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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony DeLuca |
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House passes DeLuca pharmacy technician bill
HARRISBURG, March 8 – The state House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, that would require pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania to be registered by the State Board of Pharmacy.
DeLuca's legislation, H.B. 528, would require pharmacy technicians to complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the board and either receive certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency or successfully complete a board-approved examination. The bill also would allow pharmacy technician trainees to receive a temporary permit while they are enrolled in a certified training program.
"My bill is designed to help to protect consumers, especially the elderly, from getting the wrong medications administered, which could result in many serious health problems to consumers," DeLuca said.
DeLuca said currently there is no registration requirement, or minimum education or experience requirement, for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania.
DeLuca, who is chairman of the House Insurance Committee, said in addition to requiring registration and setting minimum training standards, the bill would also require pharmacy technicians to wear name tags that identify them as a pharmacy technician. The bill would preserve the current requirement that pharmacy technicians work only under the direct supervision and monitoring of a licensed pharmacist.
In addition, he said, the new standard would ensure optimal training and qualifications in Pennsylvania for pharmacy technicians who work under the direct supervision of and assist pharmacists in filling prescription orders. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for duties such as counting tablets and labeling prescription bottles in pharmacies, but are not permitted to perform any duty that requires independent professional judgment.
DeLuca said his legislation has been sent to the Senate for consideration.