The Board proposes the rule amendment to update language regarding the examination required for non-U.S. graduates.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Pharmacy

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B16-26.2031Licensure by Examination (Non-U.S. Graduates); Application

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes the rule amendment to update language regarding the examination required for non-U.S. graduates.

SUMMARY: Language regarding the examination required for non-U.S. graduates will be updated.

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 Committee meetings and Board meetings, 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: 456.013(1), 465.005 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.013(1), 456.025(3), 456.0635, 465.007(1) 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: Kelly Rogers, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3258 or by email at [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B16-26.2031 Licensure by Examination (Non-U.S. Graduates); Application.

In order for a foreign pharmacy graduate to be admitted to the professional licensure examination, the applicant must be a graduate of a four year undergraduate pharmacy program at a school or college outside the United States and have completed an internship program approved by the Board.

(1) No change.

(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the applicant must submit proof of having met the following requirements:

(a) Successfully pass the Fforeign Ppharmacy Ggraduate Eequivalency Eexamination and the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) as required by section 465.007, F.S.(1)(b)2., F.S., given by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Commission, with a minimum score of 75%; and

(b)1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of English by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service, Inc., with a score of at least 550 for the pencil and paper test or 213 for the computer version and by passing the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a score of 50 on the recalibrated TSE; or

2. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of English by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL ibt) with scores of: Listening – 18; Reading – 21; Speaking – 26; and Writing – 24; and,

(b)(c) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 456.013(1), 465.005 FS. Law Implemented 456.013(1), 456.025(3), 456.0635, 465.007(1) FS. History–New 1-11-05, Amended 8-8-07, 6-10-09, 5-27-10, 9-12-16, 12-29-21,                               .

 

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: June 13, 2024

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: July 29, 2024