Michigan House Bill HB4932

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/11/25
• Refer: 9/11/25

Caption

Health occupations: pharmacists; continuing education requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; modify. Amends sec. 17731 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17731).

Impact

The bill places a strong emphasis on the continuing education of pharmacy professionals, particularly in areas relevant to pain and symptom management. It mandates the department, in consultation with the board, to develop rules that include a specific number of hours or courses dedicated to this critical aspect of healthcare. The adaptation of training to include contemporary practices in pain management could potentially enhance the skill set of pharmacy professionals, allowing them to better assist patients in managing their conditions.

Summary

House Bill 4932 seeks to amend Michigan's Public Health Code, particularly the regulations that govern the continuing education requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The proposed amendments will require a pharmacist seeking license renewal to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education within the two years prior to their application. Similarly, pharmacy technicians would be required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education. This measure aims to ensure that pharmacy professionals remain current with their knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care to patients.

Contention

Notably, one of the key stipulations of this bill is the allowance for 100% of the continuing education hours to be fulfilled through online or electronic media. This provision is aimed at increasing accessibility for licensees, which might lead to discussions regarding the adequacy of online training versus in-person training. Stakeholders may raise concerns about whether online coursework can sufficiently replace hands-on training experiences and whether this approach meets the required standards for quality education in the field. Overall, HB4932 balances the need for regulated continuing education with modern approaches to professional development.