Board adopts policy statement endorsing standard‑of‑care practice model for pharmacists

The Board of Pharmacy voted to approve a policy statement endorsing a standard‑of‑care practice model and recommended regulatory amendments to CCR sections 40.51 and 40.52. Board materials state the changes are intended to transition provisions to a standard of care practice model for pharmacists providing health care services in specified preventative health areas.

During discussion, the board noted several technical repeals and nonsubstantive edits will be required, which the executive officer will implement under delegated authority. The board said staff will release the policy statement and include it in the board’s publication (the Script) planned for early 2026 to help licensees and stakeholders understand the new framework.

Public commenters emphasized practical implications. Dr. Richard Dang called attention to possible confusion about a repeal of a prior regulation that had allowed pharmacists to initiate and administer vaccines for children under age three by protocol; he said the board's new collaborative practice agreement language (proposed §40.52(a)(12)) appears to preserve pharmacist authority for vaccinations within collaborative practice agreements. Dr. Dang also urged the board to coordinate education for payers and stakeholders so that pharmacist‑initiated prescriptions are recognized by health plans.

The motion to approve the policy statement passed on a recorded vote. The board directed staff to release the policy statement and to assist stakeholders with implementation details through forthcoming materials.