Key Takeaways
- State Boards of Pharmacy regulate pharmacy practice and technician certification requirements.
- Professional organizations like PTCB and NHA provide national certification for pharmacy technicians.
- Different pharmacy settings (retail, hospital, specialty) have unique operational requirements.
- Ethics and professionalism are essential components of pharmacy technician practice.
- Continuing education is required to maintain certification in most states.
Pharmacy Settings and Professional Standards
Understanding the regulatory framework, professional organizations, and ethical standards that govern pharmacy practice is essential for ExCPT candidates. This section covers the organizations that regulate and certify pharmacy technicians, different practice settings, and professional responsibilities.
Regulatory Bodies and Organizations
State Boards of Pharmacy
State Boards of Pharmacy are the primary regulatory agencies for pharmacy practice within each state.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue and renew pharmacist and pharmacy licenses |
| Regulation | Establish rules for pharmacy practice in the state |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints and take disciplinary action |
| Technician Oversight | Set registration/certification requirements for technicians |
| Inspections | Conduct routine pharmacy inspections |
Key State Board Responsibilities for Technicians
- Technician registration or licensing requirements
- Technician-to-pharmacist ratios
- Continuing education requirements
- Scope of practice limitations
- Disciplinary procedures
Important: Requirements vary significantly by state. Always verify your state's specific regulations.
Federal Regulatory Agencies
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The DEA enforces controlled substance laws and regulations.
Key Functions:
- Registers practitioners and pharmacies to handle controlled substances
- Investigates drug diversion
- Maintains controlled substance schedules
- Conducts pharmacy audits
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA regulates drug safety and efficacy.
Key Functions:
- Approves new drugs for market
- Establishes manufacturing standards (cGMP)
- Coordinates drug recalls
- Regulates drug labeling and advertising
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS oversees federal healthcare programs.
Relevance to Pharmacy:
- Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit
- Medicaid program requirements
- Quality measures and reporting
Professional Certification Organizations
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
The PTCB is one of two nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification organizations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential | CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) |
| Exam | PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) |
| Questions | 90 questions (80 scored, 10 unscored) |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Recertification | Every 2 years; 20 CE hours required |
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The NHA administers the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential | CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) |
| Exam | ExCPT |
| Questions | 100 scored questions plus 20 pretest questions |
| Time | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Recertification | Every 2 years; 20 CE hours required |
Certification Requirements
Most certification programs require:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Clean criminal background
- Completion of education/training program OR qualifying work experience
- Passing score on certification exam
Pharmacy Practice Settings
Community/Retail Pharmacy
The most common setting for pharmacy technicians, serving ambulatory patients.
Types:
- Chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Independent pharmacies
- Grocery store pharmacies
- Mass merchant pharmacies (Walmart, Costco, Target)
Characteristics:
- High volume of prescriptions
- Direct patient interaction
- Insurance processing
- OTC product sales
- Immunization services (in some locations)
Hospital/Institutional Pharmacy
Pharmacies within healthcare facilities serving inpatients.
Types:
- Acute care hospitals
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Psychiatric hospitals
Characteristics:
- 24/7 operations
- Unit-dose dispensing
- IV admixture preparation
- Automated dispensing cabinets
- Clinical pharmacy services
Long-Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy
Serves nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar settings.
Characteristics:
- Cycle fills (weekly or monthly)
- Specialized packaging (blister packs, unit-dose cards)
- Consultant pharmacist services
- Emergency medication kits
Mail-Order/Specialty Pharmacy
High-volume operations or pharmacies specializing in complex medications.
Mail-Order Characteristics:
- Central fill operations
- Automated dispensing systems
- Extended day supplies (90 days)
- Direct shipping to patients
Specialty Pharmacy Characteristics:
- High-cost, complex medications
- Biologics and specialty drugs
- Patient management programs
- Cold chain/special handling requirements
Compounding Pharmacy
Prepares customized medications not commercially available.
Types:
- Non-sterile compounding (creams, capsules, suspensions)
- Sterile compounding (IV preparations, ophthalmics)
Regulatory Requirements:
- USP Chapter <795> for non-sterile
- USP Chapter <797> for sterile
- USP Chapter <800> for hazardous drugs
Professional Ethics and Responsibilities
Code of Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians are expected to uphold high ethical standards.
Core Ethical Principles:
| Principle | Application |
|---|---|
| Integrity | Be honest in all professional activities |
| Confidentiality | Protect patient information |
| Competence | Maintain and improve professional knowledge |
| Accountability | Take responsibility for actions and errors |
| Patient Safety | Prioritize patient welfare above all else |
Professional Responsibilities
To Patients:
- Provide accurate, safe service
- Protect confidentiality
- Refer questions appropriately to pharmacist
- Report errors promptly
To the Profession:
- Maintain certification and CE requirements
- Stay current with regulations
- Support colleagues and pharmacy students
- Report unethical or illegal behavior
To the Employer:
- Follow policies and procedures
- Maintain accurate records
- Protect pharmacy assets
- Work cooperatively with team
Continuing Education Requirements
Most states and certification bodies require ongoing education.
Typical CE Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 20 hours per 2-year recertification cycle |
| Pharmacy Law | 1 hour in pharmacy law required |
| Patient Safety | 1 hour in patient safety required |
| Approved Providers | ACPE-accredited programs |
CE Sources
- Professional associations (ASHP, APhA)
- Employer-provided training
- Online CE providers
- State pharmacy association programs
- Manufacturer education programs
Maintaining Certification and Licensure
Renewal Requirements
| Component | Frequency |
|---|---|
| National Certification | Every 2 years (PTCB, NHA) |
| State Registration/License | Varies by state (1-2 years) |
| Continuing Education | Typically 20 hours per 2-year cycle |
Common Reasons for Disciplinary Action
- Diversion of controlled substances
- HIPAA violations
- Practicing outside scope
- Criminal convictions
- Falsifying records
- Impairment (working under the influence)
Key Takeaways
- State Boards of Pharmacy regulate pharmacy practice and technician certification requirements.
- Professional organizations like PTCB and NHA provide national certification for pharmacy technicians.
- Different pharmacy settings (retail, hospital, specialty) have unique operational requirements.
- Ethics and professionalism are essential components of pharmacy technician practice.
- Continuing education is required to maintain certification in most states.
Which organization is responsible for issuing the ExCPT exam?
How many continuing education hours are typically required for pharmacy technician recertification?
Which regulatory body has the authority to revoke a pharmacy technician's license to practice?