In a recent article in the Pharmacy Times, Editor in Chief Fred Eckel, RPh, MS, discusses the sometimes controversial expansion of the role of pharmacy technicians. Mr. Eckel suggests that “the pharmacy technician’s role should be expanded to allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their license”, including a “specific suggestion of what activity that might include, such as ‘independently’ refilling prescriptions”.
This would signal a significant change in the responsibilities of pharmacy technicians, and one that is receiving some resistance from pharmacists. This expansion in duties, however, could make sense when taking into account the change in requirements that the PTCB is putting forth in the coming years, where they will require completion of an ASHP approved program before applying to sit for their exam.
