NRS 639.1371 Pharmaceutical technicians: Number permitted per pharmacist; qualifications, registration, supervision and authorized services; submission of fingerprints; issuance of provisional registration; regulations.
1. The ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must not allow more than one pharmaceutical technician to each pharmacist unless the Board by regulation expands the ratio.
2. The Board shall adopt regulations concerning pharmaceutical technicians, including requirements for:
(a) The qualifications, registration and supervision of pharmaceutical technicians; and
(b) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians,
Ê to ensure the protection and safety of the public in the provision of pharmaceutical care.
3. The regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to this section which prescribe:
(a) The qualifications for pharmaceutical technicians must include:
(1) The successful completion of a program for pharmaceutical technicians which is approved by the Board;
(2) The completion of at least 1,500 hours of experience in carrying out the duties of a pharmaceutical technician; or
(3) Any other experience or education deemed equivalent by the Board.
(b) An expanded ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must be appropriate and necessary for a particular category of pharmacy at any time.
(c) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians must include, without limitation, the:
(1) Removal of drugs from stock;
(2) Counting, pouring or mixing of drugs;
(3) Placing of drugs in containers;
(4) Affixing of labels to containers; and
(5) Packaging and repackaging of drugs.
4. In addition to the requirements for registration as a pharmaceutical technician adopted by the Board pursuant to subsection 2, each applicant for such registration shall submit with his or her application a complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Board to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report. The Board may issue a provisional registration to an applicant pending receipt of the report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation if the Board determines that the applicant is otherwise qualified for registration.
5. For the purposes of this chapter, and chapters 453 and 454 of NRS, pharmaceutical technicians may perform acts required to be performed by pharmacists, but only to the extent provided in regulations.”
“Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)
639.240 Requirements for registration of pharmaceutical technicians.
639.242 Registration of pharmaceutical technician in training; grounds for denial of application for registration; expiration of registration; certification by managing pharmacist.
Add: 639.245 Maintenance and availability of records regarding certain pharmaceutical personnel on duty; activities of pharmaceutical technicians.
639.250 Restrictions on supervision.
639.254 Initial and biennial in-service training of pharmaceutical technicians working in or for pharmacy; maintenance of record by managing pharmacist; substitution of continuing education for in-service training.
639.256 Program of training: Approval by Board; testing of pharmaceutical technician in training for presence of alcohol or drug.
639.258 Participation in program of training for pharmaceutical technicians.
NAC 639.240 Requirements for registration of pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. No person may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician until the person has been issued a certificate of registration.
2. An applicant for registration as a pharmaceutical technician must:
(a) Be 18 years of age or older;
(b) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent;
(c) Have complied with the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 639.1371; and
(d) Have complied with one of the following requirements:
(1) The successful completion of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians, including, but not limited to, a program of training offered by a postsecondary school, that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256. The applicant must provide with the application a copy of a certificate evidencing successful completion of such a program.
(2) Active practice in good standing in another state as a pharmaceutical technician. The applicant must provide with the application:
(I) A form prescribed by the Board that is notarized and signed by the managing pharmacist of the pharmacy where the applicant was employed certifying that the applicant has successfully completed 1,500 hours of training and experience as a pharmaceutical technician providing the services set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 639.1371; and
(II) If required by that state to practice as a pharmaceutical technician, a copy of the registration, license or certificate issued to the applicant by that state.
(3) The successful completion of at least 1,500 hours of training and experience as a registered pharmaceutical technician in training providing the services set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 639.1371 in a pharmacy in this State. The applicant must provide with the application a form prescribed by the Board and completed by the managing pharmacist of the pharmacy at which the applicant received training certifying the successful completion of such training and experience. A pharmaceutical technician in training may accumulate certified hours of training from each place of employment.
(4) The successful completion of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians conducted by a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Indian Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The applicant must provide with the application a copy of a certificate evidencing the successful completion of such a program of training.
3. The Board may deny an application for registration as a pharmaceutical technician if the applicant has:
(a) Been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or the unlawful possession, sale or use of drugs; or
(b) A history of drug abuse.
4. If the Board does not deny the application pursuant to subsection 3 and determines that the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and chapter 639 of NRS for registration as a pharmaceutical technician, the Board will issue a certificate of registration as a pharmaceutical technician to the applicant.
