Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3 | Ohio Administrative Code 4729:3 — State Board of Pharmacy | Pharmacy Technicians

Chapter 4729:3-1 Pharmacy Technicians

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-1-01 Definitions - pharmacy technicians.

As used in this division:

(A) "Abandoned application" means an application for a registration pursuant to this division where the applicant fails to complete all application requirements within thirty days after being notified by the board. An applicant forfeits all fees associated with an abandoned application. The board shall not be required to act on any abandoned application and the application may be destroyed by board staff. If the application is abandoned, the applicant shall be required to reapply for registration, submit the required fee, and comply with the registration requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(B) "Addicted to or abusing alcohol or drugs" means the chronic and habitual use of alcohol or the use of a drug of abuse as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code by an individual to the extent that the individual no longer can control the individual's use of alcohol or drugs, the individual is physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol or drugs, or the individual's use or abuse of alcohol or drugs endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the individual or others.

(C) "Board of pharmacy" or "board" means the state board of pharmacy established under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code.

(D) "Business day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday recognized by the state of Ohio on which the offices of the board of pharmacy are not open for business.

(E) "Certified pharmacy technician" means a person who:

(1) Has completed an approved training program pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code or has complied with the reciprocity requirements of 4729:3-2-01 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Is registered with the state board of pharmacy;

(3) Practices in this state in accordance with rule 4729:3-3-04 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Maintains a current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board.

(F) "Compounding" has the same meaning as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code and agency 4729 of the Administrative Code.

(G) "Controlled substance" has the same meaning as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board" pursuant to division (B)(2)(d) of section 4729.90 of the Revised Code means either:

(1) The ExCPT certification provided by the national healthcareer association; or

(2) The pharmacy technician certification board (PTCB) certification.

(I) "Dangerous drug" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Disciplinary action," unless otherwise stated in this division, means any of the following by the drug enforcement administration or licensing agency of any state or jurisdiction, regardless of whether the action occurred by formal proceeding, consent, settlement, or other agreement:

(1) An action to revoke, suspend, restrict, limit, or refuse to grant or renew a license, registration, or certification;

(2) A summary or emergency suspension of a license, registration or certification, of any length, and any subsequent revision to the action;

(3) An administrative fine or money penalty, taken as a result of a formal proceeding, to include any fine or money penalty connected to the delivery of health care services or taken in conjunction with other adverse licensure, registration or certification actions, such as revocation, suspension, censure, reprimand, or probation;

(4) An action to reprimand or place the license, registration, or certification holder on probation;

(5) The issuance of a corrective action plan only if such issuance is in conjunction with other adverse licensure, registration or certification actions, such as revocation, suspension, reprimand, probation, or surrender;

(6) The withdrawal of a renewal application for licensure, registration or certification while under investigation;

(7) The non-renewal of a license, registration or certification while under investigation or to avoid an investigation;

(8) The surrender or other relinquishment of a license, registration or certification in lieu of a formal sanction against a person's license, registration, or certificate, whether permanent or temporary;

(9) In lieu of an adverse licensure, registration or certification action, a licensing agency issues a consent order in which a person agrees not to re-apply for a license, registration, or certification in the future;

(10) An enforceable agreement not to practice or to be placed into inactive or other equivalent status while under investigation or in exchange for not conducting an investigation.

(K) "Direct supervision" or "personal supervision" means a pharmacist shall be physically present in the pharmacy, or in the area where the practice of pharmacy is occurring, to provide personal review and approval of all professional activities. The pharmacist providing personal supervision of a pharmacy technician trainee, registered pharmacy technician, or certified pharmacy technician shall:

(1) Be readily available to answer questions of the technician or trainee;

(2) Make appropriate in-process and end-process verifications of the activities of the technician or trainee; and

(3) Be fully responsible for the practice of the technician or trainee.

(L) "Entering information into and retrieving information from a database or patient profile" as used in section 4729.91 of the Revised Code means to enter new or refill prescription information into a database or patient profile.

(M) "In good standing" means a pharmacist to which all the following apply:

(1) Has not been denied the privilege of supervising pharmacy interns, certified pharmacy technicians, registered pharmacy technicians or pharmacy technician trainees by the board;

(2) Has not been denied a license, registration or certificate by any public agency or licensing agency; and

(3) Does not have a license, registration or certificate limited, suspended, currently on probation, or revoked by any public agency or licensing agency.

(N) "Pharmacist" means an individual who holds a valid pharmacist license in accordance with Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code.

