OUR MISSION:
The Coalition was developed with a focus of bringing pharmacy technician organizations and associations together to support the efforts of advancing pharmacy technicians, during the current health crisis and beyond. The Coalition will advocate to expand CPhT’s scope of practice and encourage state Board of Pharmacies to authorize technicians to do so.
Advocate and support the expansion of pharmacy technician's scope of practice and elevation of the profession.
Educate and interact with industry leaders, legislators and state BOPs about the goals of the coalition.
Secure attendance/agenda items at state specific BOP to introduce language in support of expanded technician scope, with an immediate focus on increasing the number of states that allow technician administered immunization.
The Coalition works to advocate for pharmacy technicians across the country. If there are technician efforts within your state or state Board of Pharmacy that you would like the coalition to support, please contact us discuss the opportunity. Below, is a list of events/states in which the coalition will be engaged in both formal and informal discussions.
The Nevada BOP met on September 3rd to discuss proposed language regarding the allowance of pharmacy technician administered immunization. The Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technician Practice submitted the following letter of support (below) for the proposed language and provided public comment on the topic. The BOP voted in support of and approved the proposed language. A copy of the proposed language can be found below.
The Board met on 9.21.2020 with a discussion item about technician immunization on the agenda (attached). The Board will dig further into the current Pharmacist Practice Act, to get a legal interpretation, to determine if technician administered immunization is an allowable task within the state. More information at upcoming meetings.
Coming soon
The Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technician Practice recognizes the important role that pharmacies and pharmacy professionals play in administering immunizations and supports their positive impact on public health.
Contact Jessica Langley, MS, Exec. Director of Education & Advocacy - NHA
See who has signed the pledge here
The Coalition's Origin Story
The Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technicians Practice was, as with most innovative solutions, birthed out of a need.
When the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on pharmacy industry meetings, stakeholders found themselves less connected and more scattered on important regulatory matters that were surfacing around the pandemic and the increasing need for expanded pharmacy technician roles.
The Coalition's Origin Story:
More importantly, healthcare establishments were being overrun and overwhelmed.
Industry stakeholders are demonstrating more confidence in well-trained, certified pharmacy technicians that can step in and help support the increased demand on pharmacists.
There is an immediate need for increased accessibility to care, which continues to drive the pharmacy workforce forward, along with advocating for expanded roles for pharmacy technicians.
The Coalition's Origin Story:
Despite stay-at-home orders, shutdowns, and meeting cancellations, the Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technicians Practice now allows industry influencers to remain connected and unified while addressing regulatory issues and industry changes.
Our commitment, as a coalition, is to advocate and implement positive change for pharmacy technician professionals and to create a platform for their voice to be heard and supported.
Want access to news and research that speaks to the advancement of pharmacy technician practice? Check out the following resources promoting the value of pharmacy technicians as a member of the pharmacy workforce and the importance of expanded duties.
Check out Pharmacy Times Pharm Tech Addition for articles including:
On Script is the right hand of the pharmacist, supporting pharmacy technicians. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) sponsors the ‘ONScript’ Podcast dedicated to the career driven Pharmacy Technician. Jeremy Sasser CPhT is our host who works for the NHA as a pharmacy content specialist.
Pharmacy Times spoke with Jessica Langely, MS, executive director of education and advocacy, about the importance of expanding the role of pharmacy technicians.
The 2020 Industry Outlook shares the trends impacting some of the most in-demand allied health professions. In this year's research, NHA collected insights and data from employers of allied health professionals, digging deeper to understand what they seek in candidates, what these professionals’ daily work looks like, and what traits and skills make them most successful in their roles.
Today, future opportunities for pharmacy technicians seem almost limitless. The rapid expansion of clinical pharmacist services across outpatient and inpatient settings has ushered in a new era for pharmacy technician role advancement. Although these opportunities vary across organizations and states, one thing is consistent—advanced technician skills mean better patient care.