[Bd. of Pharmacy, § 639.200, eff. 6-26-80]—(NAC A 12-3-84; 3-27-90; 11-15-93; 11-9-95; 7-17-96; R012-01, 11-1-2001; R041-04, 5-25-2004; R036-07, 1-30-2008; R121-08, 9-18-2008; R175-12, 12-20-2012; R072-19, 2-7-2020; R025-21, 4-11-2022; R041-21, 9-28-2022)” ” NAC 639.242 Registration of pharmaceutical technician in training; grounds for denial of application for registration; expiration of registration; certification by managing pharmacist. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. An applicant for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training must:
(a) Be 18 years of age or older;
(b) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent; and
(c) Participate in training while on the job and acquire experience that is commensurate with the duties of his or her employment.
2. The Board may deny an application for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training if the applicant has:
(a) Been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or the unlawful possession, sale or use of drugs; or
(b) A history of drug misuse.
3. A person may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician while the person is receiving the training and experience required by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 if he or she is registered with the Board.
4. If the Board does not deny the application pursuant to subsection 2 and determines that the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and chapter 639 of NRS for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training, the Board will issue a certificate of registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training to the applicant.
5. Registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training expires on October 31 of each even-numbered year unless renewed before that date.
6. The managing pharmacist of the pharmacy where a pharmaceutical technician in training is employed to receive the training and experience required by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 shall file with the Board a completed form prescribed by the Board certifying:
(a) The number of hours of training and experience the trainee has successfully completed;
(b) The specific training and experience the trainee has completed; and
(c) That the trainee is competent to perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A 11-9-95; 7-17-96; R072-19, 2-7-2020; R041-21, 9-28-2022)
NAC 639.245 Maintenance and availability of records regarding certain pharmaceutical personnel on duty; activities of pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 454.213, 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A written record must be kept available for inspection showing the pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians and pharmaceutical technicians in training on duty during the hours of business. This record must be:
(a) Readily retrievable; and
(b) Retained for 2 years.
2. A pharmaceutical technician under the direct supervision of a pharmacist may:
(a) Prepackage and label unit dose and unit of use and repackage drugs if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final products; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(b) Prepare, package, compound and label prescription drugs pursuant to prescriptions or orders for medication if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final product; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(c) Prepare bulk compounds if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final product; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(d) Distribute routine orders and stock medications and supplies in the pharmacy or areas where care is provided to patients.
(e) Maintain inventories of supplies of drugs.
(f) Maintain pharmaceutical records.
(g) Request authorization to refill a prescription from the prescribing practitioner.
(h) Transfer a prescription through a computer network if the:
(1) Pharmaceutical technician is employed by a pharmacy that:
(I) Has more than one location; and
(II) Maintains a computer network which provides information between its pharmacies; and
(2) Prescription is transferred to one of the pharmacies within its computer network.
(i) Enter information into the pharmacy’s computer system, including, without limitation, information contained in a new prescription concerning the prescription drug and the directions for its use.
3. A pharmaceutical technician under the direct and immediate supervision of a pharmacist may administer immunizations under the conditions prescribed in NAC 639.2971 if he or she has received the training required by NAC 639.2973 and the continuing education required by NAC 639.2974.
4. A pharmaceutical technician may not:
(a) Perform any action requiring a judgmental decision regarding a drug, the interpretation of a prescription or the instructions for the preparation of a prescription.
(b) Take new prescription or chart orders by telephone.
(c) Distribute medications pursuant to a chart order or dispense a prescription unless the order or prescription has been verified by a pharmacist.
5. A pharmaceutical technician shall prepare and distribute drugs only pursuant to written procedures and guidelines established by the pharmacy in which the pharmaceutical technician performs his or her duties.
[Bd. of Pharmacy, § 639.205, eff. 6-26-80]—(NAC A 12-3-84; 6-16-86; 3-27-90; 11-15-93; R214-99, 3-13-2000; R037-07, 1-30-2008; R142-20, 9-21-2020)” ” NAC 639.254 Initial and biennial in-service training of pharmaceutical technicians working in or for pharmacy; maintenance of record by managing pharmacist; substitution of continuing education for in-service training. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. The owner and managing pharmacist of a pharmacy shall provide training for pharmaceutical technicians working in or for the pharmacy that ensures the continuing competency of those technicians. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the training must consist of initial training upon employment and at least 12 hours of in-service training during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal of the registration of the pharmaceutical technician. One of the 12 hours of in-service training must be a jurisprudence program approved or presented by the Board that relates to the practice of pharmacy or the law concerning pharmacy in this State.
