Bill
HB 4932
Michigan HB 4932 raises renewal CE to 30 hours for pharmacists and 20 hours for technicians over 2 years, adds pain/symptom management, allows 100% online CE, via LARA/Board rules.
Date: Introduced September 11, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Health Policy; companion SB 2651
Bill overview
HB 4932 would amend section 17731 of the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) to modify continuing education (CE) and licensure renewal requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Michigan. The bill focuses on strengthening CE obligations, adding a pain and symptom management component, and expanding online CE options. It includes a framework for rules to be adopted by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) in consultation with the Board of Pharmacy.
Key Provisions
- Renewal education requirements:
- Pharmacists: A licensee renewing a pharmacist's license must show evidence that, during the prior two years, they completed at least 30 hours of board-approved continuing education or satisfactorily completed a proficiency examination, as determined by rules.
- Pharmacy technicians: A licensee renewing a pharmacy technician's license must show evidence that, during the prior two years, they completed at least 20 hours of board-approved continuing education or satisfactorily completed a proficiency examination, as determined by rules.
- Pain and symptom management education:
- The department, in consultation with the board, must promulgate rules requiring an appropriate number of hours or content related to pain and symptom management as part of the CE or proficiency examination requirements.
- Online CE:
- The bill permits 100% of the required CE to be earned through online or electronic media, provided the online CE meets standards approved by the department and board.
- Administrative framework:
- The changes are made “notwithstanding the requirements of part 161,” allowing the new CE/examination framework to supersede or modify existing provisions as applicable in part 161.
- Rulemaking:
- The department, in consultation with the board, is tasked with promulgating the implementing rules that specify CE hours, evaluation methods (including proficiency exams), and the treatment of online CE.
Who Is Affected
- Pharmacists licensed in Michigan and seeking renewal.
- Pharmacy technicians licensed in Michigan and seeking renewal.
- The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Board of Pharmacy, which would administer and enforce the new CE and examination requirements.
- CE providers and education programs, which would need to align with the new 30/20-hour standards and pain management content.
- Employers in the pharmacy sector, who may observe changes in licensure renewal timelines and CE reporting.
Implementation and Timeline
- If enacted, the bill would require rulemaking by LARA and the Board of Pharmacy to establish the specific CE hours, acceptable formats (including online), and the pain and symptom management content.
- The renewal requirements would apply to license renewals occurring after the applicable rule proposals and adoption, in conjunction with standard renewal cycles.
Related Legislation
- Companion bill: SB 2651 (same subject matter in the Senate).
Notes
- The bill’s current status indicates it has been introduced and referred to Health Policy, with activity dates in 2025, and reflects ongoing consideration of CE modernization for pharmacists and technicians.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