(O) "Pharmacy technician trainee" means a person who:

(1) Intends to enroll or is enrolled in an approved training program pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code to obtain a registration as a registered or certified pharmacy technician;

(2) Is registered as a pharmacy technician trainee with the state board of pharmacy; and

(3) Practices in this state in accordance with rule 4729:3-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(P) "Place on probation" means to take action against a license or registration, for a period of time determined by the board, which imposes conditions or other requirements, or suspends or otherwise restricts some or all of the activities in which the licensee or registrant may engage.

(Q)

(1) "Positive identification" means a method of identifying a person that does not rely solely on the use of a private personal identifier such as a password, but must use a secure means of identification that includes any of the following:

(a) A manual signature on a hard copy record;

(b) A magnetic card reader;

(d) A biometric method;

(e) A proximity badge reader;

(f) A board approved system of randomly generated personal questions;

(g) A printout of every transaction that is verified and manually signed within a reasonable period of time by the individual who performed the action requiring positive identification. The printout must be maintained for three years and made readily retrievable; or

(h) Other effective methods for identifying individuals that have been approved by the board.

(2) A method relying on a magnetic card reader, a bar code reader, a proximity badge reader, or randomly generated questions for identification must also include a private personal identifier, such as a password, for entry into a secure mechanical or electronic system.

(R) "Refill authorization" means authorization from a prescriber or prescriber's agent for a new non-controlled substance prescription renewal, provided that the prescription remains unchanged.

(S) "Refuse to grant or renew" means to deny original or continued licensure or registration for a period of at least twenty-four months. After twenty-four months, or such period of time as the individual board order may require, a person licensed or registered by the board or a person seeking to attain such status by licensure or registration, and whose license or registration the state board of pharmacy has refused to grant or renew, may make application to the board for issuance of a new license or registration. A person that seeks to attain such status by licensure or registration, whose license or registration the state board of pharmacy has refused to grant or renew, must meet all requirements established by the board in rule and as may be set forth in the person's board order.

(T) "Registered pharmacy technician" means a person who:

(1) Has completed an approved training program pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code or has complied with the reciprocity requirements of 4729:3-2-01 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Is registered with the state board of pharmacy; and

(3) Practices in this state in accordance with rule 4729:3-3-03 of the Administrative Code.

(U) "Responsible person" has the same meaning as defined in rule 4729:5-2-01 of the Administrative Code.

(V) "Revoke" means to take action against a license or registration rendering such license or registration void and such license or registration shall not be reissued. Revoke is an action that is permanent against the licensee or registrant.

(W) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(X)

(1) "Support personnel" means the following:

(a) An individual employed or performing contracted services at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs, trained to perform clerical duties associated with the practice of pharmacy, including pricing, cashiering, drug purchasing, delivering, scheduling deliveries, answering non-professional telephone inquiries, transportation of dispensed medications within a hospital, documenting and processing third-party billing information for reimbursement, or any other activity as determined by the board.

(b) An individual contracted by a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs to perform drug inventories.

(2) Except for those responsible for the delivery of dangerous drugs, support personnel shall not have unsupervised access to dangerous drugs.

(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (X)(4) and (X)(5) of this rule or as otherwise authorized by the board in agency 4729 of the Administrative Code, support personnel shall not perform the tasks of a pharmacist, pharmacy intern, certified pharmacy technician, registered pharmacy technician, or pharmacy technician trainee.

(4) Support personnel may have access to or retrieve information from patient records, including a database or patient profile to perform clerical duties associated with the practice of pharmacy. Support personnel shall not enter prescription information into a patient profile.

(5) Support personnel may perform the following:

(a) Transporting dangerous drugs from a loading dock, warehouse or other area that receives shipments from a licensed wholesaler or other person licensed in accordance with section 4729.52 of the Revised Code;

(b) Stocking and retrieving from inventory non-controlled dangerous drugs that are not dispensed by the pharmacy.

(c) Stocking of automated drug dispensing units and floor stock with intravenous fluids that are non-controlled dangerous drugs and are not dispensed by an institutional pharmacy.

(d) Overwrapping or placing in plastic dangerous drugs that have been compounded or dispensed and appropriately labeled by a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs.

(e) Entering demographic and insurance information into an electronic system to process prescription claims.

(f) Place dangerous drugs dispensed by a pharmacist into shipping containers or packages for delivery if the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs complies with all the following:

(i) Uses barcode scanning and patient order information to ensure the accuracy of the drugs placed into shipping containers or packaging.

(ii) Develops and implements a quality assurance program to track the accuracy of the support personnel packaging the dangerous drugs.

(6) The terminal distributor of dangerous drugs shall be responsible for ensuring all support personnel comply with state and federal requirements to ensure the confidentiality of patient health records.

(7) Support personnel shall not serve as a pharmacist's delegate pursuant to section 4729.80 of the Revised Code.