2. The managing pharmacist shall maintain a written record of the initial training and the annual training, including, without limitation, training and continuing education relating to immunizations required by NAC 639.2973 and 639.2974, completed by each pharmaceutical technician working in or for the pharmacy that contains:
(a) The name and signature of the person receiving the training;
(b) The date or dates on which the training was received;
(c) The number of hours of training received;
(d) A general description of the topics covered; and
(e) The name of the person or provider conducting the training.
3. A pharmaceutical technician may substitute the completion of the continuing education necessary for recertification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association for the biennial in-service training required by subsection 1.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A by R033-02, 5-31-2002; R121-08, 9-18-2008; R016-09, 10-27-2009; R175-12, 12-20-2012; R142-20, 9-21-2020)
NAC 639.256
NAC 639.256 Program of training: Approval by Board; testing of pharmaceutical technician in training for presence of alcohol or drug. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A program of training for pharmaceutical technicians must be approved by the Board before it is provided in this State. A request for approval must be filed with the Board. The Board will approve a program only if the program:
(a) Is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; and
(b) Administers at least one random test for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug to each pharmaceutical technician in training before the pharmaceutical technician in training is allowed to participate in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy. If the pharmaceutical technician in training tests positive for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug for which the pharmaceutical technician in training does not have a lawfully issued prescription or the pharmaceutical technician in training refuses to submit to such a test, the administrator of the program must:
(1) Suspend the pharmaceutical technician in training from participating in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy;
(2) Notify the Board that the pharmaceutical technician in training has tested positive for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug for which the pharmaceutical technician in training does not have a lawfully issued prescription or has refused to submit to such a test; and
(3) Prevent the pharmaceutical technician in training from resuming participation in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy without the approval of the Board.
2. The Board may refuse to approve a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians or may withdraw its approval of a program at any time for good cause shown.
3. A program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is provided outside this State shall be deemed to be approved by the Board if the program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
4. For the purposes of this section, “program of training for pharmaceutical technicians” does not include on-the-job training that is provided to a pharmaceutical technician in training by his or her employer.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A by R036-07, 1-30-2008)” ” NAC 639.258 Participation in program of training for pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A pharmaceutical technician in training who is registered with the Board may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician while he or she is participating in a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256. The registration of such a pharmaceutical technician in training:
(a) Will specify the program of training in which he or she is participating; and
(b) Expires when the enrollment of the pharmaceutical technician in the program terminates.
2. A person who is participating in a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256 may be trained in more than one pharmacy as a part of the program.
3. A pharmacist who is acting as an instructor for a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256 may, while acting as an instructor, supervise one pharmaceutical technician in training, in addition to the persons that he or she may supervise pursuant to subsection 1, 2, 3 or 5 of NAC 639.250, if the additional pharmaceutical technician in training:
(a) Has completed at least 9 months of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256; and
(b) Has not yet successfully completed 240 hours of practical training.
4. A pharmacist shall not supervise an additional pharmaceutical technician in training pursuant to subsection 3 after that pharmaceutical technician in training has successfully completed 240 hours of practical training.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A 12-13-96; R036-07, 1-30-2008; R002-19, 10-30-2019)
The data contained in this 2012 Annual Scorecard are accurate as of December 2012 . Because statutes and regulations are continually revised, the data are subject to change. These data have been verified with the state board of pharmacy. This scorecard is updated on an annual basis in order to incorporate statutory and regulatory changes. A new scorecard will be issued in July 2013.
Scoring rationale for Education and Training: In order to protect the public and help ensure patient safety, it is important that pharmacy technicians are properly educated and trained. The most rigorous training is accredited training. The sole entity empowered to accredit pharmacy-technician training programs is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Please note that this is “programmatic accreditation” – not “institutional accreditation.” It is the content of the training program – as measured against established standards – that is being evaluated and accredited. Accredited training is vital to protecting patient safety because it means that a pharmacy-technician training program has met established quality standards to provide assurance and confidence to the public. For more information, please see http://www.ashp.org/menu/Accreditation/TechnicianAccreditation.aspx.
