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Panel backs pharmacy board rules to let certified technicians administer tests and certain vaccines
Summary
Joint committee recommended permanent Board of Pharmacy rules that clarify the roles of certified and registered pharmacy technicians, extend technician application windows and allow certified technicians — not registered ones — to administer specified tests and vaccines under pharmacist supervision.
The Joint Government Operations Committee on Sept. 17 recommended approval of three rule changes from the Board of Pharmacy that clarify pharmacy technician roles and expand certain authorized activities for certified technicians.
Olivia Johnson, a legislative liaison for the Department of Health, told the committee the packet keeps pharmacy technician applications open for one year, clarifies tasks certified technicians may do outside a pharmacist's immediate presence and authorizes certain certified pharmacy technicians, after required training and under a supervising pharmacist, to administer certain vaccines and tests.
The rules distinguish two technician categories in Tennessee: registered technicians, who must complete a background check, drug screening and an application; and certified technicians, who must complete an approved training program, pass a national certification exam and meet continuing education requirements. Johnson noted the April 2022 Public Chapter 812 expanded pharmacy technician scope statutorily to permit administration of drug products after training and supervision.
The packet limits vaccine and test administration to certified technicians and makes participation voluntary. Tests that certified technicians may administer include oral, nasal and throat swabs and finger pricks, the presenters said.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about supervision, training and background checks. Kyle Phillips, representing the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, explained registered technicians are licensed by the board. David Silvis of the Department of Health's Office of General Counsel confirmed that all board licensees must pass a criminal background check.
Representative questions focused on informed consent and how technicians will stay current with new safety information. Panelists said certified technicians must complete immunization certification training and ongoing continuing education approved by the board, and that pharmacists remain ultimately responsible for updated clinical information and oversight. “Any updated information…should be transferred to the technician for the technician to speak to the patient as well and overseen by the pharmacist,” a board representative said.
There was brief discussion about license reactivation and interstate licensure concerns; the Office of General Counsel said it would follow up with additional information.
The committee took a positive recommendation by voice vote in the House and a roll call in the Senate. The measures will move forward with the pharmacy board's rules as presented.
