Pharmacy.
- Expands pharmacists' authority to prescribe devices and adjust drug treatments without physician oversight.
- Requires nonresident pharmacies to employ California-licensed pharmacists and undergo regular board inspections.
- Increases pharmacy technician ratios from 2:1 to 4:1 per supervising pharmacist.
- Establishes a Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee to advise the state board on technician-related matters.
Assembly Member Berman's comprehensive pharmacy reform legislation restructures California's regulatory framework for pharmacists and pharmacies while expanding scope of practice and strengthening oversight mechanisms. The bill grants pharmacists new authority to prescribe certain devices, adjust medication regimens, and provide preventive care services without requiring a diagnosis. It also establishes an "Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner" designation for pharmacists meeting enhanced qualification requirements.
The legislation creates California's first Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee to provide formal input on regulations affecting pharmacy technicians. This seven-member committee includes four licensed pharmacy technicians, two pharmacists, and one public member. The bill also increases the allowable ratio of pharmacy technicians to pharmacists from 2:1 to 4:1.
For nonresident pharmacies shipping medications to California patients, the bill mandates more stringent licensing requirements, including maintaining a California-licensed pharmacist-in-charge and undergoing board inspections every four years. Mail-order pharmacies face new penalties of up to $100,000 for repeated violations. The board must also be notified when pharmacies receive prescriptions through telehealth platforms, with required disclosure of any financial relationships.
The legislation enhances the board's enforcement capabilities by authorizing fines up to $150,000 for chain pharmacies that expressly encourage violations of pharmacy law. It requires all licensed facilities to complete biennial self-assessments and report certain operational changes within 30 days. The board gains exclusive authority to interpret and enforce pharmacy regulations unless otherwise specified by law.
To improve access in underserved areas, the bill waives initial licensing fees for pharmacies opening physical locations more than 50 miles from existing pharmacies. The board may also waive annual renewal fees for pharmacies maintaining operations in these areas.
 Marc BermanD Assembly Member | Bill Author |  Not Contacted | |
 Joaquin ArambulaD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Buffy WicksD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Lisa CalderonD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Mike FongD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | 4 | 18 | PASS |
- Expands pharmacists' authority to prescribe devices and adjust drug treatments without physician oversight.
- Requires nonresident pharmacies to employ California-licensed pharmacists and undergo regular board inspections.
- Increases pharmacy technician ratios from 2:1 to 4:1 per supervising pharmacist.
- Establishes a Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee to advise the state board on technician-related matters.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Berman's comprehensive pharmacy reform legislation restructures California's regulatory framework for pharmacists and pharmacies while expanding scope of practice and strengthening oversight mechanisms. The bill grants pharmacists new authority to prescribe certain devices, adjust medication regimens, and provide preventive care services without requiring a diagnosis. It also establishes an "Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner" designation for pharmacists meeting enhanced qualification requirements.
The legislation creates California's first Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee to provide formal input on regulations affecting pharmacy technicians. This seven-member committee includes four licensed pharmacy technicians, two pharmacists, and one public member. The bill also increases the allowable ratio of pharmacy technicians to pharmacists from 2:1 to 4:1.
For nonresident pharmacies shipping medications to California patients, the bill mandates more stringent licensing requirements, including maintaining a California-licensed pharmacist-in-charge and undergoing board inspections every four years. Mail-order pharmacies face new penalties of up to $100,000 for repeated violations. The board must also be notified when pharmacies receive prescriptions through telehealth platforms, with required disclosure of any financial relationships.
The legislation enhances the board's enforcement capabilities by authorizing fines up to $150,000 for chain pharmacies that expressly encourage violations of pharmacy law. It requires all licensed facilities to complete biennial self-assessments and report certain operational changes within 30 days. The board gains exclusive authority to interpret and enforce pharmacy regulations unless otherwise specified by law.
To improve access in underserved areas, the bill waives initial licensing fees for pharmacies opening physical locations more than 50 miles from existing pharmacies. The board may also waive annual renewal fees for pharmacies maintaining operations in these areas.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | 4 | 18 | PASS |
Marc BermanD Assembly Member | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Joaquin ArambulaD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Buffy WicksD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Lisa CalderonD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Mike FongD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |