Pharmacy Technician Licensure Update

Last week, Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) was notified of an amendment that would change the effective date of the licensure requirement for pharmacy technicians in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Sen. Mike Green will be putting forth an amendment to Public Act 285 of 2014 (pharmacy technician licensure statute) to postpone the licensure enforcement date to June 30, 2015. This would allow the Department time to process applications, promulgate rules and effectively implement the overall process for pharmacy technician licensure. MPA supports this amendment, as it would provide everyone with additional time to clarify member questions and concerns, thus ensuring that the licensure process is handled effectively across the state.

MPA will know by the end of the legislative session on Dec. 18, 2014, whether or not this amendment has passed. We suspect that because this issue was driven by the Department that it is likely to be passed and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder. Whether this amendment passes or not, pharmacy professionals need to be prepared to begin the application process as soon as the application is made available on Dec. 22, 2014.

If you have any questions about the amendment or pharmacy technician licensure, please contact either Amanda Lick, MPA manager of advocacy, governmental and regulatory affairs, at Amanda@MichiganPharmacists.org or Eric Roath, MPA director of professional practice, at Eric@MichiganPharmacists.org.