SECTION 297.6. Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Technician Trainee Training

(a) Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees shall complete initial training as outlined by the pharmacist-in-charge in a training manual. Such training:

(1) shall meet the requirements of subsections (d) or (e) of this section; and

(2) may not be transferred to another pharmacy unless:

(A) the pharmacies are under common ownership and control and have a common training program; and

(B) the pharmacist-in-charge of each pharmacy in which the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee works certifies that the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is competent to perform the duties assigned in that pharmacy.

(b) The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure the continuing competency of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees through in-service education and training to supplement initial training.

(c) The pharmacist-in-charge shall document the completion of the training program and certify the competency of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees completing the training. A written record of initial and in-service training of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees shall be maintained and contain the following information:

(1) name of the person receiving the training;

(2) date(s) of the training;

(3) general description of the topics covered;

(4) a statement that certifies that the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is competent to perform the duties assigned;

(5) name of the person supervising the training; and

(6) signature of the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee and the pharmacist-in-charge or other pharmacist employed by the pharmacy and designated by the pharmacist-in-charge as responsible for training of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees.

(d) A person who has previously completed the training program outlined in subsection (e) of this section, a licensed nurse, or physician assistant is not required to complete the entire training program outlined in subsection (e) of this section if the person is able to show competency through a documented assessment of competency. Such competency assessment may be conducted by personnel designated by the pharmacist-in-charge, but the final acceptance of competency must be approved by the pharmacist-in-charge.

(e) Pharmacy technician and pharmacy technician trainee training shall be outlined in a training manual. Such training manual shall, at a minimum, contain the following:

(1) written procedures and guidelines for the use and supervision of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees. Such procedures and guidelines shall:

(A) specify the manner in which the pharmacist responsible for the supervision of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees will supervise such personnel and verify the accuracy and completeness of all acts, tasks, and functions performed by such personnel; and

(B) specify duties which may and may not be performed by pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees; and

(2) instruction in the following areas and any additional areas appropriate to the duties of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees in the pharmacy:

(A) Orientation;

(B) Job descriptions;

(C) Communication techniques;

(D) Laws and rules;

(E) Security and safety;

(F) Prescription drugs:

(i) Basic pharmaceutical nomenclature;

(ii) Dosage forms;

(G) Drug orders:

(i) Prescribers;

(ii) Directions for use;

(iii) Commonly-used abbreviations and symbols;

(iv) Number of dosage units;

(v) Strengths and systems of measurement;

(vi) Routes of administration;

(vii) Frequency of administration; and

(viii) Interpreting directions for use;

(H) Drug order preparation:

(i) Creating or updating patient medication records;

(ii) Entering drug order information into the computer or typing the label in a manual system;

(iii) Selecting the correct stock bottle;

(iv) Accurately counting or pouring the appropriate quantity of drug product;

(v) Selecting the proper container;

(vi) Affixing the prescription label;

(vii) Affixing auxiliary labels, if indicated; and

(viii) Preparing the finished product for inspection and final check by pharmacists;

(I) Other functions;

(J) Drug product prepackaging;

(K) Written policy and guidelines for use of and supervision of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees; and

(L) Confidential patient medication records.

(f) Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees compounding non-sterile pharmaceuticals shall meet the training and education requirements specified in the rules for the class of pharmacy in which the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is working.

(g) Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees compounding sterile pharmaceuticals shall meet the training and education requirements specified in the rules for class of pharmacy in which the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is working.

Source Note: The provisions of this §297.6 adopted to be effective December 23, 2003, 28 TexReg 11264; amended to be effective June 11, 2006, 31 TexReg 4640; amended to be effective June 3, 2007, 32 TexReg 2862