Scoring rationale for Certification: Certification is the process by which a nongovernmental agency or association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or association. This is often determined by an examination process. Numerous organizations have recommended that the certification exam conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) should be recognized as the sole, nationally-accredited certification exam for pharmacy technician certification – including the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In a recent report, NABP recommended that states be encouraged to “recognize certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).” Moreover, NABP performed a psychometric audit of the PTCB’s pharmacy technician certification examination (PTCE) in 2001 and determined that the PTCE is psychometrically sound, defensible, and valid. In May 2010, the TSBP awarded the PTCB with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Provider contract in Texas. PTCB was selected for the contract after a rigorous bidding and evaluation process that included formal reviews and evaluations from three independent psychometricians. TSBP confidently recognizes PTCB as the single provider of certification examinations for pharmacy technicians. In addition, in June 2010, the VA began requiring PTCB certification for VA pharmacy technicians employed at grade GS-6 and above.
Scoring rationale for Registration/Licensure: Registration/licensure is the process by which the state maintains a list of all pharmacy technicians in the state and grants permission for an individual to work as a pharmacy technician in the state based on the applicant’s completion of all pre-requisites to registration/licensure – such as required training and certification.
Scoring rationale for Continuing Education: Continuing education enables pharmacy technicians to fulfill their professional responsibility to maintain competence and up-to-date knowledge and skills in an environment of technological advances and increasingly complex, new medications and therapies.
Our Mission
The Emily Jerry Foundation is determined to help make our nation’s,
world renowned, medical facilities safer for everyone, beginning with
our babies and children. We are accomplishing this very important
objective by focusing on increasing public awareness of key patient
safety related issues and identifying technology and best practices that
are proven to minimize the “human error” component of medicine.
Through our ongoing efforts The Emily Jerry Foundation is working
hard to save lives every day.
Nevada Scorecard
Grading Scale:
A – 85-100%, B – 70-84.9%, C – 55-69.9%, D – 40-54.9%, F – 0-39.9%
Grading Categories & Criteria
Nevada Law
I. Laws
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-639.html
NRS 639.1371 Pharmaceutical technicians: Number permitted per pharmacist; qualifications, registration, supervision and authorized services; submission of fingerprints; issuance of provisional registration; regulations.
1. The ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must not allow more than one pharmaceutical technician to each pharmacist unless the Board by regulation expands the ratio.
2. The Board shall adopt regulations concerning pharmaceutical technicians, including requirements for:
(a) The qualifications, registration and supervision of pharmaceutical technicians; and
(b) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians,
Ê to ensure the protection and safety of the public in the provision of pharmaceutical care.
3. The regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to this section which prescribe:
(a) The qualifications for pharmaceutical technicians must include:
(1) The successful completion of a program for pharmaceutical technicians which is approved by the Board;
(2) The completion of at least 1,500 hours of experience in carrying out the duties of a pharmaceutical technician; or
(3) Any other experience or education deemed equivalent by the Board.
(b) An expanded ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must be appropriate and necessary for a particular category of pharmacy at any time.
(c) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians must include, without limitation, the:
(1) Removal of drugs from stock;
(2) Counting, pouring or mixing of drugs;
(3) Placing of drugs in containers;
(4) Affixing of labels to containers; and
(5) Packaging and repackaging of drugs.
4. In addition to the requirements for registration as a pharmaceutical technician adopted by the Board pursuant to subsection 2, each applicant for such registration shall submit with his or her application a complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Board to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report. The Board may issue a provisional registration to an applicant pending receipt of the report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation if the Board determines that the applicant is otherwise qualified for registration.
5. For the purposes of this chapter, and chapters 453 and 454 of NRS, pharmaceutical technicians may perform acts required to be performed by pharmacists, but only to the extent provided in regulations.”
“Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-639.html#NAC639Sec240
639.240 Requirements for registration of pharmaceutical technicians.
639.242 Registration of pharmaceutical technician in training; grounds for denial of application for registration; expiration of registration; certification by managing pharmacist.
Add: 639.245 Maintenance and availability of records regarding certain pharmaceutical personnel on duty; activities of pharmaceutical technicians.
639.250 Restrictions on supervision.
639.254 Initial and biennial in-service training of pharmaceutical technicians working in or for pharmacy; maintenance of record by managing pharmacist; substitution of continuing education for in-service training.