(8) Support personnel are not required to obtain licensure or registration under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code.

(Y) "Suspend" means to take action against a license or registration rendering such license or registration without force and effect for a period of time as determined by the state board of pharmacy.

(Z) "Summary suspension" means to take immediate action against a license or registration without a prior hearing rendering such license or registration without force and effect for a period of time as indicated in section 3719.121 of the Revised Code. The board may suspend a license or registration issued pursuant to Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code by utilizing a telephone conference call to review the allegations and take a vote.

(AA) "Veteran" means anyone who is serving or has served under honorable conditions in any component of the armed forces, including the national guard and reserve.

Last updated April 1, 2022 at 8:28 AM

History

Effective: April 1, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-3-02

The purpose of this rule is to set standards for pharmacy technician training programs to ensure that graduates of the programs have the basic knowledge and experience in general pharmacy to practice in most pharmacy settings.

(A) The state board of pharmacy hereby approves the following pharmacy technician training programs:

(1) A pharmacy technician training program that holds a current accreditation from the American society of health-system pharmacists/accreditation council for pharmacy education.

(2) 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.

(3) An employer-based training program that meets the requirements in paragraph (B) of this rule.

(4) A pharmacy technician training program offered by an Ohio public high school as part of a career-technical education program approved by the Ohio department of education pursuant to section 3317.161 of the Revised Code. Each career-technical education program shall require approval by the state board of pharmacy in accordance with standards adopted by the board. Instructions for obtaining board approval will be made available on the board's website: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov.

(5) Successful completion of a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program from an approved school of pharmacy in accordance with rule 4729-5-01 of the Administrative Code if the applicant's graduation date is within five years of an application for registration.

(6) Held an active pharmacist or pharmacy intern license or registration in good standing from a licensing agency of any state or jurisdiction for at least one year within five years of an application for registration.

(B) An employer-based training program shall comply with all the following:

(1) The program shall have a program director. The program director and the employer licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs shall be accountable for the overall quality of the employer-based training program.

The program director shall be a licensed pharmacist in this or any other state that is in good standing.

(2) The program shall consist of didactic and practical experience training, as follows:

(a) A didactic training component that includes, at a minimum, instruction in all of the following:

(i) Mathematical calculations essential to the duties of a pharmacy technician;

(ii) Federal and state laws, rules, and regulations that affect pharmacy practice, including specific laws, rules, and regulations which address the use of technicians;

(iii) Medical and pharmaceutical terminology, symbols, and abbreviations used in the practice of pharmacy and components of a prescription;

(iv) Preparation, packaging, labeling, and proper storage of dangerous drugs;

(v) Knowledge and skills in areas of science relevant to the pharmacy technician's role, including pharmacology;

(vi) Medication safety and error prevention;

(vii) Maintaining confidentiality of patient information, including the Patient Rights and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);

(viii) Ethical and professional standards of practice;

(ix) Recordkeeping and inventory control; and

(x) Patient and caregiver communication, including communicating with diverse populations.

(b) Didactic training may include self-directed learning experiences, including but not limited to home study, computer programs, internet or web-based courses, or any other coursework approved by the program director.

(c) The program shall ensure the required didactic training evaluates a participant's knowledge of the topics listed in paragraph (B)(2)(a) of this rule. The evaluation must include an examination consisting of a minimum of ninety questions in accordance with testing guidelines adopted by the board. The employer shall have procedures that ensure the security and integrity of the examination materials, describe the testing format, and define the successful completion of an examination, which must be at least seventy-five per cent. The examination shall consist primarily of multiple choice, essay, or short answer questions. The questions on the examination shall not be given to the examinee prior to taking the examination. The answers to the examination must not be given to the examinee prior to or during the examination. The examinee shall agree in writing not to share the questions or answers to the examination with any other person.

(d) The didactic training requirements in paragraph (B)(2)(a) of this rule are waived if the trainee has a current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board.

(e) Three hundred hours of practical experience in a pharmacy under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist that directly relates to the activities permitted in paragraph (B) of rule 4729:3-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(3) A written or electronic record of training and education shall be maintained as part of the training program that documents the completion of the training requirements, including the number of practical experience hours completed.

(4) It shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs providing employer-based training to ensure that the documentation provided to pharmacy technician trainees accurately reflects the completion of an approved training program. Failure on the part of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs to ensure the accuracy of training documentation shall be considered a violation of rule 4729:5-4-01 of the Administrative Code.

(5) The program director must ensure that regular and ongoing assessments of program effectiveness are conducted and use the evaluations for continuous improvement of the program. Measures shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Program completion; and

(b) Program participant satisfaction.

