Compounding by Pharmacy Technicians

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 Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in supporting pharmacists and ensuring efficient and effective medication management. However, current regulations in New York restrict pharmacy technicians from compounding medications in community pharmacy settings. By expanding the responsibilities of pharmacy technicians to include compounding, we can enhance patient care, improve medication access, and alleviate the burden on pharmacists. Here are compelling reasons why allowing pharmacy technicians to compound in community pharmacies in NY is a crucial step forward.

1. Increasing Efficiency and Workflow: By permitting pharmacy technicians to compound medications, we can optimize workflow in community pharmacies. Pharmacists are often burdened with multiple responsibilities, leaving them with limited time for patient consultation and comprehensive medication reviews. Allowing qualified pharmacy technicians to perform compounding tasks would alleviate this workload, enabling pharmacists to focus on direct patient care, counseling, and medication management.
2. Improving Patient Access and Convenience: Many patients require customized medications that are not readily available in commercial forms. By empowering pharmacy technicians to compound, we can ensure prompt access to essential medications. Patients will benefit from shorter wait times and improved convenience as technicians can efficiently prepare these specialized medications under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This enhanced access will significantly benefit patients in underserved areas, where specialized compounding services may be limited.
3. Maintaining Patient Safety: The safety of patients is paramount, and strict protocols and quality control measures should be in place to ensure proper compounding practices. Pharmacy technicians can be trained extensively in compounding techniques and adhere to established guidelines and regulations, such as those outlined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). With appropriate supervision, ongoing training, and rigorous quality assurance programs, pharmacy technicians can compound medications safely, mitigating the risk of errors or contamination.
4. Enhancing Collaboration and Teamwork: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians form a cohesive team that collaborates to provide optimal patient care. Expanding the role of pharmacy technicians to include compounding will foster a stronger partnership between these professionals. Pharmacists can focus on clinical interventions, medication counseling, and consultations with healthcare providers, while pharmacy technicians handle compounding tasks. This collaborative approach will improve overall pharmacy efficiency, resulting in better patient outcomes.
5. Reflecting National Trends: Several states across the country have already granted pharmacy technicians the authority to compound medications, recognizing their valuable contributions to the healthcare team. By aligning with these national trends, New York can ensure consistency in pharmacy practice and keep pace with evolving roles and responsibilities within the pharmacy profession.

Empowering pharmacy technicians to compound medications in community pharmacy settings in NY is a progressive step that will positively impact patient care, enhance access to customized medications, and improve overall pharmacy workflow. By implementing appropriate training programs, strict regulations, and robust quality control measures, we can ensure patient safety while optimizing the skills and expertise of pharmacy technicians. Let's embrace this opportunity to elevate pharmacy practice, improve patient outcomes, and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities.

BRUCE C SNIPAS; WEST ISLIP NY

Profession: Pharmacist; Lic. No. 033864; Cal. No. 33327

Regents Action Date: May 16, 2023
Action: Application to surrender license granted.
Summary: Licensee did not contest charges of failing to maintain sanitary conditions, and compounding drugs in an unsanitary area; permitting a pharmacy technician to compound pain cream without direct supervision; and improper labeling of mail order drug products without the correct name of the registered pharmacy. 

PHARMSCRIPT LLC; VESTAL, NY

Profession: Pharmacy; Reg. No. 030935; Cal. No. 32864

Regents Action Date: November 15, 2022
Action: Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: Censure and reprimand, $5,000 fine.
Summary: Registrant did not contest charges of failing to maintain repacking records; and violating the rules on assistance by unlicensed people. 

LIN LEUNG; FLUSHING NY

Profession: Pharmacist; Lic. No. 053726; Cal. No. 32510

Regents Action Date: June 14, 2022
Action: Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 month actual suspension, 23 months stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $2,500 fine.
Summary: Licensee did not contest charges of using technicians to measure and compound ingredients; and failing to ensure that drugs were compounded properly. 

DOMINIC EDWIN REGALBUTO; BLUE POINT NY

Profession: Pharmacist; Lic. No. 063159; Cal. No. 32507

Regents Action Date: April 12, 2022
Action: Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 month actual suspension, 23 months stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $2,500 fine.
Summary: Licensee did not contest charges of using technicians to measure and compound ingredients; and failing to ensure that a drug was compounded properly.