Licensing committee outlines steps to implement AB 1503: standard of care, remote processing, technician duties and nonresident pharmacy changes

The Licensing Committee spent the bulk of its Oct. 15 session reviewing implementation priorities and draft approaches for provisions of AB 1503, the board's recently enacted sunset bill. Committee members generally supported a broad, nonprescriptive "standard of care" approach that empowers pharmacists while asking staff to prepare clarifying materials for licensees and the public.

Key implementation areas discussed - Standard of care: Committee chair Song El said the new statutory standard of care will allow pharmacists to exercise professional judgment outside the confines of narrowly prescriptive regulations. Committee members favored a brief policy statement that describes the move away from rigid protocol lists toward a competency‑ and outcome‑based approach. Several commenters, including Richard Dang (USC faculty) and Sean Kim (CPHA), praised the change and urged timely guidance and stakeholder education.

- Remot…