SENATE 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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, March 14, 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: Passed House: 2/25/11, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/10/11, 3/14/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Kline, Murray and Parlette.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
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 is a simple bill that provides for continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians. This is a small step in the right direction of moving the pharmacy profession forward. There is a continuing demand for technicians in the pharmacy practice and it is a logical next step to raise the academic bar for technicians. The Board of Pharmacy will have the power to administer these requirements and the bill is supported by that Board and the Washington Pharmacy Association. Due to increased demands on their practices, pharmacists are depending more on technicians. This will benefit the patient.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Patrick Gallagher, registered pharmacist, citizen.