The US has seen a sharp increase in total death due to the opioid overdose in recent years, with 70,200 overdoses alone in 2017. Nationwide, some states have been disproportionately affected by opioid addiction that resulted in a different rate of death. Pharmacy technicians along with pharmacists are the front line in receiving prescriptions and dispensing medication assisted therapy (MAT). Previous studies have detailed the expanding role of pharmacist involvement in substance abuse treatment and recovery. Despite often being the first point of interaction in community pharmacy, little is known about pharmacy technicians’ views and roles in reducing stigma when patients receive medication assisted therapy (MAT).
NHA, the leader in allied health certification, preparation and training, and Pharmacy Times®, a leading multimedia resource in today's pharmacy market have partnered to collaborate on advocacy initiatives that support the pharmacy technician profession. Together they will work to gain a better understanding of the needs and priorities of pharmacy technicians and to establish and grow industry partnerships and advocates that enable the pharmacy technician workforce to better serve patients and advance their career. Collaborative efforts will include the creation of a pharmacy technician specific supplement that focuses on career growth, industry trends, and market dynamics. They will also work together to develop the first ever pharmacy technician online resource center providing unlimited access to technicians training resources, news and events, thought leadership, and continuing education topics.
This week the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy accepted a presentation by NHA on PharmaSeer™, a digital learning resource built to supplement an existing pharmacy technician training or education program. Board members voted unanimously to approve PharmaSeer™ as a didactic resource for employer-based pharmacy technician training programs. NHA’s approval will be listed on the Board’s guidance document this week and can be found here.
Effective January 1, 2020, all newly registered technicians are required to complete a Board approved training program within six (6) months of the registration as set out in rule 680-X-2-.14.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has enacted a change that allows a certified pharmacy technician under the direct supervision of a pharmacy to administer clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA) waived diagnostic laboratory testing.
Last week New York’s Governor signed SB 6517 bill into law, which defines the role of “registered pharmacy technicians” and establishes qualifications for licensure. The bill also differentiates between the responsibilities of registered (licensed) technicians and unlicensed technicians—and establishes a ratio requirement.
All 50 states accept the ExCPT exam from National Healthcareer Association (NHA), helping more pharmacy technicians earn a national credential
LEAWOOD, Kan., October 24, 2019 -- Pharmacy technicians now have options in all states for national certification. National Healthcareer Association’s Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT®) is now accepted in all states that require certification as well as all states that either expand the number of permitted pharmacy technicians or the scope of pharmacy technician practice based on certification. The ExCPT certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) credential confirms a pharmacy technician’s knowledge and competency in the core tasks of the role, which in turn enhances patient safety. Removing barriers that limit the options for certification creates a larger pool of qualified technicians, promotes innovation in the development of training and exam resources, and amplifies the collective voice of industry advocates that support professional advancement for technicians.
Effective October 1, 2019, the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy has approved NHA’s ExCPT as an approved certification exam for technicians in the state. An applicant for registration in North Dakota as a pharmacy technician must have obtained certification by one of the two national certification bodies approved by the board of pharmacy, which now includes NHA. For more information on North Dakota’s requirements for pharmacy technicians click here.
