California Board of Pharmacy begins multiple rulemakings, approves policy shifts under AB 1503

The California State Board of Pharmacy on Nov. 2025 opened formal rulemaking and approved policy statements to implement a series of regulatory and statutory changes affecting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies.

During a full-day hybrid session in Anaheim and by Webex, the board voted to initiate rulemaking to: ratify modifications to the discontinuance-of-business regulation previously reviewed by the Office of Administrative Law; update application questions incorporated by reference in CCR Title 16, section 17.93.5 for pharmacy technician applicants; extend the sunset date on approved pharmacy technician certification programs (CCR 17.93.65) to June 30, 2027; and begin a rulemaking to add CCR section 17.17.11 to create a framework for remote prescription processing consistent with AB 1503.

President Seung Oh said the OAL's requested clarifications to the discontinuance-of-business package clarified structure rather than substance and staff recommended completing the rulemaking record. Maria Serpa, chair of the Enforcement and Compounding Committee, read the motion to ratify the third 15-day modifications and direct staff to complete the record;…