(6) The program shall maintain the following records for a minimum of three years and shall be furnished to the state board of pharmacy within three business days of receipt of a request from the board:

(a) All technician training records and evaluations;

(b) Program assessments conducted in accordance with this rule.

(7) Employer-based training programs may be subject to audit to ensure compliance with the requirements of this rule.

(a) An employer-based training program subject to audit shall provide all requested documentation demonstrating compliance with this rule within thirty days of a request by the board.

(b) Unless an extension is granted, failure to provide the requested documentation within thirty days of a request by the board may result in the suspension of the approval status of the training program.

(c) After reviewing the training program, the board may return it to the employer for revision. Failure to make the necessary revisions may result in the suspension of the approval status of the training program.

(d) The approval status of a training program may be reinstated only after the employer meets the requirements of this rule and any additional requirements as determined by the board.

(C) In order to perform non-sterile drug compounding, a pharmacy technician trainee shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding non-sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <795>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(2) If preparing non-sterile hazardous compounded drugs in accordance with rule 4729:7-2-03 of the Administrative Code, the training shall also comply with the applicable requirements set forth in United States pharmacopeia chapter <800>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(3) If preparing non-sterile radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with rule 4729:5-6-03 of the Administrative Code, the training shall also comply with the applicable requirements set forth in United States pharmacopeia chapter <825>, as defined in rule 4729:5-6-01 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Non-sterile drug compounding training shall be obtained through completion of a site-specific, structured on-the-job didactic and experiential training program and shall not be transferable to another practice site, except between practice sites under common ownership and control.

(5) When the responsible person or a pharmacist designated by the responsible person is satisfied with the employee's knowledge and proficiency, the responsible person or the responsible person's designee will sign the documentation records to show that the employee was appropriately trained in accordance with this paragraph.

(6) Ensuring pharmacy technician trainees are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(7) All training requirements set forth in this paragraph shall be appropriately documented and made readily retrievable for immediate inspection by an agent of the state board of pharmacy. Documentation shall be maintained by the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs for a minimum of three years.

(8) The training required pursuant to this paragraph may be used to meet the practical experience hours required in paragraph (B)(2)(e) of this rule.

(D) In order to perform sterile drug compounding, a pharmacy technician trainee shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <797>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(2) If preparing sterile hazardous compounded drugs in accordance with rule 4729:7-2-03 of the Administrative Code, the training shall also comply with the applicable requirements set forth in United States pharmacopeia chapter <800>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(3) If preparing sterile radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with rule 4729:5-6-03 of the Administrative Code, the training shall also comply with the applicable requirements set forth in United States pharmacopeia chapter <825>, as defined in rule 4729:5-6-01 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Sterile drug compounding training shall be obtained through completion of a site-specific, structured on-the-job didactic and experiential training program and shall not be transferable to another practice site, except between practice sites under common ownership and control.

(6) Ensuring pharmacy technician trainees are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(8) The training required pursuant to this paragraph may be used to meet the practical experience hours required in paragraph (B)(2)(e) of this rule.

(E) A terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person shall be responsible for the implementation of additional training that is of appropriate breadth and depth to clearly address the competencies for a technician trainee to safely and effectively work in a specific practice setting.

(F) Unless otherwise approved by the board, a board approved training program is only valid for application as a registered pharmacy technician or certified pharmacy technician in accordance with rule 4729:3-2-01 of the Administrative Code if the program was completed within five years of an application for registration.

(G) Paragraph (F) of this rule does not apply in the following circumstances:

(1) An applicant for registration has been actively practicing as a pharmacy technician in this or another state within one year of application to the board; or

(2) An applicant has maintained a current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board.

(H) An individual may sit for an examination to obtain a pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board at any time.

Last updated March 7, 2024 at 7:44 AM

History

Effective: March 7, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-3-04

(A) As used in this rule, "positive identification" has the same meaning as in rule 4729:5-5-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) A certified pharmacy technician shall wear a name tag or badge which contains the designation "Certified Pharmacy Technician." The required designation may be added to an existing name tag or badge. The name tag or badge and the required designation shall contain lettering of a legible size.

(C) A certified pharmacy technician may, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, engage in the following activities at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs to the extent that the activities do not require the exercise of professional judgment:

(1) Accepting new written, faxed or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent. New verbal prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent for non-controlled drugs may be accepted pursuant to paragraph (C)(13) of this rule.

(2) Entering information into and retrieving information from a database or patient profile.

(3) Preparing and affixing labels.

(4) Stocking dangerous drugs and retrieving those drugs from inventory.

(5) Counting and pouring dangerous drugs into containers.

