Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1353
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
Sponsors: Representatives Rivers, Cody, Schmick, Moeller, Orcutt, Ladenburg, Dahlquist, Harris, Moscoso, Green and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/3/11
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.
Summary of Bill:
Certified pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education requirements established by the Board of Pharmacy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2011.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.