BILL REQ. #:  H-0850.1 

Read first time 01/19/11.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring continuing education for pharmacy technicians; and amending RCW 18.64A.020.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.64A.020 and 1997 c 417 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The board shall adopt, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, rules fixing the classification and qualifications and the educational and training requirements for persons who may be employed as pharmacy technicians or who may be enrolled in any pharmacy technician training program. Such rules shall provide that:
     (((a))) (i) Licensed pharmacists shall supervise the training of pharmacy technicians; ((and
     (b))) (ii) Training programs shall assure the competence of pharmacy technicians to aid and assist pharmacy operations. Training programs shall consist of instruction and/or practical training; and
     (iii) Pharmacy technicians shall complete continuing education requirements established in rule by the board.
     (b) Such rules may include successful completion of examinations for applicants for pharmacy technician certificates. If such examination rules are adopted, the board shall prepare or determine the nature of, and supervise the grading of the examinations. The board may approve an examination prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing authorities.
     (2) The board may disapprove or revoke approval of any training program for failure to conform to board rules. In the case of the disapproval or revocation of approval of a training program by the board, a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with RCW 18.64.160, and appeal may be taken in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.