The Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacist (VSHP) has always felt it was essential for the growth of the profession of pharmacy to have a class of skilled technical worker who, under the supervision of a pharmacist, is able to assist in the various activities of pharmacy departments that may not require the immediate professional judgment of pharmacist.

In 1995, the national voluntary Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam became a reality. This provided a competency level that employers could use as a basic tool for hiring.

In 1997 the Virginia Board of Health Professions held hearing(s) to establish if pharmacy technicians should be registered and thereby recognized in the Regulations. There before they were only referred to as "Support Personnel". In both 1998 & 1999 the Virginia Legislature had introduced bills to register pharmacy technicians, neither passed; however, a resolution to study the need to register pharmacy technicians did. This was relegated to the Board of Pharmacy, a study was commission, and the results accepted; however, they chose not to move positively toward registration

VSHP continues to support & encourage the nation voluntary PTCB exam as the basic competency. The certification exam provides a validated exam, based on the work responsibilities and knowledge important to pharmacy technicians in all sectors of pharmacy practice. The technician who has successfully passed the certification exam demonstrates that he or she has mastered a basic core of knowledge relevant to the work of pharmacy technicians

VSHP supports the registration of pharmacy technicians for the purpose of enforcement of the state pharmacy laws and regulations. VSHP believes that

Pharmacist-in-charge should have the authority whether to use technicians in their practice and what functions to delegate to them. Further, we believe that

Pharmacist-in-charge, should be accountable for the quality of pharmacy service and that accountability cannot be transferred to non-pharmacist. VSHP does believe that registration of pharmacy technicians would expand the understanding and adherence to laws & regulations by broadening those subject to compliance. It also provides a mechanism for discipline to pharmacy technicians, not formerly identified in the regulations, and therefore not subject to state discipline.

VSHP can support the recognition of two levels of technicians depending on their level of preparedness and the level of pharmacist supervision needed.

Registered & Certified pharmacy technicians would require overall supervision by a pharmacist in preparing medications prior to dispensing; whereas, a non-registered, non-certified pharmacy technician would require direct supervision by a pharmacist in any of their activities.

VSHP feels there is a need for educating the profession of pharmacy in the Commonwealth with regards to the various terms used within the profession, such as Certification, Registration & Licensure. The misnomer of "Registered Pharmacist" is carried over into the concern for registering technicians.; when in fact pharmacist are licensed by the Commonwealth. VSHP supports further education to differentiate & understand the terms

VSHP supports the continual education(C.E.) of Certified Technicians to aid in the general upgrade of the profession. As with professionals, they have a need to continue beyond simply passing their exam. If technicians are to reach their full potential, then quality continual education is essential. Registration will not alter this requirement. Certification requires 32 hours of C.E. every 2 years

Approved by VSHP Board of Directors: 6/19/88

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