House Bill 330

Chair's Name: Roger Williams

Committee: Regulated Industries

House Sponsor: Ron Stephens

HB 330 allows the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy to establish and maintain a registry of pharmacy technicians. The pharmacist in charge at the pharmacy will be responsible for providing updated information on the pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy. The board is also authorized to collect fees from the technicians or their employers for the maintenance of the registry. This registry will only go into effect only if funds are specifically appropriated.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Regulated Industries Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Williams� opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This legislation addresses the issue of possible drug diversion by pharmacy technicians. Currently there is no way to track pharmacy technicians, so this bill requires the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy to establish a process of maintaining a registry of pharmacy technicians.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

This change was requested by Georgia State Board of Pharmacy.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Strengthens Families:

Reduces the possibility of unlawful distribution of dangerous drugs to the public.

• Increases Personal Responsibility

Encourages pharmacy technicians not to get involved in illegal activities.

• Other:

Allows the Board to collect a fee from pharmacy technicians for the maintenance of the registry.

Senate Changes:

The Senate added language to the provisions regarding the registration of pharmacy technicians which would further regulate the technicians. The Senate added two additional sections to the bill, requiring pharmacies to provide data to "the department ." Because the new language is unclear, Representative Stephens will likely move to disagree with the Senate's changes.