Florida Sets Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians

New York City Governor Charlie Crist of Florida signed legislation this week that requires pharmacy technicians to meet government registration and training standards.

The legislation requires the Florida Board of Pharmacy to adopt registration rules for the state’s estimated 40,000 to 60,000 pharmacy technicians by 2010.

Starting in 2011, pharmacy technician applicants in Florida also will be required to have satisfied one of three training standards: completion of an educational program; 1,500 hours of work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist; or certification under a nationally accredited program.

To date, nearly 40 states have passed legislation that requires some form of registration, certification and/or training for pharmacy technicians.