pharmacists and non-pharmacists, regardless of practice area or ASHP-membership status, are eligible. There is no limit to the number of awards that may be made annually. The award is intended to recognize an individual or group of individuals for a recent singular, nationally significant achievement or contribution rather than for career-long contributions.

Previous recipients include:

2007 – Lyle Bootman, PhD
2007 – Indian Health Services (MP Lee, TM Murray, RR Schupbach, JN Sparkman, TE Watts)
2006 – Marvin Shepherd
2005 – Jimmy Mitchell