Ohio Senate looks at requiring certification of pharmacy technicians

The Ohio General Assembly's Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee is considering legislation to require certification of pharmacy technicians in the state. (Source: Gongwer Ohio Report, November 28, 2007.) Senator Timothy Grendell (R-Chesterland), who is sponsoring the legislation through Senate Bill 203, said "Ohio is one of only a handful of states that does not license, certify or otherwise regulate pharmacy technicians. There is no minimum educational or training requirement, no oversight by a state licensing board and no way to track a technician who may get fired for errors only to move on to another pharmacy--perhaps your local pharmacy."

Under the bill, the Board of Pharmacy would certify pharmacy technicians if they met minimum requirements, such as being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a background check. Applicants would also have to pass a national exam and maintain clean records.