HB3271 Summary

• Beginning January 1, 2016, pharmacy technicians aged 18+ who have been registered for 12+ months must become certified pharmacy technicians; those under 18 or registered less than 12 months must certify upon their first 2-year registration renewal.

• Certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing pharmacy education every 24 months for renewal, including 1 hour on pharmacy law and 1 hour on patient safety, with courses approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

• The Department shall establish rules for verifying completion of continuing education requirements, which may include record audits, filing certificates, or other approved methods, with an annual recordkeeping fee not to exceed $20.

• The Department may waive continuing education requirements in cases of extreme hardship, limited to one waiver per any 3 consecutive renewal periods, and shall establish a reinstatement process for lapsed certifications.

• The Act takes effect January 1, 2016, and the relevant statutory sections are scheduled for repeal on January 1, 2018.