Colorado Board of Pharmacy to Regulate Pharmacy Technicians

In early June 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1242: Concerning the Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians by the State Board of Pharmacy.

The new laws takes effect on October 1, 2019, and requires pharmacy technicians practicing in Colorado to obtain a certification or provisional certification from the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy (Board) on or after March 2020. Pharmacy technicians seeking to obtain certification by the Board must pass a criminal history record check and provide proof of certification by a board-approved, nationally recognized organization that certifies pharmacy technicians.

To allow time to meet the requirements, the Board can grant a one-time provisional certification of up to 18 months to a pharmacy technician applicant who has not satisfied certain requirements for certification. This provisional certification may be extended by the Board if warranted.

Finally, pharmacy technicians must also meet specific continuing education requirements prior to having a certification renewed.