639.256 Program of training: Approval by Board; testing of pharmaceutical technician in training for presence of alcohol or drug.
639.258 Participation in program of training for pharmaceutical technicians.
NAC 639.240 Requirements for registration of pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. No person may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician until the person has been issued a certificate of registration.
2. An applicant for registration as a pharmaceutical technician must:
(a) Be 18 years of age or older;
(b) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent;
(c) Have complied with the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 639.1371; and
(d) Have complied with one of the following requirements:
(1) The successful completion of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians, including, but not limited to, a program of training offered by a postsecondary school, that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256. The applicant must provide with the application a copy of a certificate evidencing successful completion of such a program.
(2) Active practice in good standing in another state as a pharmaceutical technician. The applicant must provide with the application:
(I) A form prescribed by the Board that is notarized and signed by the managing pharmacist of the pharmacy where the applicant was employed certifying that the applicant has successfully completed 1,500 hours of training and experience as a pharmaceutical technician providing the services set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 639.1371; and
(II) If required by that state to practice as a pharmaceutical technician, a copy of the registration, license or certificate issued to the applicant by that state.
(3) The successful completion of at least 1,500 hours of training and experience as a registered pharmaceutical technician in training providing the services set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 639.1371 in a pharmacy in this State. The applicant must provide with the application a form prescribed by the Board and completed by the managing pharmacist of the pharmacy at which the applicant received training certifying the successful completion of such training and experience. A pharmaceutical technician in training may accumulate certified hours of training from each place of employment.
(4) The successful completion of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians conducted by a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Indian Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The applicant must provide with the application a copy of a certificate evidencing the successful completion of such a program of training.
3. The Board may deny an application for registration as a pharmaceutical technician if the applicant has:
(a) Been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or the unlawful possession, sale or use of drugs; or
(b) A history of drug abuse.
4. If the Board does not deny the application pursuant to subsection 3 and determines that the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and chapter 639 of NRS for registration as a pharmaceutical technician, the Board will issue a certificate of registration as a pharmaceutical technician to the applicant.
[Bd. of Pharmacy, § 639.200, eff. 6-26-80]—(NAC A 12-3-84; 3-27-90; 11-15-93; 11-9-95; 7-17-96; R012-01, 11-1-2001; R041-04, 5-25-2004; R036-07, 1-30-2008; R121-08, 9-18-2008; R175-12, 12-20-2012; R072-19, 2-7-2020; R025-21, 4-11-2022; R041-21, 9-28-2022)” ” NAC 639.242 Registration of pharmaceutical technician in training; grounds for denial of application for registration; expiration of registration; certification by managing pharmacist. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. An applicant for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training must:
(a) Be 18 years of age or older;
(b) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent; and
(c) Participate in training while on the job and acquire experience that is commensurate with the duties of his or her employment.
2. The Board may deny an application for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training if the applicant has:
(a) Been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or the unlawful possession, sale or use of drugs; or
(b) A history of drug misuse.
3. A person may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician while the person is receiving the training and experience required by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 if he or she is registered with the Board.
4. If the Board does not deny the application pursuant to subsection 2 and determines that the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and chapter 639 of NRS for registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training, the Board will issue a certificate of registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training to the applicant.
5. Registration as a pharmaceutical technician in training expires on October 31 of each even-numbered year unless renewed before that date.
6. The managing pharmacist of the pharmacy where a pharmaceutical technician in training is employed to receive the training and experience required by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 shall file with the Board a completed form prescribed by the Board certifying:
(a) The number of hours of training and experience the trainee has successfully completed;
(b) The specific training and experience the trainee has completed; and
(c) That the trainee is competent to perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A 11-9-95; 7-17-96; R072-19, 2-7-2020; R041-21, 9-28-2022)
NAC 639.245 Maintenance and availability of records regarding certain pharmaceutical personnel on duty; activities of pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 454.213, 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A written record must be kept available for inspection showing the pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians and pharmaceutical technicians in training on duty during the hours of business. This record must be:
(a) Readily retrievable; and
(b) Retained for 2 years.
2. A pharmaceutical technician under the direct supervision of a pharmacist may:
(a) Prepackage and label unit dose and unit of use and repackage drugs if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final products; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(b) Prepare, package, compound and label prescription drugs pursuant to prescriptions or orders for medication if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final product; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(c) Prepare bulk compounds if a pharmacist:
(1) Inspects the final product; and
(2) Affixes his or her initials to the appropriate records for controlling quality.
