Allows pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Impact
Should A00678 be enacted, it would significantly alter existing regulations surrounding pharmacy practice in New York. The bill allows pharmacy technicians to work not only in facilities licensed under specific health laws but across a wider range of pharmacy settings while maintaining direct supervision by licensed pharmacists. This could lead to improved efficiency in medication dispensing and offer pharmacists the opportunity to focus on professional judgment and patient care rather than routine tasks.
Summary
Bill A00678 proposes amendments to the education law to enable registered pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This change aims to enhance the operational flexibility of pharmacies, allowing technicians to assist licensed pharmacists in essential tasks like compounding, preparing, labeling, and dispensing medications. By broadening the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians, the bill acknowledges their role and potential contributions within the healthcare system to ensure a smoother workflow in pharmacies.
Contention
While supporters argue that the enhanced role of pharmacy technicians could help address workforce shortages and improve service delivery in pharmacies, critics may raise concerns regarding patient safety. The requirement for direct supervision intends to maintain a standard of care, but there is apprehension about the potential risk of compromising oversight with an increased workload on pharmacists. Legislative discussions are likely to reflect these contrasting views, focusing on balancing workforce support with patient safety.
Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.
Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.
Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs; requires a pharmacy to ensure the prescription is filled by another pharmacist; requires the pharmacy to inform individuals of items not in stock; requires such items to be ordered by another pharmacist without delay; sets forth penalty provisions.
Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs; requires a pharmacy to ensure the prescription is filled by another pharmacist; requires the pharmacy to inform individuals of items not in stock; requires such items to be ordered by another pharmacist without delay; sets forth penalty provisions.
Permits certain registered pharmacy technicians to assist a licensed pharmacist in preparing prescriptions in facilities licensed pursuant to articles twenty-eight or thirty-one of the public health law, or a pharmacy owned and operated by such facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist employed by such facility.
Permits certain registered pharmacy technicians to assist a licensed pharmacist in preparing prescriptions in facilities licensed pursuant to articles twenty-eight or thirty-one of the public health law, or a pharmacy owned and operated by such facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist employed by such facility.