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Bill

HB 4307

Relating to authorizing the Board of Pharmacy to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensure and practice of pharmacy.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

The bill authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to adopt a legislative rule that sets standards and requirements for pharmacist licensure and practice.

To House Judiciary
#legislature--rulemaking
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Bill Summary · HB 4307

Bill overview

  • Jurisdiction: West Virginia
  • Session: 2026
  • Short title: Relating to authorizing the Board of Pharmacy to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensure and practice of pharmacy
  • Primary subject: Grants authority to the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to promulgate a legislative rule governing licensure and the practice of pharmacy.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to develop and adopt a legislative rule that outlines standards, processes, and requirements for pharmacist licensure and the professional practice of pharmacy within the state.
  • The aim is to establish formal, rule-based guidance to regulate who may practice pharmacy in West Virginia and how that practice should be carried out, replacing or supplementing existing, potentially broader statutory frameworks with specific rule-based provisions.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated based on title and typical content)

  • Authorization for rulemaking: The Board of Pharmacy is empowered to promulgate a legislative rule addressing licensure criteria for pharmacists and potentially other pharmacy personnel, as well as practice standards for pharmacy.
  • Licensure requirements: The rule is likely to specify qualifications (education, examinations, experiential hours), licensure renewal processes, and continuing education obligations.
  • Scope of practice: The rule may define permitted activities for licensed pharmacists, supervised practice requirements, and limitations or exceptions to practice.
  • Professional standards and compliance: Provisions may address professional conduct, disciplinary procedures, and grounds for licensure denial, suspension, or revocation.
  • Administrative processes: The rule could establish application timelines, fees, renewal intervals, and procedures for handling complaints or investigations.
  • Technical alignment: The rule would be designed to align with existing state statutes governing pharmacy, health professions, and regulatory processes.

Note: The exact text of the rule is not provided, but the bill specifically authorizes the Board to promulgate a legislative rule touching licensure and the practice of pharmacy.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Pharmacists and prospective pharmacy licensees in West Virginia.
  • Secondary: Pharmacy students and graduates, pharmacy employers (retail, hospital, and clinical settings), and other health care providers who interact with licensed pharmacists.
  • Regulatory framework: State Board of Pharmacy and related state agencies involved in licensure and professional regulation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Action history:
    • Introduced: 2026-01-14 (to Government Organization, then Judiciary)
    • Reported: 2026-01-30 (Do pass, but first to Judiciary) and sent to House Judiciary
  • Process path: The bill moves through a typical legislative rulemaking workflow, with consideration by the Government Organization committee and then the Judiciary, culminating in a committee vote to advance.
  • Rulemaking outcome: If enacted, the Board would publish a legislative rule for public notice and input, subject to state rulemaking procedures and legislative review.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Standardization: Creates a formal, codified framework for licensure and practice, potentially improving consistency in pharmacy practice across the state.
  • Regulatory clarity: Provides clearer requirements for licensure, renewal, and disciplinary actions.
  • Access and quality: Could influence access to pharmacy services and the quality/safety of pharmaceutical care through defined practice standards.
  • Implementation timing: Effective implementation depends on the rule’s adoption timeline and any required updates to allied statutes or regulations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a brief one-page handout or pull in any available amendments or fiscal notes once the bill’s text or committee reports are published.

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

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