ASHP, South Carolina Affiliate Oppose South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Legislation

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 21 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A bill that would increase the pharmacy technician-to-pharmacist ratio in South Carolina does not serve the public interest, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) told members of the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee in a letter urging the committee to refer Senate Bill 1156 back to the Medical Affairs Subcommittee for further study.

Senate Bill 1156 proposes to amend Section 40-43-86 of the Pharmacy Practice Act and increase the pharmacy technician-to-pharmacist ratio from 3:1 (with two technicians being state certified) to 3:1 (with one technician being state certified) and 4:1 (with two technicians being state certified).

ASHP and its state affiliate, the South Carolina Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SCSHP) oppose the proposal because it has no provision that ensures adequate training of pharmacy technicians, nor is there language regarding accredited programs. The letter from ASHP notes that "Appropriate and accredited training is a necessary protection for public health and a concern that is paramount to the entire population of South Carolina."

The letter points to the results of a recent survey of pharmacists who live and work in South Carolina. When asked if it would be in the public interest to require that all pharmacy technicians meet a consistent standard for education and training; more than 90 percent responded "Yes." Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed agreed that pharmacy practice acts should require technicians to complete an accredited training program and attain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification prior to registration.

Click here to read ASHP's letter to members of the South Carolina Medical Affairs Committee.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

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