(d) Distribute routine orders and stock medications and supplies in the pharmacy or areas where care is provided to patients.
(e) Maintain inventories of supplies of drugs.
(f) Maintain pharmaceutical records.
(g) Request authorization to refill a prescription from the prescribing practitioner.
(h) Transfer a prescription through a computer network if the:
(1) Pharmaceutical technician is employed by a pharmacy that:
(I) Has more than one location; and
(II) Maintains a computer network which provides information between its pharmacies; and
(2) Prescription is transferred to one of the pharmacies within its computer network.
(i) Enter information into the pharmacy’s computer system, including, without limitation, information contained in a new prescription concerning the prescription drug and the directions for its use.
3. A pharmaceutical technician under the direct and immediate supervision of a pharmacist may administer immunizations under the conditions prescribed in NAC 639.2971 if he or she has received the training required by NAC 639.2973 and the continuing education required by NAC 639.2974.
4. A pharmaceutical technician may not:
(a) Perform any action requiring a judgmental decision regarding a drug, the interpretation of a prescription or the instructions for the preparation of a prescription.
(b) Take new prescription or chart orders by telephone.
(c) Distribute medications pursuant to a chart order or dispense a prescription unless the order or prescription has been verified by a pharmacist.
5. A pharmaceutical technician shall prepare and distribute drugs only pursuant to written procedures and guidelines established by the pharmacy in which the pharmaceutical technician performs his or her duties.
[Bd. of Pharmacy, § 639.205, eff. 6-26-80]—(NAC A 12-3-84; 6-16-86; 3-27-90; 11-15-93; R214-99, 3-13-2000; R037-07, 1-30-2008; R142-20, 9-21-2020)” ” NAC 639.254 Initial and biennial in-service training of pharmaceutical technicians working in or for pharmacy; maintenance of record by managing pharmacist; substitution of continuing education for in-service training. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. The owner and managing pharmacist of a pharmacy shall provide training for pharmaceutical technicians working in or for the pharmacy that ensures the continuing competency of those technicians. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the training must consist of initial training upon employment and at least 12 hours of in-service training during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal of the registration of the pharmaceutical technician. One of the 12 hours of in-service training must be a jurisprudence program approved or presented by the Board that relates to the practice of pharmacy or the law concerning pharmacy in this State.
2. The managing pharmacist shall maintain a written record of the initial training and the annual training, including, without limitation, training and continuing education relating to immunizations required by NAC 639.2973 and 639.2974, completed by each pharmaceutical technician working in or for the pharmacy that contains:
(a) The name and signature of the person receiving the training;
(b) The date or dates on which the training was received;
(c) The number of hours of training received;
(d) A general description of the topics covered; and
(e) The name of the person or provider conducting the training.
3. A pharmaceutical technician may substitute the completion of the continuing education necessary for recertification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association for the biennial in-service training required by subsection 1.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A by R033-02, 5-31-2002; R121-08, 9-18-2008; R016-09, 10-27-2009; R175-12, 12-20-2012; R142-20, 9-21-2020)
NAC 639.256
NAC 639.256 Program of training: Approval by Board; testing of pharmaceutical technician in training for presence of alcohol or drug. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A program of training for pharmaceutical technicians must be approved by the Board before it is provided in this State. A request for approval must be filed with the Board. The Board will approve a program only if the program:
(a) Is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; and
(b) Administers at least one random test for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug to each pharmaceutical technician in training before the pharmaceutical technician in training is allowed to participate in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy. If the pharmaceutical technician in training tests positive for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug for which the pharmaceutical technician in training does not have a lawfully issued prescription or the pharmaceutical technician in training refuses to submit to such a test, the administrator of the program must:
(1) Suspend the pharmaceutical technician in training from participating in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy;
(2) Notify the Board that the pharmaceutical technician in training has tested positive for the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other drug for which the pharmaceutical technician in training does not have a lawfully issued prescription or has refused to submit to such a test; and
(3) Prevent the pharmaceutical technician in training from resuming participation in any part of the program that involves employment or training in a pharmacy without the approval of the Board.
2. The Board may refuse to approve a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians or may withdraw its approval of a program at any time for good cause shown.
