SB1889 Summary

• Establishes new Section 9.7 creating a "student pharmacist" designation for persons enrolled in or recently graduated (within 18 months) from an accredited pharmacy program, allowing them to work under pharmacist supervision without requiring immediate certification as a registered certified pharmacy technician.

• Permits registered pharmacy technicians and supportive staff to sell pre-verified prescriptions when a pharmacist is not present, with provisions for remote counseling via audio/video technology or follow-up phone contact by the pharmacist.

• Limits continuous work shifts to 12 hours per day for pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, with mandatory meal and rest breaks (one 30-minute meal break and two 15-minute breaks for 12-hour shifts).

• Clarifies that supportive staff performing only clerical work (point-of-sale operations, sorting pre-packaged drugs, selling pre-verified prescriptions) do not require pharmacy technician licensure, but excludes data entry, packaging, and labeling from clerical duties.

• Requires pharmacies with multiple pharmacists to stagger breaks so at least one pharmacist remains on duty during business hours, with emergency exceptions allowing extended shifts to protect patient safety.