SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2888
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 24, 2010
Title: An act relating to requiring continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
Brief Description: Concerning continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
Sponsors: Representatives Herrera, Cody, Orcutt, Wallace and Conway.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/22/10, 2/24/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Marr, Murray and Parlette.
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: Certified pharmacy technicians provide assistance to licensed pharmacists by performing manipulative, non-discretionary functions associated with the practice of pharmacy. In addition, pharmacy technicians who meet criteria for employment, experience, training, and proficiency may perform specialized functions such as unit-dose medication checking and parenteral preparations. Pharmacy technicians may only practice while under the immediate supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
In order to be certified, a pharmacy technician must:
be a high school graduate or successfully complete general education development tests;
complete a formal pharmacy technician training program approved by the Board of Pharmacy or an on-the-job pharmacy technician training program approved by the Board of Pharmacy; and
pass a national standardized pharmacy technician certification examination.
Pharmacy technicians are not subject to continuing education requirements.
Summary of Bill: Certified pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education requirements established by the Board of Pharmacy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is the first step in better use of pharmacy technicians. It should free up pharmacists to deal with patients. Although there has been an increase in volume of work, this bill will allow the board to set continuing education standards for techs that correspond to the increasing needs for their services.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Herrera, prime sponsor; Patrick Gallaher, pharmacist.