2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but especially for healthcare workers on the front lines. Due to this, it’s important, now more than ever, that pharmacy technicians practice at the very top of their license. While boards of pharmacy have traditionally limited pharmacy technician practice from performing such tasks like final product verification, administering immunizations to patients, or performing CLIA-waived point of care testing, more and more states are undergoing the process of reviewing, discussing, and in some cases, changing their rules to permit properly trained technicians to perform these and other tasks.

To further seize on this trend, NHA has spearheaded an initiative to bring together representatives from some of the biggest pharmacy organizations in the industry.  The initiative, The Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technician Practice, aims to work together to stay up to date with current state boards of pharmacy that are discussing this very important topic and to engage other state boards of pharmacy to consider broadening pharmacy technician scope of practice.

By bringing together retail pharmacy  giants like Albertsons Companies, Walmart, Kroger and Walgreens, along with state pharmacy associations, pharmacy academicians, and organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council, the coalition’s collective voice and singular mission is to further expedite the spread of states allowing pharmacy technicians to do more.  This support from the industry will be key to continuing to elevate the pharmacy profession across the nation.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a pharmacy technician in Canada? We've got you covered. Don’t miss this information packed episode that provides insights into pharmacy practices outside of the US. 

Work/life balance can be difficult to achieve, especially for working professionals who also carry the title of “mom.”  In this episode, Jeremy and Jessica interview Dr. Suzy Soliman, the founder of the Facebook group “Pharmacist Moms.” 

In this episode of OnScript with NHA, co-hosts Jessica Langley-Loep and Jeremy Sasser are joined by Susan Bonilla, the newly-appointed CEO of the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA). Starting her professional career as a high school English teacher, Susan eventually began serving the public through elected positions starting with city council and eventually being elected to the California state assembly. Susan chaired committees that oversaw the pharmacist advanced practice bill as well as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Combining her love of education and public service make leading CPhA a great fit for Susan.

In this episode of OnScript with NHA, co-hosts Jeremy Sasser and Jessica Langley-Loep discuss interprofessional and interdisciplinary relationships between pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.

This article was originally published in Total Pharmacy, a Pharmacy Times publication.

Contributors: Alex Adams, Pharm.D., Brian Hille and Samantha Thompson, CPhT

Idaho was the first state to allow certified
pharmacy technicians to administer
immunizations — an advanced task that had previously only been permitted for licensed pharmacists.

The problem: pharmacists need time to counsel patients
Research continues to show that when pharmacists spend more time with patients, better patient outcomes can be achieved.¹ But if more time with patients leads to better outcomes, why aren’t more pharmacists doing it?

Soft skills in healthcare are intangible qualities that can help workers interact with patients and other healthcare providers more effectively. Skills such as thinking critically, effectively communicating, and maintaining confidence can help all allied health workers leverage their expertise and lead to greater productivity. Soft skills are not based on acquired knowledge, employers can help to nurture and develop these skills in their employees in a number of ways, via a broader effort over time through mentorship and real world experience.