(6) Placing dangerous drugs into containers prior to dispensing by a pharmacist.

(7) Non-sterile drug compounding in accordance with the required training in paragraph (D) of this rule.

(8) Sterile drug compounding in accordance with the required training in paragraph (E) of this rule.

(9) Packaging and selling a dangerous drug to a patient or patient representative.

(10) Sending or receiving electronic prescriptions between pharmacies accessing the same prescription records in a centralized database or pharmacy computers linked in any other manner.

(11) Stocking automated drug storage systems, floor stock, and crash carts at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs.

(a) Notwithstanding the definition of direct supervision in rule 4729:3-1-01 of the Administrative Code, a certified pharmacy technician may stock automated drug storage systems, crash carts, and floor stock at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs if a pharmacist is not physically present at the licensed location and all of the following apply:

(i) A pharmacist is readily available to answer questions of the certified pharmacy technician;

(ii) A pharmacist is responsible for conducting routine verifications of the activities of the certified pharmacy technician to prevent the diversion of dangerous drugs;

(iii) A pharmacist is fully responsible for all activities conducted by the certified pharmacy technician at the licensed location.

(12) Requesting refill authorizations for dangerous drugs from a prescriber or prescriber's agent, so long as there is no change from the original prescription;

(13) Accepting new verbal prescription orders, including refill authorizations, for non-controlled drugs from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent pursuant to all of the following:

(a) The pharmacist on duty who is supervising the activity of the certified pharmacy technician will determine if the technician is competent to receive a verbal order.

(b) The pharmacist on duty who is supervising the activity of the certified pharmacy technician is responsible for the accuracy of a prescription order received by a technician.

(c) The pharmacist on duty must be immediately available to answer questions or discuss the prescription order received by a certified pharmacy technician.

(d) The certified pharmacy technician may not receive a prescription order for a controlled substance.

(e) If applicable, the certified pharmacy technician receiving a prescription order must document the full name of the prescriber's agent.

(f) The receiving certified pharmacy technician shall immediately reduce the prescription order to writing, which may include entering the information directly into a computerized record keeping system, and shall review the prescription with the pharmacist on duty.

(g) Prior to dispensing, positive identification of the receiving certified pharmacy technician and the pharmacist on duty shall be recorded to identify the responsibility for the receipt of the prescription.

(h) The certified pharmacy technician and the pharmacist on duty must meet all other applicable rules for the receipt of new verbal prescription orders pursuant to agency 4729 of the Administrative Code.

(14) Send or receive copies of non-controlled prescriptions pursuant to all of the following:

(a) The pharmacist on duty who is supervising the activity of the certified pharmacy technician will determine if the technician is competent to send or receive a prescription copy.

(b) The pharmacist on duty who is supervising the activity of the certified pharmacy technician is responsible for the accuracy of a prescription copy that is sent or received by a technician.

(c) The pharmacist on duty must be immediately available to answer questions or discuss the prescription copy that is sent or received by a certified pharmacy technician.

(d) The certified pharmacy technician may not send or receive a prescription copy for a controlled substance.

(e) The pharmacist or certified pharmacy technician receiving a prescription copy from a certified pharmacy technician must document the full names of the sending technician and the technician's supervising pharmacist. The receiving technician shall immediately reduce the prescription copy to writing, which may include entering the information directly into a computerized record keeping system, and shall review the prescription with the pharmacist on duty. Prior to dispensing, positive identification of the certified pharmacy technician and the pharmacist on duty shall be recorded to identify the responsibility for the receipt of the copy.

(f) The pharmacist or certified pharmacy technician sending a prescription copy to a certified technician must document the full names of the receiving technician and the technician's supervising pharmacist.

(g) The certified technician and the pharmacist on duty must meet all other applicable rules for the transfer of a prescription copy pursuant agency 4729 of the Administrative Code.

(15) Contacting a prescriber or prescriber's agent to obtain clarification for a prescription order if the clarification does not require the exercise of professional judgment.

(16) Performing diagnostic laboratory testing pursuant to agency 4729 of the Administrative Code.

(D) A certified pharmacy technician may:

(1) Engage in remote entry of prescriptions in accordance rule 4729:5-5-25 of the Administrative Code; or

(2) Engage in remote entry of medication orders in accordance with rule 4729:5-9-02.15 of the Administrative Code.

(E) In order to perform non-sterile drug compounding, a certified pharmacy technician shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding non-sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <795>.

(2) Non-sterile drug compounding training shall be obtained through completion of a site-specific, structured on-the-job didactic and experiential training program and shall not be transferable to another practice site, except between practice sites under common ownership and control.

