Signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and immunizations to anyone aged three or older if delegated to do so by a supervising pharmacist.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of "practice of pharmacy" relating to pharmacists and pharmacies, to read as follows (Sec. 1):

• The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy can permit pharmacy technicians other than pharmacists or interns to perform some or all of those functions described in Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy rules under the direct, personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist according to under rules defining the minimum qualifications of such employees, the ratio of pharmacy technicians to supervising pharmacists, and the scope of the duties, practices, and procedures that the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy determines will promote the delivery of competent; professional pharmaceutical services and promote the public health and welfare;

• A pharmacy technician may administer vaccines and immunizations to a person 3 years of age or older if delegated to do so by a supervising pharmacist, but may not administer other medications;

• The conduct of a pharmacy technician is the responsibility of the pharmacist-in-charge and supervising pharmacist of the pharmacy who shall not permit the employee to perform any act, task, or function that involves the exercise of independent judgment by the employee;

• Pharmacy products prepared by pharmacy technicians will be verified for accuracy by the supervising pharmacist before releasing for patient use, and the verification will be documented;

• The use of pharmacy technicians in a manner not authorized by this chapter or rules promulgated hereunder will be unprofessional conduct by the pharmacist-in-charge and the supervising pharmacist; and

• It is recognized that hospital pharmacy technicians are governed by the Hospital Pharmacies Act, and related Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy rules developed according to that subchapter under the Hospital Pharmacies Act.

Full Bill Text