NRS639.1371. Pharmaceutical technicians: Number permitted; qualifications and registration; authorized activities; regulations.

      1.  The ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must not allow more than one pharmaceutical technician to each pharmacist unless the Board by regulation expands the ratio.

      2.  The Board shall adopt regulations concerning pharmaceutical technicians, including requirements for:

      (a) The qualifications, registration and supervision of pharmaceutical technicians; and

      (b) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians,

Ê to ensure the protection and safety of the public in the provision of pharmaceutical care.

      3.  The regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to this section which prescribe:

      (a) The qualifications for pharmaceutical technicians must include:

             (1) The successful completion of a program for pharmaceutical technicians which is approved by the Board;

             (2) The completion of at least 1,500 hours of experience in carrying out the duties of a pharmaceutical technician; or

             (3) Any other experience or education deemed equivalent by the Board.

      (b) An expanded ratio of pharmaceutical technicians to pharmacists must be appropriate and necessary for a particular category of pharmacy at any time.

      (c) The services which may be performed by pharmaceutical technicians must include, without limitation, the:

             (1) Removal of drugs from stock;

             (2) Counting, pouring or mixing of drugs;

             (3) Placing of drugs in containers;

             (4) Affixing of labels to containers; and

             (5) Packaging and repackaging of drugs.

      4.  For the purposes of this chapter, and chapters 453 and 454 of NRS, pharmaceutical technicians may perform acts required to be performed by pharmacists, but only to the extent provided in regulations.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2153; A 1999, 242; 2003, 2284)