The Board proposes the rule amendment to update the rule and revise/expand the number, types and availability of pharmacy technician training programs.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Pharmacy

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B16-26.351Standards for Approval of Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes the rule amendment to update the rule and revise/expand the number, types and availability of pharmacy technician training programs.

SUMMARY: The number, types and availability of pharmacy technician training programs will be revised/expanded.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION: The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 465.005, 465.0126 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 465.0126 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Allison Dudley, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C04, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3254.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B16-26.351 Standards for Approval of Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Programs.

(1) The following programs are approved Registered Pharmacy Technician Training programs:

(a) Pharmacy technician training programs accredited as of August 1, 2016, by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC);

(b) Pharmacy technician training programs accredited as of August 1, 2016, by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE):

(c)(a) Pharmacy technician training programs accredited, as of August 1, 2016, on or before January 1, 2011 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SHSP);,

(d)(b) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited, as of August 1, 2016, on or before January 1, 2011 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS);,

(e)(c) Pharmacy technician training programs approved as of August 1, 2016, on or before January 1, 2011 by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE);,

(f)(d) Pharmacy technician training programs provided by a branch of the federal armed services as of August 1, 2016,, on or before January 1, 2011;.

(g)(e) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016, on or before January 1, 2011 by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

(h) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.

(i) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Technical and Career Institutions.

(j) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

(k) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

(l) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the Distance Education Accrediting commission.

(m) Pharmacy technician training programs at institutions accredited as of August 1, 2016 by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

(2) All other programs offered or accredited by an entity not listed in paragraphs (1)(a) through (m)(e), and which are not employer based programs, must:

(a) Meet the requirements of and be licensed by the Commission for Independent Education pursuant to Chapter 1005, F.S., or the equivalent licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction or be within the public school system of the State of Florida; and:

(b) No change.

(c) Apply directly to the Board of Pharmacy on approved form DH-MQA 1239 “Board of Pharmacy Application for Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Programs,” 08/16, effective December 2010, https://www.flrules.org/gateway/reference.asp?NO=Ref00717, which is hereby incorporated by reference. To obtain an Aapplications may be obtained from https://www.flrules.org/gateway/reference.asp?NO=Ref             or , contact the Board of Pharmacy at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C04, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3254, or [phone], or download the application from the board’s website at http://floridaspharmacy.gov/Applications/app-reg-pharm-tech-prog.pdf http//:www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/pharmacy and All applications must include provide the following information:

1. through 3. No change.

(d) through (e) No change.

(3) All other training programs must be employer based. Any pharmacy technician training program sponsored by a Florida permitted pharmacy, or affiliated group of pharmacies under common ownership, must contain a minimum of one hundred sixty (160) hours of training, that extends over a period not to exceed six (6) months; is provided solely to employees of said pharmacy or affiliated group; and has been approved by the Board. An application for approval of a Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Program shall be made on Board of Pharmacy approved form DH-MQA 1239 “Board of Pharmacy Application for Registered Pharmacy Technician Training Programs,” 08/16 effective December 2010. The applicant must attach to the application a copy of the curriculum, catalog or other course description. All employer based programs must:

(a) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (2)(b), (2)(d), and (2)(e), above; Offer a course of study that includes a classroom study and clinical instruction that includes the following:

1. Introduction to pharmacy and health care systems:

a. Confidentiality,

b. Patient rights and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

2. Pharmacy law:

a. Federal law,

b. Florida State law,

c. Florida State rules,

d. Pharmacy technician Florida rules and law.

3. Pharmaceutical-medical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols:

a. Medication safety and error prevention,

b. Prescriptions and medication orders.

4. Records management and inventory control:

a. Pharmaceutical supplies,

b. Medication labeling,

c. Medication packaging and storage,

d. Controlled substances,

e. Adjudication and billing.

5. Interpersonal relations, communications, and ethics:

a. Diversity of communications,

b. Empathetic communications,

c. Ethics governing pharmacy practice,

d. Patient and caregiver communication.

6. Pharmaceutical calculations.

(b) Use materials and methods that demonstrate that:

1. Learning experiences and teaching methods convey the content stated above.

2. Time allocated for each participant shall be sufficient to meet the objectives of each activity.

3. Principles of adult education are utilized in determining teaching strategies and learning activities.

(c) Demonstrate that the faculty is qualified to teach the subject matter by complying with the following:

1. The program shall provide evidence of academic preparation or experience in the subject matter by submitting a job description, resume or curriculum vitae which describes the faculty member’s work experience and level of academic preparation.

2. When the subject matter of an offering includes pharmacy technician practice, a licensed pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician with expertise in the content area must be involved in the planning and instruction.

3. Pharmacy technician faculty supervising learning experiences in a clinical area in this State shall be licensed or registered.

4. When an offering includes clinical practice training in Florida, a Florida licensed pharmacist competent in the practice area shall provide supervision.

(b)(d) No change.

(c)(e) Ensure that self-directed learning experiences, including but not limited to home study, computer programs, internet or web-based courses evaluate participant knowledge at the completion of the learning experience. The evaluation must include a minimum of one hundred (100) questions. The participant must achieve a minimum score of seventy percent (70%) on the evaluation to receive the certificate of completion. The evaluation must be graded by the provider.

(d)(f) Designate a person to assume responsibility for registered pharmacy technician training program. If the contact person is not a licensed pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician, provision shall should be made for insuring licensed pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician input in overall program planning and evaluation.

(e)(g) through (f)(h) No change.

(g)(i) Maintain program records for a period not less than three (3) years during which time the records must be available for inspection by the board or department.

(h)(j) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 465.005, 465.014(7), FS. Law Implemented 465.014(2), (4) FS. History–New 6-23-10, Amended 11-17-11,                    .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Pharmacy

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Pharmacy

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: August 9, 2016

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: July 8, 2016