The California State Board of Pharmacy on Day 2 of its November meeting ratified clarifying edits to a previously adopted regulation on discontinuance of business and approved multiple rulemaking steps to update pharmacy‑technician rules.

President Sang O told members the Office of Administrative Law had requested clarifying language to California Code of Regulations, Title 16, section 1708.2. Staff said those changes restructured and clarified the text but did not alter regulatory requirements; no comments were received during the most recent 15‑day comment period. The board voted to ratify the modifications and directed staff to complete the rulemaking record.

On an item prompted by the Well‑Being First initiative and federal guidance, the board authorized staff to initiate rulemaking to amend CCR §1793.5 to update pharmacy‑technician application questions. Member Nicole Thiebaud urged retaining explicit language that would capture prior substance‑use or alcohol treatment so applicants do not inadvertently omit such treatment; Trevor Chandler seconded concerns and moved that staff incorporate language that avoids stigma while ensuring patient safety. The board voted to initiate the rulemaking.

The board also approved initiating rulemaking to amend CCR §1793.65 to extend the sunset date for board‑approved pharmacy technician certification programs to June 30, 2027, while the Office of Professional Examination Services completes audits and the Board considers audit findings. Sean Kim of the California Pharmacists Association spoke in support of the extension, calling it necessary to preserve workforce continuity during review of OPES findings.

All three motions were adopted by recorded roll call votes with the members present voting yes.

What happens next: Staff will submit rulemaking packages to the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for review, publish notices for the required comment periods, and return to the board if hearings are requested or substantive objections are filed.

Votes at a glance

• Ratify modifications to CCR §1708.2 (discontinuance of business): Motion adopted (unanimous).
• Initiate rulemaking to amend CCR §1793.5 (technician application form/questions): Motion adopted (unanimous).
• Initiate rulemaking to amend CCR §1793.65 (certification program sunset extension to 06/30/2027): Motion adopted (unanimous).

Sources: Board meeting materials and public roll‑call votes at the November 2025 board meeting.