Bill
A 678
Empowers pharmacy technicians to work in any pharmacy under pharmacist supervision, expanding their duties; final rules hinge on S3236A.
Overview
- Bill number: A 678
- Title: Allows pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist
- Introduced: January 8, 2025
- Current status: Substituted by S3236A (the substantive provisions are now expected to be in S3236A)
- Primary sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages (with numerous cosponsors)
- Related/companion measures: S 3236 (companion), A 10350, A 8115
What the bill would do (purpose and intent)
- The bill seeks to expand the practice authority of pharmacy technicians, allowing them to work in any pharmacy setting as long as they operate under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- The substitution by S3236A indicates that the eventual policy changes are now being carried in that companion/alternate version, rather than in the original A 678 text.
Key provisions and changes (as currently framed by the substitute)
- Authorization: Pharmacy technicians would be permitted to practice in any pharmacy, subject to pharmacist supervision.
- Supervision framework: The model relies on supervision by a pharmacist, though the specific supervision requirements (e.g., level of oversight, supervision ratios, and permissible activities) would be defined in the substituted text (S3236A or its final form).
- Scope of duties: The bill would expand the range of tasks technicians may perform within a pharmacy setting under supervision. The exact duties (e.g., medication preparation, dispensing support, patient communication) would be detailed in the enacted text of the substitute measure.
- Licensure and standards: The measure would typically require appropriate certification, training, or registration for technicians, with adherence to any regulatory standards established by the state Board of Pharmacy or other administering agency. The precise requirements would be specified in the substitute bill.
- Implementation timeline: Specific effective dates or phase-in periods would be defined in the enacted text (S3236A). The current status indicates a legislative transition to that substitute.
Who would be affected
- Pharmacy technicians: Potentially expanded practice authority, enabling work in more pharmacy settings with defined supervision.
- Pharmacists: Responsibility for supervising technicians and ensuring compliance with practice standards.
- Pharmacies: Greater flexibility in staffing, potentially impacting operations and workflow.
- Regulatory and professional boards: May implement or adjust rules, licensure requirements, and oversight aligned with the new scope.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced in January 2025 and referred to Higher Education (initial committee action).
- May 5, 2025: Amendments and recommitment to Higher Education.
- May 20–21, 2025: Referred to Rules; multiple actions including reported and moved to third reading.
- May 21, 2025: Substituted by S3236A, effectively superseding A 678 with the substitute text.
- The companion bill S3236 (and related measures A 10350, A 8115) accompany the policy changes.
Notes for readers
- The substantive provisions now hinge on the text of S3236A. For exact duties, supervision specifics, licensure requirements, and effective dates, the final enacted form of S3236A should be consulted.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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