(3) When the responsible person or a pharmacist designated by the responsible person is satisfied with the employee's knowledge and proficiency, the responsible person or the responsible person's designee will sign the documentation records to show that the employee was appropriately trained in accordance with this rule.

(4) Ensuring certified pharmacy technicians are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(5) All training requirements set forth in this paragraph shall be appropriately documented and made readily retrievable for immediate inspection by an agent of the state board of pharmacy. Documentation shall be maintained by the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs for a minimum of three years.

(F) In order to perform sterile drug compounding, a certified pharmacy technician shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <797>.

(2) Sterile drug compounding training shall be obtained through completion of a site-specific, structured on-the-job didactic and experiential training program and shall not be transferable to another practice site, except between practice sites under common ownership and control.

(4) Ensuring certified pharmacy technicians are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(G) A terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person shall be responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures for additional training appropriate to duties and responsibilities performed by a certified pharmacy technician as well as an ongoing quality assurance plan to ensure competency.

Last updated April 1, 2022 at 8:30 AM

History

Effective: April 1, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-3-01

(A) A pharmacy technician trainee shall wear a name tag or badge which contains the designation "Pharmacy Technician Trainee." The required designation may be added to an existing name tag or badge. The name tag or badge and the required designation shall contain lettering of a legible size.

(B) A pharmacy technician trainee may, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, engage in the following activities at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs to the extent that the activities do not require the exercise of professional judgment:

(1) Accepting new written, faxed or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent but shall not include verbal orders;

(2) Entering information into and retrieving information from a database or patient profile;

(3) Preparing and affixing labels;

(4) Stocking dangerous drugs and retrieving those drugs from inventory;

(5) Counting and pouring dangerous drugs into containers;

(6) Placing dangerous drugs into containers prior to dispensing by a pharmacist;

(7) Non-sterile drug compounding following the completion of site-specific training pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code;

(8) Sterile drug compounding following the completion of a site-specific training pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code;

(9) Packaging and selling a dangerous drug to a patient or patient representative; and

(10) Sending or receiving electronic prescriptions between pharmacies accessing the same prescription records in a centralized database or pharmacy computers linked in any other manner.

(C) A pharmacist is not permitted to supervise more than three pharmacy technician trainees engaging in the activities pursuant to paragraph (B) of this rule at any time, unless otherwise approved by the board.

(D) The number of pharmacy technician trainees supervised by a pharmacist does not limit the number of pharmacy interns that can be supervised by a pharmacist in accordance with rule 4729:2-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated June 11, 2026 at 11:12 AM

History

Effective: November 20, 2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-3-03

(A) A registered pharmacy technician shall wear a name tag or badge which contains the designation "Registered Pharmacy Technician." The required designation may be added to an existing name tag or badge. The name tag or badge and the required designation shall contain lettering of a legible size.

(B) A registered pharmacy technician may, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, engage in the following activities at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs to the extent that the activities do not require the exercise of professional judgment:

(1) Accepting new written, faxed or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent but shall not include verbal orders;

(2) Requesting refill authorizations for dangerous drugs from a prescriber or prescriber's agent, so long as there is no change from the original prescription;

(3) Entering information into and retrieving information from a database or patient profile;

(4) Preparing and affixing labels;

(5) Stocking dangerous drugs and retrieving those drugs from inventory;

(6) Counting and pouring dangerous drugs into containers;

(7) Placing dangerous drugs into containers prior to dispensing by a pharmacist;

(8) Non-sterile drug compounding in accordance with the required training in paragraph (D) of this rule;

(9) Sterile drug compounding in accordance with the required training in paragraph (E) of this rule;

(10) Packaging and selling a dangerous drug to a patient or patient representative;

(11) Sending or receiving electronic prescriptions between pharmacies accessing the same prescription records in a centralized database or pharmacy computers linked in any other manner;

(12) Stocking automated drug storage systems, floor stock, and crash carts at a location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs if either of the following applies:

(a) The terminal distributor utilizes barcode administration for restocking the drugs and develops and implements a quality assurance program to ensure the accuracy of the personnel stocking the dangerous drugs; or

(b) For restocking automated drug storage systems only: a pharmacist verifies the final dispensing of a dangerous drug removed from the automated drug storage system.

(1) Engage in remote entry of prescriptions in accordance rule 4729:5-5-25 of the Administrative Code; or

(2) Engage in remote entry of medication orders in accordance with rule 4729:5-9-02.15 of the Administrative Code.

