Proposed Rule Changes to the Pharmacy Practice Act Rule

Over the past year the Utah State Board of Pharmacy has been working on changes to the Pharmacy Practice Act Rule that needed to be updated due to legislative changes during the 2013 Legislative Session. 

The changes are because of the passage of S.B. 14 and S.B. 194 during the 2013 General Legislative Session. S.B. 14 (2013) exempted research using pharmaceuticals from licensure to engage in the practice of pharmacy, telepharmacy, or the practice of pharmacy technician. S.B. 194 (2013) amended the following: 1) definition of pharmaceutical wholesaler or distributor; 2) definition of the "practice as a licensed pharmacy technician"; and 3) pharmacy technician licensure qualifications. Both S.B. 14 and S.B. 194 granted authority to the Division to adopt amendments and the rule filing establishes those amendments. Other amendments were proposed at the request of the Utah State Board of Pharmacy.



These proposed rules were discussed at many of the Utah State Board of Pharmacy meetings since last March. We are fortunate to have many great leaders on this Board including the Chairman of this Board, David Young. We would like to thank the Utah State Board of Pharmacy for the great work they have done on the proposed rule changes.

The proposed rules have been available for public viewing since October 29, 2013. Earlier this week, the State Board of Pharmacy held the required rule hearing for the proposed rules. This hearing allows the public to voice concerns and thoughts in person regarding the proposed rule. The Utah Pharmacists Association monitored these changes at each State Board of Pharmacy meeting, keeping in mind the success of the profession and its members. 

The proposed rules are available for public comment in writing no later than 5:00pm on December 16th. Any comments should be provided in writing to: 

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316

The rules will go into effect beginning December 23, 2013.  A link to the proposed rules is provided below.  

Pharmacy Practice Act Proposed Rule & Notice