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HB 5353

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Casimiro and 7 co-sponsors

Allows trained pharmacy technicians/interns to perform technology-assisted dispensing process validation under pharmacist supervision for certain meds in institutional settings.

06/30/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5353

Summary — HB 5353 (Sub A): AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS — PHARMACIES

Status: Signed by Governor (06/30/2025). Effective: upon passage (06/30/2025). Introduced: 02/07/2025. Adds § 5-19.1-37 to Rhode Island General Laws.

Purpose

Authorize pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns, under pharmacist supervision and when using approved technology, to perform technology-assisted “dispensing process validation” for medications prepared by another technician/intern within institutional pharmacies. The intent is to allow appropriately supervised, technology-assisted verification steps to be performed by non-pharmacist staff while preserving pharmacist oversight and patient safety.

Key provisions

  • Delegation authorized:

    • A licensed pharmacist may delegate, and a pharmacy technician or intern may perform, technology-assisted dispensing process validation for medications prepared for distribution by another technician/intern in institutional pharmacies, when the medication will be administered by a licensed health care professional.
    • Applies to: patient-specific medication orders; automated storage/distribution device stock; repackaged bulk→unit‑of‑use doses; and emergency kits.
    • Dispensing process validation occurs after pharmacist drug utilization review and clinical conflict resolution, when applicable.

  • Prohibited delegations:

    • Validation for controlled substances is prohibited.
    • Validation for compounded products (sterile or non‑sterile) is prohibited unless the compounded product was previously verified by a licensed pharmacist (e.g., previously batched and pharmacist-verified).

  • Supervision and limits:

    • Delegation must not require exercise of discretion or clinical judgment by the technician/intern.
    • “Supervision” is oversight and control by a licensed pharmacist who is responsible for the work.

  • Institutional requirements:

    • Pharmacies must document policies/procedures for technician/intern dispensing process validation.
    • Maintain a site‑specific training program and records of trained personnel.
    • Maintain a continuous quality assessment system to periodically verify accuracy, including recording errors that reach patients and other quality-related events, and define acceptable event levels requiring reassessment.
    • No technician/intern may perform these activities without documented training.
    • Pharmacist-in-charge is responsible for ensuring delegation does not lead to medication errors.

  • Definitions and technology:

    • Technology includes barcode scanning, RFID, and similar electronic identity verification systems.
    • Defines “automated storage and distribution devices” and “controlled substance” for clarity.

  • Rulemaking:

    • Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy is directed to promulgate necessary rules under standard administrative procedures.

Who is affected

  • Institutional pharmacies (hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and contracted off-site institutional pharmacies)
  • Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns (expanded permitted activities under supervision)
  • Licensed pharmacists (responsible for delegation, oversight, and final safety)
  • Patients receiving medications in institutional settings
  • Board of Pharmacy (rulemaking and oversight)

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Feb 7, 2025; substitute recommended and passed both chambers; transmitted to Governor 06/25/2025; signed into law 06/30/2025. Effective immediately upon passage.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • May increase workflow efficiency in institutional settings by allowing technology-assisted verification steps to be performed by trained technicians/interns.
  • Requires institutional investment in technology (barcoding/RFID), training programs, and QA systems.
  • Safeguards include supervisory requirements, prohibition for controlled substances and most compounded products, and mandated QA/reporting; effectiveness will depend on board rules and institutional implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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