Intro
Navigate the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy licensing and regulations with ease. Learn about pharmacist licensure requirements, CE credits, and prescription monitoring. Understand the rules for pharmacy technicians, interns, and facilities. Stay compliant with NC Board of Pharmacy laws and regulations. Get the latest information on licensing, permits, and disciplinary actions.
The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective practice of pharmacy in the state. As a regulatory body, the NCBOP is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide to the NCBOP's licensing and regulatory requirements.
NC Board of Pharmacy Licensing Requirements
To practice pharmacy in North Carolina, individuals must obtain a license from the NCBOP. The licensure process involves meeting specific requirements, which are outlined below.
Pharmacist Licensure Requirements
To become a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina, applicants must:
- Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy program
- Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
- Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)
- Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of pharmacy practice experience
- Apply for licensure through the NCBOP
Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
Pharmacy technicians in North Carolina must register with the NCBOP. To register, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the NCBOP
- Pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Apply for registration through the NCBOP
NC Board of Pharmacy Regulations
The NCBOP has established regulations to ensure the safe and effective practice of pharmacy in North Carolina. Some of the key regulations include:
Pharmacy Practice Regulations
- Pharmacists must maintain accurate and complete patient records
- Pharmacists must provide patient counseling and education
- Pharmacists must ensure the safe and secure storage of controlled substances
- Pharmacists must comply with federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice
Pharmacy Technician Regulations
- Pharmacy technicians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist
- Pharmacy technicians must perform tasks only within their scope of practice
- Pharmacy technicians must maintain accurate and complete records
- Pharmacy technicians must comply with federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice
NC Board of Pharmacy Continuing Education Requirements
The NCBOP requires licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their licensure and registration. The CE requirements include:
Pharmacist Continuing Education Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of CE per year
- Complete a minimum of 1 hour of CE on pharmacy law and ethics per year
- Complete a minimum of 1 hour of CE on patient safety per year
Pharmacy Technician Continuing Education Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of CE per year
- Complete a minimum of 1 hour of CE on pharmacy law and ethics per year
- Complete a minimum of 1 hour of CE on patient safety per year
NC Board of Pharmacy Discipline and Enforcement
The NCBOP has the authority to discipline and enforce regulations against licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians who violate state laws and regulations. The disciplinary actions include:
Disciplinary Actions
- Warning letters
- Fines
- Suspension or revocation of licensure or registration
- Probation
Enforcement Actions
- Inspections of pharmacies and pharmacy practice sites
- Investigations of complaints and allegations of misconduct
- Prosecution of disciplinary actions
We hope this guide provides valuable information on the NC Board of Pharmacy's licensing and regulatory requirements. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to comment below. Additionally, if you found this article helpful, please share it with your colleagues and friends.
What are the requirements for pharmacist licensure in North Carolina?
+To become a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina, applicants must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy program, pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of pharmacy practice experience, and apply for licensure through the NCBOP.
What are the requirements for pharmacy technician registration in North Carolina?
+To register as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the NCBOP, pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and apply for registration through the NCBOP.
What are the continuing education requirements for licensed pharmacists in North Carolina?
+Licensed pharmacists in North Carolina must complete a minimum of 15 hours of CE per year, including 1 hour of CE on pharmacy law and ethics and 1 hour of CE on patient safety.