The Connecticut Board of Pharmacy told first‑time pharmacy managers at a public meeting that managers must meet specific staffing, training and reporting requirements to remain compliant with state oversight.

The guidance matters because managers are responsible for daily operations that affect controlled‑substance handling, patient safety and recordkeeping — areas the board said inspectors commonly cite.

Board presenters told new managers that a pharmacy manager must work a minimum of 35 hours per week in that role and maintain continuing education on an annual basis. An unnamed board presenter said, "What's the minimum number of hours pharmacy manager must work? 5. 35. Correct." Presenters also advised managers to track continuing education credits each calendar year and not to rely on two‑year batching: "It's 15 per year," a presenter said.

Officials emphasized several inspection focal points: keeping technician and pharmacist licenses current; following stated technician‑to‑pharmacist ratios; timely reporting of suspected diversion; maintaining accurate inventories; and proper labeling so products appear correctly in the prescription monitoring program (PMP).

Specifically, the board described technician ratios as 1:1 in standard settings, with an increase up to 4:1 when a licensed, certified immunizing technician is present during a September‑through‑March window. Presenters said advanced‑tech regulations are under consideration and could allow higher ratios in the future, but those changes are not in force now.

On controlled‑substance diversion, staff repeated the rule discussed at the meeting: suspected loss or theft must be reported within 72 hours, even if the missing quantity appears small. Presenters urged monthly inventory reconciliations and biannual controlled‑substance counts and warned that automated counting machines and robotics must be calibrated and verified; a presenter recounted an inspection where an uncalibrated robot caused tens of thousands of tablets to be over‑dispensed.

Managers were advised to maintain near‑miss and quality‑reporting practices rather than "sweep issues under the rug," and to use those records to identify recurring problems such as staff errors. The board also reminded attendees that inspectors who identify themselves with credentials must be admitted to the licensed pharmacy area when conducting official inspections.

The board recommended that new managers consult the Connecticut Drug Control web pages — including frequently asked questions for first‑time managers — and urged enrollment in FDA MedWatch alerts and confidential peer‑support programs for pharmacists. A commissioner advising on safety said MedWatch provides timely recall and safety notices, and a board presenter described an anonymous, confidential Haven Health program available for pharmacists and interns with impairment or burnout concerns.

Presenters closed by encouraging participation in professional associations and by reminding managers that, while employers may distribute policy, the pharmacist holds and is responsible for the state license.

Less critical details discussed near the end of the segment included reminders about reporting pharmacy closings, ensuring patient continuity of care if a location shuts down early, and maintaining an up‑to‑date pharmacy technician manual for inspections.