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Board of Pharmacy rules let certified pharmacy technicians administer certain tests and vaccines, agency says
Summary
The Board of Pharmacy and Department of Health presented rule changes to allow only certified (not registered) pharmacy technicians to administer some vaccines and tests after required training; lawmakers sought clarification on supervision, training, background checks and whether pharmacists retain final responsibility.
Olivia Johnson, legislative liaison for the Department of Health, outlined a three-part rule packet from the Board of Pharmacy that would keep pharmacy technician applications open for one year, clarify tasks that certified technicians may perform outside a pharmacist's presence, and authorize certified pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines and tests as part of their scope of practice.
"This allows pharmacy technician applications to remain open for 1 year," Johnson said, adding the packet clarifies that only certified technicians — who complete an approved training program and pass a national exam — will be authorized to perform testing and vaccine administration. Kyle Phillips of the Board of Pharmacy added that registered technicians must still complete background checks and other registration steps.
Legislators pressed for details about informed consent, what "under supervision" means in practice, competency measures and whether certified technicians must pass background checks; the board said certified technicians also must pass criminal background checks, complete approved continuing education and operate under pharmacist oversight. The committee moved the packet forward by voice vote and Senate roll call; the chair announced the rules advance with a positive recommendation.
