South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Legislation
April 21, 2008
A bill that would increase the tech-to-pharmacist ratio in South Carolina does not serve the public interest, the ASHP told members of the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee in a letter urging the committee to refer Senate Bill 1156 back to the Medical Affairs Subcommittee for further study.
Senate Bill 1156 proposes to amend Section 40-43-86 of the Pharmacy Practice Act and increase the tech-to-pharmacist ratio from 3:1 with two techs being certified up to 3:1 with only one tech being certified, and 4:1 if there are 2 certified techs on duty.
ASHP and its state affiliate, the South Carolina Society of Health-System Pharmacists oppose the proposal because it has no provision that ensures adequate training of pharmacy technicians, nor is there language regarding accredited programs. The letter from ASHP notes that “Appropriate and accredited training is a necessary protection for public health and a concern that is paramount to the entire population of South Carolina.”
The letter points to the results of a recent survey of pharmacists who live and work in South Carolina. When asked if it would be in the public interest to require that all pharmacy technicians meet a consistent standard for education and training; more than 90 percent responded “Yes.” Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed agreed that pharmacy practice acts should require technicians to complete an accredited training program and attain PTCB certification prior to registration.
Click Here to read the letter in PDF format.
Article via: Medical News Today
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