HOUSE 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 House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
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:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/26/10, 1/29/10 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
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.
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Summary of Bill:
Certified pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education requirements established by the Board of Pharmacy.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will streamline and lower costs in pharmacies by starting a pathway for pharmacy technicians to be able to do more. The pharmacy workload has been rapidly increasing, but manpower has stayed the same. Alternate means to increase pharmacy capabilities are needed. Continuing education will cultivate a high level of skill in pharmacy technicians and will help them keep current in a rapidly-changing industry. This bill will help patients.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Herrera, prime sponsor; Patrick Gallaher; and Wes Wheeler.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.