The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) has announced a change in the schedule for public input on proposed amendments to rule 21 NCAC 46 .1418, which concerns health care facility pharmacy technicians. The revised date for the public hearing is now set for December 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the NCBOP office in Chapel Hill.
The proposed changes aim to give health care facilities more flexibility in employing pharmacy technicians. According to the NCBOP, these amendments are the result of a two-year process involving a working group with representatives from various health care facility pharmacies, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The amendments suggest expanding the tasks that "validating technicians" can perform under a pharmacist's supervision. These tasks include confirming that automated devices have dispensed or prepared drugs correctly and validating the preparation and packaging of large-batch, low-risk products.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to increase the number of technicians eligible to become validating technicians. Previously, an associate’s degree was required; however, new certification programs by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board now provide alternative credentials. These programs are accessible to all technicians, not just those with an associate’s degree.
Furthermore, the amendment proposes extending its scope beyond hospital pharmacies to include all health care facilities as defined in section 21 NCAC 46 .1317. This expansion follows over fourteen years of experience with similar rules in hospital settings.
A public hearing will be held on December 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy office located at 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201, Chapel Hill. Individuals may submit objections either by attending this hearing or by sending written objections by December 15, 2025. Objections can be directed to Jay Campbell, Executive Director of NCBOP.
If unresolved objections remain before rule adoption, individuals may submit written objections to the Rules Review Commission according to G.S. 150B-21.3(b2). Should ten or more persons request legislative review and if approved by the Commission, the rule will take effect as outlined in G.S. 150B-21.3(b1).
For further questions about submitting objections to the Commission, individuals can contact a staff attorney at 984-236-1850.
Information from this article can be found here.
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