Florida, Illinois, Michigan Affiliates Join ASHP's Technician Initiative

6/11/2008

Through the Initiative, ASHP and affiliates will push for state laws that require, as a prerequisite for registration with the state board of pharmacy, completion of an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training and certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

 State affiliates that join the Initiative commit to advocate the adoption of laws and regulations that are designed to ensure the existence of a well-trained pharmacy technician work force. Such a work force will free up pharmacists to expand their patient care roles.

ASHP will help participating affiliates assess their state's existing legislation, regulations, and political climate. The Society will also offer model language for legislation and regulations.

Executive Vice President Henri R. Manasse Jr., Ph.D., Sc.D., said the Initiative comes from the ASHP Board of Directors's opinion that "enough is enough" when it comes to state governments' requirements, if any, for pharmacy technicians.

"We can no longer let the patient be . . . in jeopardy" by letting unqualified personnel handle medications, he said at the ceremony where representatives of the Florida, Illinois, and Michigan affiliates and ASHP signed memorandums of understanding.

Partnering with state affiliates to promote standardized education and training, certification, and registration of pharmacy technicians is part of ASHP's enhanced advocacy initiative.
 Follow the Initiative's progress at www.ashp.org/advocacy.