Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Pharmacy

Information for Licensees

Effective January 1, 2008, the board will raise several of its application and renewal fees to the statutory maximum.

Licensees – Please be advised that this change will affect licensees whose licenses expire after December 31, 2007 (Specifically, those with expiration dates on and after January 1, 2008.) The renewal fee you must pay is determined by your license expiration date. Even if you pay your renewal fees early, you are subject to the fee in effect on the date your license expires. The renewal form provided will document the appropriate renewal fee. THE FEE INCREASE DOES NOT AFFECT LICENSED PHARMACY TECHNICIANS.

Designated Representative (Exemptee)

Intern Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Pharmacy Technician

Site Permits and Licenses

license renewal

I did not receive my renewal notice and my license is coming up for renewal. What do I do?

Approximately six weeks before the expiration date of your license, a renewal application will be mailed to your last known address of record. Licensees are responsible for renewing their licenses even if they do not receive a renewal notice. The board does not send duplicate renewal applications.

If you have not received the renewal notice within 4 weeks of expiration of the license, you may renew your license by submitting a Request for Renewal form. Do not submit a renewal request more than 60 days before the expiration date of the license.

A renewal request form may be viewed and printed by clicking on the appropriate license type below:

If you have changed your name or address, please refer to the CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR ADDRESS section below.

 

I sent in my check to renew my license, but haven’t received my renewed license yet. Why?

It takes a minimum of three weeks to process your renewal and another three weeks to receive the renewed license in the mail. It will take longer if your renewal application is deficient. Examples of deficiencies are: Failure to have the proper signatures(s) in the designated area on the renewal notice, failing to enter CE hours, or failure to submit name change documents. You will be notified in writing of any deficiencies. Frequently facilities undergoing name changes, ownership changes, location changes or changes in key officers must submit a more detailed application. The board will contact you if this is necessary.

We are unable to verify receipt of renewal fees over the phone. If your fee has been received and processed, it will be reflected on the board's Web site on the license verification screen, even if you have not received your renewed license in the mail. You may verify that your license has been renewed by clicking on the License Verification link on this website. For purpose of license verification, California law allows the printout of a license record from the board's website.

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Cancellation of Pharmacist License

If a pharmacist license is not renewed within three years from the expiration date, the license will be canceled (pursuant to section 4402 of the Business and Professions Code). Any pharmacist who wishes to resume practice in California after having his or her license cancelled for non-payment of the renewal fees will be required to take and pass the licensure examination.

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Continuing education requirements

To renew your pharmacist license in California, you must complete 30 hours (1.25 hours per month) of continuing pharmacy education (CE) every two years. The law regarding CE can be found in section 4231 of the Business and Professions Code and in section 1732 of the California Code of Regulations.

CE coursework must pertain to the practice of pharmacy and be obtained from a provider who is recognized by one of the two accreditation agencies designated by the Board, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the Pharmacy Foundation of California (PFC).

Pharmacists may use courses which have been approved for continuing education by the Medical Board of California, the California Board of Podiatric Medicine, the California Board of Registered Nursing or the Dental Board of California towards their California continuing education requirement. (Section 1732.2(b) of the California Code of Regulations.)

If a CE course is not accredited by the ACPE or the PFC, or approved as CE by the above-referenced licensing agencies, you may petition the board for CE credit by submitting a "Pharmacists Petition for Continuing Education Credit from A Non-Recognized Provider" form and a fee of $40 per hour of coursework. When submitting the petition, a copy of the completion certificate, a copy of the course brochure or advertisement, and course outline is required.

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Exceptions to the continuing education requirements

NEW LICENSEES

All new licensees are exempt from earning CE for their first renewal cycle.

ENROLLEES IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOOL

An exemption from CE requirements for pharmacist license renewal may be granted to those licensees who are enrolled as full time students in a health professions school. However, please contact the Board for additional information regarding such exemptions.

CE EXEMPTIONS DUE TO HARDSHIP

Pharmacists may seek an exemption from the CE requirement based on instances of emergency or hardship. Requests must be submitted to the Board in writing and accompanied by supportive documentation.

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pharmacist petition for continuing education credit

Licensees may petition for credit for CE courses offered by non-recognized providers. The Pharmacist Petition for Continuing Education Credit from a Non-Recognized Provider form must be completed and submitted with the required fee for review and approval. The fee for this process is $40 per hour of coursework.

