Action | Periodic review result of Chapters 20 and 50; Promulgation of Chapters 15 and 21 |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/22/2019 |
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I have recently retired following almost 40 years.....yikes....from a regulatory pharmacy inspector/investigator position with VA Department of Health Professions. I maintain an active pharmacist license and hope to continue my annual renewal. I think pharmacists attempt to locate CE courses that are applicable to their practice setting. The majority of courses are related to clinical practice. If practicing in a hospital setting, pharmacists have many opportunities to obtain education via onsite pharmacology seminars, association meetings, journals and online courses. Retail and specialty pharmacists can obtain education through online courses, association meetings and corporate training. I have struggled each year to find courses that provide additional education for my practice including drug security, excessive opioid dispensing and risks for dispensing errors. However, I feel that when access to CE courses is easily accessible and affordable, a pharmacist with an active license will search for education that will keep them current with the requirements of their practice. At least completion of an online course requires the successful passing of a follow-up test. I am not sure that connecting a laptop to participate in a live webinar or attending a speech assures that education has been obtained. Pharmacists who no longer practice, but enjoy the pride in maintaining an active license, may choose to go inactive if expensive education costs are involved.