3. A program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is provided outside this State shall be deemed to be approved by the Board if the program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
4. For the purposes of this section, “program of training for pharmaceutical technicians” does not include on-the-job training that is provided to a pharmaceutical technician in training by his or her employer.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A by R036-07, 1-30-2008)” ” NAC 639.258 Participation in program of training for pharmaceutical technicians. (NRS 639.070, 639.1371)
1. A pharmaceutical technician in training who is registered with the Board may perform the duties of a pharmaceutical technician while he or she is participating in a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256. The registration of such a pharmaceutical technician in training:
(a) Will specify the program of training in which he or she is participating; and
(b) Expires when the enrollment of the pharmaceutical technician in the program terminates.
2. A person who is participating in a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256 may be trained in more than one pharmacy as a part of the program.
3. A pharmacist who is acting as an instructor for a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256 may, while acting as an instructor, supervise one pharmaceutical technician in training, in addition to the persons that he or she may supervise pursuant to subsection 1, 2, 3 or 5 of NAC 639.250, if the additional pharmaceutical technician in training:
(a) Has completed at least 9 months of a program of training for pharmaceutical technicians that is approved by the Board pursuant to NAC 639.256; and
(b) Has not yet successfully completed 240 hours of practical training.
4. A pharmacist shall not supervise an additional pharmaceutical technician in training pursuant to subsection 3 after that pharmaceutical technician in training has successfully completed 240 hours of practical training.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Pharmacy, eff. 11-15-93; A 12-13-96; R036-07, 1-30-2008; R002-19, 10-30-2019)
The data contained in this 2012 Annual Scorecard are accurate as of December 2012 . Because statutes and regulations are continually revised, the data are subject to change. These data have been verified with the state board of pharmacy. This scorecard is updated on an annual basis in order to incorporate statutory and regulatory changes. A new scorecard will be issued in July 2013.
Scoring rationale for Education and Training:
In order to protect the public and help ensure patient safety, it is important that pharmacy technicians are properly educated and trained. The most rigorous training is accredited training. The sole entity empowered to accredit pharmacy-technician training programs is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Please note that this is “programmatic accreditation” – not “institutional accreditation.” It is the content of the training program – as measured against established standards – that is being evaluated and accredited. Accredited training is vital to protecting patient safety because it means that a pharmacy-technician training program has met established quality standards to provide assurance and confidence to the public. For more information, please see http://www.ashp.org/menu/Accreditation/TechnicianAccreditation.aspx.
Scoring rationale for Certification:
Certification is the process by which a nongovernmental agency or association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or association. This is often determined by an examination process. Numerous organizations have recommended that the certification exam conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) should be recognized as the sole, nationally-accredited certification exam for pharmacy technician certification – including the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In a recent report, NABP recommended that states be encouraged to “recognize certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).” Moreover, NABP performed a psychometric audit of the PTCB’s pharmacy technician certification examination (PTCE) in 2001 and determined that the PTCE is psychometrically sound, defensible, and valid. In May 2010, the TSBP awarded the PTCB with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Provider contract in Texas. PTCB was selected for the contract after a rigorous bidding and evaluation process that included formal reviews and evaluations from three independent psychometricians. TSBP confidently recognizes PTCB as the single provider of certification examinations for pharmacy technicians. In addition, in June 2010, the VA began requiring PTCB certification for VA pharmacy technicians employed at grade GS-6 and above.
Scoring rationale for Registration/Licensure:
Registration/licensure is the process by which the state maintains a list of all pharmacy technicians in the state and grants permission for an individual to work as a pharmacy technician in the state based on the applicant’s completion of all pre-requisites to registration/licensure – such as required training and certification.
Scoring rationale for Continuing Education:
Continuing education enables pharmacy technicians to fulfill their professional responsibility to maintain competence and up-to-date knowledge and skills in an environment of technological advances and increasingly complex, new medications and therapies.
Our Mission
The Emily Jerry Foundation is determined to help make our nation’s, world renowned, medical facilities safer for everyone, beginning with our babies and children. We are accomplishing this very important objective by focusing on increasing public awareness of key patient safety related issues and identifying technology and best practices that are proven to minimize the “human error” component of medicine. Through our ongoing efforts The Emily Jerry Foundation is working hard to save lives every day.
Recent Posts
Archives