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Continuing Education Audits

To insure that pharmacists fulfill their CE requirements, the Board randomly audits renewal applications. For this reason pharmacists are required to retain their CE completion certificates for four years. If you are selected for the audit, you will be notified and asked to submit copies of your CE completion certificates to the Board.

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Inactive Status

An “inactive” license exempts a non-practicing pharmacist from CE requirements, but not from payment of the renewal fee. To change your license status to inactive, designate “inactive” on the renewal application. Or you may submit a written request for status change in your license to the Board, and return your current active license. The license status will be changed, and an inactive license will be issued; however, if you renew your license as inactive, you are not authorized to practice pharmacy in California.

To restore an inactive license to active status, you may designate “active” on the license renewal application. Or a written request for status change, along with the inactive license, may be submitted to the Board. In both instances, when returning to active status, you will be required to provide the Board with copies of certificates verifying completion of 30 hours of CE as well as pay the license renewal fee, currently $150.  After processing, an active license will be issued. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Board.

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change of name and/or address

You are required to notify the board of any change in name or address within 30 days. Change of name and/or address may be made on the renewal notice or in writing to the board. Any change of name must be supported with one of the following (the board will not accept these documents by facsimile):

  • Copy of marriage certificate.
  • Copy of court document authorizing a legal name change.
  • Clear copy of driver’s license and social security card with your new name.

ADDRESS CHANGES CANNOT be made over the phone or by e-mail. We must receive a written document bearing the signature of the applicant/licensee and the date of birth (for identification purposes only) in order to change an official address of record. Change of Address Form.

P.O. BOXES

An address other than your residence may be used as your "address of record" however, section 1704 of the California Code of Regulations requires that you also provide your residence address. Only the address of record will be accessible to the public. Your address will not be changed to a P.O. Box unless you provide your residence address.

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duplicate/replacement license

If a license has been misplaced or lost, a duplicate license will be issued upon receipt of a completed Application for Reissue of License and $30 reissue fee.

If you fail to receive a license, the board will reissue a replacement after sufficient time has elapsed for delivery by the postal service. A completed Request for Duplicate/Replacement License, certifying under penalty of perjury that the license has not been received, must be received before the printing of a new license will be requested.

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retired pharmacists

A pharmacist who has been licensed in California for 20 years or longer and who holds a current, renewable license that is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined or subject to pending discipline, may request that the license be placed on retired status. A pharmacist holding a retired license cannot engage in any activity for which an active license is required. The retired license does not need to be renewed. However, to restore the license to active status, the pharmacist must take and pass the examination required for initial licensure. Application for Retired Pharmacist License.

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being a preceptor

A preceptor is a pharmacist, licensed in good standing, who accepts the responsibility and takes the time to educate and train an intern in practical experiences. The preceptor is ultimately responsible for the professional activities performed by the intern while under his or her supervision. There is no additional registration required to be a preceptor.

When considering whether to serve as a preceptor ask yourself:

  • What is the breadth of my experience as a pharmacist and can I share this with an intern?
  • Do I actively participate in continuing education programs and preceptor training conferences?
  • Am I able to spend time providing instruction to an intern?
  • Am I able to use effective communication skills from which the intern can learn?

The setting in which you practice is as important as your willingness to teach. The ideal pharmacy for pharmacy interns incorporates practices and attitudes befitting the professional activities that are performed. It has an adequate set of reference materials, a computerized patient profile system, sufficient clerical help to enable you time to work with the intern, and a clean and inviting environment. The pharmacy should exemplify the highest standards of the profession.

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transfer of hours

Intern hours that have been accepted by the board may be transferred to other states provided a written request is submitted requesting the transfer. The request must include the state(s) you want to receive the hours and a $20 fee for each state.

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intern name/address change (section 1727(d) california code of regulations)

Interns must notify the board within 30 days of any change of address or name. Name changes must be supported by one of the following:

  • A copy of a marriage license
  • A copy of your social security card and driver license showing new name
  • A copy of the court document showing legal name change

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duplicate/replacement intern license

If an intern registration has been misplaced or lost, a duplicate license will be issued upon receipt of a completed Application for Reissue of License and $30 reissue fee.

If you fail to receive a license, the board will reissue a replacement after sufficient time has elapsed for delivery by the postal service. A completed Request for Duplicate/Replacement License, certifying under penalty of perjury that the license has not received, must be received before the printing of a new license will be requested.

