Montana News: Compliance Corner

July 1, 2009 11:15 AM

Reprinted from the July 2009 Montana Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

Hi and best wishes to all,

First, I would like to let you all know that the new Web site is up and running for the Board of Pharmacy, and that while all the same information is still available to you, the format has changed, and you may have to play a little with the site to familiarize yourself with it. I encourage all of you to go to the site often so that when you need to find information, forms, or contacts you will not only be comfortable doing so, but you will find value in the site. It is there and maintained for all in pharmacy to use as a resource for individual practitioners and your practice sites.

Secondly, I want to remind all pharmacists, technicians, and technicians in-training that pursuant to, ARM 24.174.403, all licensees shall notify the Board in writing within ten (10) days of any change in employment, and/or change of business or personal address. Guess what? On our Board Web site there is actually a change of address form available; when you fill the form out and send it to the Board office you have fulfilled your obligation of notice to the Board. This serves not only to let the Board know where you are practicing or living for our records, it ensures that when we need to contact you or send your renewal notice out that you will receive it, as the notice is not mail that can be forwarded. As such, not receiving a renewal notice is not grounds to avoid late fees and/or fines for failure to be renewed on time.

Finally, since we just ended a renewal period (June 30, 2009), it is a good time to make sure that each employee at each facility is current with their state registration in pharmacy. As an additional reminder to certified pharmacy technicians, the state renewal each year with the Board is separate and different from your certification renewal (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) that expires every two years on your anniversary date. Please ensure that you have your continuing education credits done and that you renew on time, as you are not allowed to continue to work as a certified pharmacy technician after your certificate expiration date. I should point out that if you have proof of certificate renewal, the Board will accept that until your new certificate arrives. So, thank you all for your continued efforts to remain compliant in delivering pharmaceutical care to our citizenry; the Board and I really appreciate it. Until next visit, take care.

Bill Sybrant, RPh, Board Inspector