(D) In order to perform non-sterile drug compounding, a registered pharmacy technician shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding non-sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <795>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(6) Ensuring registered pharmacy technicians are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(E) In order to perform sterile drug compounding, a registered pharmacy technician shall complete the following training requirements prior to compounding sterile preparations:

(1) Training shall comply with the requirements set forth in the United States pharmacopeia chapter <797>, as defined in rule 4729:7-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(5) When the responsible person or a pharmacist designated by the responsible person is satisfied with the employee's knowledge and proficiency, the responsible person or the responsible persons designee will sign the documentation records to show that the employee was appropriately trained in accordance with this rule.

(6) Ensuring registered pharmacy technicians are properly trained shall be the responsibility of the terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person.

(F) A registered pharmacy technician shall be permitted to perform sterile compounding in accordance with this rule if all the following apply:

(1) The registered pharmacy technician is in the process of studying to obtain technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board;

(2) The registered pharmacy technician shall not engage in sterile drug compounding at the location licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs for longer than eighteen months from the date the technician completed the required sterile compounding training in paragraph (E) of this rule.

(3) A terminal distributor of dangerous drugs that permits a registered pharmacy technician to engage in sterile drug compounding shall develop and implement a process to ensure the registered pharmacy technician does not exceed the time limitation established in paragraph (F)(2) of this rule. The terminal distributor of dangerous drugs shall be accountable for a registered technician found to be in violation of this paragraph.

(G) A terminal distributor of dangerous drugs and the licensee's responsible person shall be responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures for additional training appropriate to duties and responsibilities performed by a registered pharmacy technician as well as an ongoing quality assurance plan to ensure competency.

Last updated March 7, 2024 at 7:45 AM

History

Effective: March 7, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4729:3-2 Registration

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-2-01 Registration procedures.

(A) An applicant for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee shall:

(1) Comply with all requirements set forth in section 4729.92 of the Revised Code.

(2) Comply with the criminal records check requirements pursuant to rule 4729:3-2-02 of the Administrative Code.

(3) Submit a complete application for registration, in a manner determined by the board, that includes:

(a) The required application fee established in section 4729.921 of the Revised Code, including any transaction fee as required by section 125.18 of the Revised Code.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (A)(3)(c) of this rule, documentation, as specified by the board, that the applicant meets both of the following requirements:

(i) Has a high school diploma, a certificate of high school equivalence, a foreign school diploma that is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma or has been employed continuously since prior to April 8, 2009, as a pharmacy technician without a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence; and

(ii) Is at least seventeen years of age.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (A)(3)(b) of this rule, the board may register as a pharmacy technician trainee an applicant who is seventeen or eighteen years of age and does not possess a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence if the applicant is enrolled in a career-technical school program that is approved by the board and conducted by a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district.

(d) Any additional information or documentation as determined by the board.

(4) A pharmacy technician trainee licensed or registered in another state may apply for registration by reciprocity by complying with the requirements listed in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(3) of this rule.

(B) An applicant for registration as a registered pharmacy technician shall:

(1) Comply with all requirements set forth in section 4729.90 of the Revised Code.

(2) Comply with either of the following:

(a) Have completed an approved training program pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code; or

(b) Hold a pharmacy technician registration or license issued by another state and have actively worked as a pharmacy technician for at least one year within the previous five years of application.

(3) Comply with the criminal records check requirements pursuant to rule 4729:3-2-02 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Submit a complete application for registration, in a manner determined by the board, that includes:

(a) The required application fee established in section 4729.901 of the Revised Code, including any transaction fee as required by section 125.18 of the Revised Code;

(b) Except for applicants currently registered as pharmacy technician trainees, documentation, as specified by the board, that the applicant meets the following requirements:

(ii) Is at least eighteen years of age; and

(iii) If the applicant has a foreign school diploma that is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, the applicant shall submit evidence of successful completion of the "Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based test" (TOEFL iBT) pursuant to rule 4729:3-2-05 of the Administrative Code.

(i) Submits a diploma or transcript demonstrating completion of an associate degree or higher from an accredited college, junior college, community college, or university in the United States.

(ii) Submits verification of active professional license or registration issued under the following chapters of the Revised Code: 4715., 4723., 4725., 4729., 4730., 4731., 4732., 4734., 4741., 4744., 4753., 4755., 4757., 4759., 4760., 4761., 4762., 4774., 4778., 4779., 4783.

(iii) Submits verification of an active professional license or registration from another state that permits the applicant to engage in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity as any license or registration issued by an agency listed in paragraph (B)(4)(c)(ii) of this rule.

(iv) Submits an attestation signed by the responsible person, or the equivalent in the state where the technician is registered, of the pharmacy where the technician is actively employed or was employed in the five years prior to the date of submission of an application. The responsible person must complete the required attestation form provided by the board and attest to their personal observation that the technician applicant demonstrates the required proficiency (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) in the English language to practice safely and effectively as a registered pharmacy technician.