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withdrawAl from school (section 1727(d) California code of regulations

Interns are required to return their intern card within 30 days of a change of eligibility status (e.g., withdrawal from pharmacy school).

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renewal of pharmacy technician registration

Approximately six weeks before the expiration date of your registration, a renewal application will be mailed to your last known address of record. You are responsible for renewing your registration even if you do not receive a renewal notice. The board does not send duplicate renewal applications. If you have not received the renewal notice within 4 weeks of expiration of the license, you may renew by submitting a Request for Renewal of California Pharmacy Technician Registration.

A pharmacy technician registration may be cancelled 60 days after the expiration date. If a technician registration is cancelled, it may not be renewed. Returning to work as a technician in California will require the submission of a new application with the appropriate fees and meeting the current requirements.

Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve you of the responsibility of renewing your license prior to the expiration date. It is unlicensed activity to work without a current license for which you can be fined $5,000.

A delinquent fee is added to the renewal fee when the renewal notice and fee are not postmarked before midnight of the expiration date.

If you have changed your name or address, please refer to the CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR ADDRESS section.

The renewal form and fee must be submitted to the board's office allowing 4 to 6 weeks for processing.

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cancellation of registration

A pharmacy technician registration may be cancelled 60 days after the expiration date. If a technician registration is cancelled, it may not be renewed. Returning to work as a technician in California will require the submission of a new application with the appropriate fees and meeting the current requirements.

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cancellation permit

If you fail to renew your permit within 60 days of the expiration date, the permit will be cancelled pursuant to section 4402(e) of the Business and Professions Code. Once the permit has been canceled you must submit a new application (including all documents) and meet all requirements in effect at the time reapplication.

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change of ownership or location

Permits are not transferable to new owners or to a new location.  The Board of Pharmacy must approve all changes in location and changes in ownership BEFORE the change occurs. Contact the board BEFORE ANY CHANGE for specific information and forms.  Changes in 10 to 49 percent of the stock is considered a change of permit.  Changes of more than 50 percent are considered a change in ownership.

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change of pharmacist in charge

Both the owner of a pharmacy and the pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) are required by California law (section 4113 of the Business and Professions Code) to notify the board within 30 days after the termination of the pharmacist-in-charge. Failure to make this notification may result in disciplinary action.

Notification of a change of pharmacist-in-charge requires the following be sent to the board:

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing of the application. A new license reflecting the new PIC will be mailed to the pharmacy along with a self-assessment form.

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Change of permit

Community and Hospital Pharmacies, Clinics, Non-Resident Pharmacies and Licensed Correctional Facilities

A request for a Change of Permit must be filed within 30 days when any of the following occurs:

  • Change of corporate officers
  • Change of medical director (clinics only)
  • Transfer of 10% to 49% of stock
  • Change of street name or number but not a physical move to a new location (which is a change of location, for which a separate process is required. (NOTE: When this change is made by the post office, it is not considered a change of permit, but notification to the board is still required.)
  • Change of tradestyle name or change of corporate name, not a change of ownership.
The forms required to notify the board of each of the specific types of changes are listed below.

If the ownership is a corporation, at least one corporate officer must sign the Change of Permit form (17A-12). If the company is owned by a partnership, each partner must sign. If the company has a sole ownership, the owner must sign.

NOTE: If fingerprints are already on file with the board for any corporate officer, shareholder, or director there is no need to submit new fingerprint cards or the $51 fee. Instead, please provide the name, social security number and date of birth of the individual so the board can match the information.

Please allow four to six weeks for processing of the application.

Change of Corporate Officers

  • Change of Permit form (17A-12) and $100 non-refundable processing fee.
  • For each new officer, two fingerprint cards, plus the $51 processing fee.
  • Certification of Personnel form (17A-11) for each new corporate officer.
  • Copy of the board minutes reflecting the change of corporate officers.

Change of Medical Director

  • Completed Change of Permit form (17A-12) and $100 non-refundable processing fee.
  • For the new medical director, two fingerprint cards, plus the $51 processing fee.
  • Certification of Personnel form (17A-11) for the new medical director.
Transfer of 10% to 49% of Stock
  • Completed Change of Permit form (17A-12) and $100 non-refundable processing fee.
  • Each new stockholder (or the five largest shareholders) must submit:
    • Certification of Personnel (17A-11)
    • Individual Personal Affidavit (17A-27)
    • Individual Financial Affidavit (17A-26)
    • Two completed fingerprint cards with the $51 processing fee
    • Copy of stock certificates, if issued.
Change of Street Name or Number Made by the Post Office

(NOTE: an actual move to a new location requires a new application)

Change of Tradestyle or Corporate Name

Attach ONE of the following:

  • A fictitious name statement from the county;
  • A copy of the Articles of Incorporation listing the new name;
  • A copy of the board minutes ratifying the name change.

