HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Passed House:
February 25, 2011
Title: An act relating to requiring continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
Brief Description: Concerning continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
Sponsors: Representatives Rivers, Cody, Schmick, Moeller, Orcutt, Ladenburg, Dahlquist, Harris, Moscoso, Green and Kenney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/3/11, 2/10/11 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/25/11, 98-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.
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: 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 is a small, but critical, first step in the right direction. The job of a pharmacy technician is becoming more demanding and pharmacists are relying more heavily on these professionals to help deliver medications in a safe and effective manner. Requiring continuing education is a logical and necessary addition that will raise the academic bar for pharmacy technicians. This bill also helps to begin the discussion of expanding the role of pharmacy technicians, which may become more important as we move closer to nationalized health care. It is the patient who will benefit the most from this bill.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Rivers, prime sponsor; and Patrick Gallagher.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.