Washington News: Board Changes Policy on Pharmacy Assistant Registration and AIDS Education

July 1, 2007 5:10 PM Topics: Pharmacy staff

Published in the July 2007 Washington State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

Since 1998, the Department of Health has required all practitioners to complete AIDS education prior to getting health care credentials. The Board of Pharmacy has permitted pharmacy assistant applicants to work in the pharmacy up to 90 days pending the completion of AIDS education and obtaining their registration.

The Board reconsidered its previous position. All personnel must now be duly credentialed by the Board on or before working in the pharmacy. The Board changed its position because AIDS education is now more available and the Department of Health must conduct background checks on all applicants prior to credentialing.