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Change of permit

Wholesaler, Out of State Distributor, and Hypodermic Needle and Syringe Permits, Veterinary Food-Animal Drug Retailer

A request for a change of permit must be filed within 30 days when the following occurs:

  • Change of tradestyle name.
  • Change of corporate officers.
  • Change of street name or number by the post office.
  • Change of location.

The forms required to notify the board of each of the specific types of changes are listed below.

Change of Tradestyle Name or Corporate Name
  • Processing fee of $30.
  • Completed Change of Permit form. If the facility is owned by a corporation, at least one corporate officer must sign; if owned by a partnership, each partner must sign; or if a sole ownership, the owner must sign.
  • Attach a fictitious name statement from the county; a copy of the articles of incorporation listing the new name; OR a copy of the board minutes ratifying the name change.
Change of Corporate Officer
  • Processing fee of $100 for the wholesaler, out of state distributor, or hypodermic needle and syringe permit.
  • Completed Change of Permit form. If the facility is owned by a corporation, at least one corporate officer must sign. If it is owned by a partnership, each partner must sign, or if sole ownership, the owner must sign.
  • Two completed fingerprint cards and processing fee of $51 for each new officer. (If fingerprints have previously been submitted to the Board, please provide the date submitted, related license number, and the name of the firm).
  • Completed Personal Background Affidavit (17A-37) form for each new corporate officer.
  • Attach one of the following: (1) Articles of Incorporation, (2) amended Articles of Incorporation showing the change of corporate officers, or (3) Statement of Domestic Stock. The document(s) must be endorsed by the Secretary of State.
Change of Street Name, Number of Zip Code- if this change is made by the post office.
  • Processing fee of $100.
  • Completed Change of Permit form. If the facility is owned by a corporation, at least one corporate officer must sign. If it is owned by a partnership, each partner must sign, or if sole ownership, the owner must sign.
Change of Location
  • Processing fee of $100.
  • Completed Change of Permit form. If the facility is owned by a corporation, at least one corporate officer must sign. If it is owned by a partnership, each partner must sign, or if sole ownership, the owner must sign.
  • License verification from home state (if facility is located outside California).

duplicate/replacement license

If a license has been misplaced or lost, a duplicate license will be issued upon receipt of a completed Application for Reissue of License and $30 reissue fee.

If you fail to receive a license, the board will reissue a replacement after sufficient time has elapsed for delivery by the postal service. A completed Request for Duplicate/Replacement License, certifying under penalty of perjury that the license has not been received, must be received before the printing of a new license will be requested.

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Discontinuance of Business

Discontinuance of a business licensed by the California Board of Pharmacy requires that the following be sent to the board:

  1. Completed Discontinuance of Business form (17M-8).
  2. Permanent store permit and current renewal permit. Wholesalers and manufacturers must also return exemption certificates.
  3. Copy of the inventory.

The Drug Enforcement Administration should be contacted regarding their registration and order books.

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Cancellation of permit

If you fail to renew your permit within 60 days of the expiration date, the permit will be cancelled pursuant to section 4402(e) of the Business and Professions Code. Once the permit has been canceled you must submit a new application (including all documents) and meet all requirements in effect at the time reapplication.

Operating the premises without an active license is unlicensed activity, for which the owners or responsible parties may be cited and fined up to $2,500.

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How do I report a drug theft or Drug loss?

You must complete a DEA Theft or Loss Report (DEA 106 form) whenever a theft or loss of controlled substances occurs and submit it to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and a copy to the Board of Pharmacy. You can complete and submit the DEA 106 form on-line to the DEA at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/webforms/app106Login.jsp. You must also submit a copy of the DEA 106 to the Board of Pharmacy by mail or via email to DEA106@dca.ca.gov. If submitting the DEA106 form via email, please be sure to include the license number of the parties involved.

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Do we need to notify the board if we have a change of corporate officer?

Yes, anytime there is a change of corporate officer(s), administrator, or medical director, a change of permit request form must be completed and submitted to the board.

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Self-Assessment Forms

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