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California State Board of Pharmacy

Staffing Ratio of Pharmacists to Pharmacy Technicians (BPC sections 4115(f)(1) and 4127.15(c)(2); and Title 16, California Code of Regulations, section 1793.7)

The ratio of pharmacists to pharmacy technicians may increase to allow for one additional pharmacy technician for each supervising pharmacist under the following conditions:

  1. The pharmacy documents the need for the ratio modification due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Examples of documentation may include, but are not limited to, an increased prescription volume, limitation on staff availability because of quarantine.
  2. The supervising pharmacist, exercising their professional judgment, may refuse to supervise the additional pharmacy technician and provide the pharmacist-in-charge of their determination. When making such a determination, the supervising pharmacist must specify the circumstances of concern with respect to the pharmacy and patient care implications. Under such circumstances, the ratio may not increase.

The pharmacy must maintain a readily retrievable record, documenting the date(s) and time(s) when the ratio is increased pursuant to this waiver and the staff operating under the waiver, and justification of the need. Records must be maintained for one year following the end of the declared emergency.

Effective:  March 19, 2020

Expiration:  June 24, 2020, or until the emergency declaration is lifted, whichever is sooner.