(v) Submits documentation of any other board approved method for demonstrating English language proficiency.

(d) Any of the following documentation:

(i) An attestation, certificate of completion, or other board approved documentation that the applicant has successfully completed an approved training program in accordance with rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code.

(ii) Documentation, as determined by the board, demonstrating compliance with the reciprocity requirements of paragraph (B)(2)(b) of this rule.

(e) Any additional information or documentation as determined by the board.

(1) Comply with all requirements set forth in section 4729.90 of the Revised Code.

(2) Comply with either of the following:

(a) Have completed an approved training program pursuant to rule 4729:3-3-02 of the Administrative Code;

(b) Hold a pharmacy technician registration or license issued by another state and have actively worked as a pharmacy technician for at least one year within the previous five years of application; or

(c) Holds a current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board for at least two years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted and has been actively practicing as a pharmacy technician in a state that does not issue a pharmacy technician license or registration for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted.

(3) Comply with the criminal records check requirements pursuant to rule 4729:3-2-02 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Submit a complete application for registration, in a manner determined by the board, that includes:

(a) The required application fee established in section 4729.901 of the Revised Code, including any transaction fee as required by section 125.18 of the Revised Code, except as provided in rule 4729:3-2-03 of the Administrative Code;

(b) Documentation, as specified by the board, that the applicant has a current pharmacy technician certification from an organization that has been recognized by the board.

(c) Except for applicants currently registered as pharmacy technician trainees, documentation, as specified by the board, that the applicant meets the following requirements:

(i) Has a high school diploma, a certificate of high school equivalence or a foreign school diploma that is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma;

(ii) Is at least eighteen years of age; and

(d) Paragraph (C)(4)(c)(iii) of this rule shall not apply if the applicant complies with either of the following:

(i) Submits a diploma or transcript demonstrating completion of an associate degree or higher from an accredited college, junior college, community college or university in the United States.

(v) Submits documentation of any other board approved method for demonstrating English language proficiency.

(e) Any of the following documentation:

(ii) Documentation, as determined by the board, demonstrating compliance with the reciprocity requirements of paragraphs (C)(2)(b) and (C)(2)(c) of this rule.

(f) Any additional information or documentation as determined by the board.

(D) Pursuant to section 4729.921 of the Revised Code, a registration for a pharmacy technician trainee is valid for eighteen months from the date of issuance.

(E) A pharmacy technician trainee that fails to meet the education and training requirements during the trainee's initial registration period, may apply for reinstatement of their registration by submitting an application and fee as required by paragraph (A) of this rule. Only one reinstatement shall be granted, but an individual may reapply for registration if the individual's previous registration has lapsed for more than five years or the board grants its approval.

(F) Pursuant to section 4729.96 of the Revised Code, a limited or restricted registration may be issued to an applicant upon the determination of the board.

(G) An initial registration for a registered pharmacy technician and certified pharmacy technician is valid until the renewal date set forth in rule 4729:3-2-03 of the Administrative Code.

(H) Failure to complete all application requirements within thirty days after being notified by the board may result in the application being deemed abandoned as defined in rule 4729:3-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(I) Registration fees for veterans shall be waived upon submission of the appropriate documentation. Documentation required to obtain a fee waiver will be published on the state board of pharmacy's web site: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov.

Last updated May 15, 2026 at 7:34 AM

History

Effective: May 15, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4729:3-2-02

(A) An applicant seeking an initial registration, including as registration by reciprocity, as a pharmacy technician trainee, registered pharmacy technician or certified pharmacy technician must first submit fingerprint impressions to the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation (BCI&I) for a criminal records check.

(B) Pursuant to section 4776.02 of the Revised Code, the criminal records check performed by BCI&I shall consist of both a BCI&I criminal records check and a federal bureau of investigation (FBI) criminal records check. BCI&I shall send the results of the BCI&I and FBI criminal records checks directly to the state board of pharmacy.

(C) The state board of pharmacy requires that the criminal records check be based on electronic fingerprint impressions that are submitted directly to BCI&I from a WebCheck provider agency or ink impressions. The state board of pharmacy may accept the results of a criminal records check based on ink impressions only in the following circumstances:

(1) Readable electronic fingerprint impressions cannot be obtained or are rejected by either BCI&I or FBI;

(2) The applicant is from out-of-state; or

(3) The applicant's home address is seventy-five miles or more from the nearest WebCheck location.

(D) Results will only be considered valid if the fingerprint impressions were obtained within twenty-four months of the date the application is received by the board.

Last updated August 16, 2022 at 2:30 PM

History

Effective: April 1, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03