Virginia Approves Amends Language Relating to Pharmacy Technicians

Recently the Governor of Virginia approved amended language regarding pharmacy technicians. This new legislation becomes law on July 1, 2020. The most substantial changes were made to the registration requirements for technicians going forward (currently registered pharm techs are exempted).

Starting on July 1, 2020, to be registered as a pharmacy technician, a persona shall submit:

• An application and fee specified in regulations of the board;
• Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed a training program that is (i) an accredited training program, including an accredited training program operated through the Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education program or approved by the Board, or (ii) operated through a federal agency or branch of the military; and
• Evidence that he has successfully passed a national certification examination administered by the National Healthcareer Association (the ExCPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The Board is required to issue rules allowing pharmacy technicians to register if they (a) had completed their training prior to July 1, 2020, where such training met the prior requirements or if they obtained national certification, even if they did not receive board-approved training, prior to July 1, 2020; or (b) have practiced as a pharmacy technician in another state and hold a national certification. The Board also must issue rules requiring evidence of continuing education as a condition or renewing registration.

The new accreditation requirements for pharmacy technician training programs shall not become effective until July 1, 2022.

To access a copy of the full amended language, click here.

NHA worked in collaboration with state level stakeholders in order to secure the ExCPT as an approved certification exam for technicians. Our PharmaSeer and PharmaSeer Math resources can also be helpful to pharmacy technician educators and employers to assist with the process of obtaining accreditation of their training programs.