State Pharmacy Boards

State Boards of Pharmacy (BOPs) are essential state government agencies with the primary purpose of protecting the health and safety of the public by regulating the practice of pharmacy. This is achieved through the critical function of licensing pharmacists, and registering or certifying pharmacy technicians and interns. The boards establish stringent standards for professional competence, requiring pharmacists to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited institution, successfully pass national exams (like the NAPLEX and MPJE), and participate in mandatory continuing education. Crucially, BOPs also enforce the state and federal laws governing the distribution of prescription medications, including controlled substances, and inspect pharmacies to ensure compliance with compounding and sanitation regulations.

The importance of this strict regulatory framework is evident when considering the severe risks posed by unlicensed practitioners. Unlicensed pharmacists or inadequately trained technicians lack the verified expertise to accurately dispense and counsel patients on complex medications. This deficit can lead to dangerous errors, such as dispensing the wrong drug, the incorrect dosage, or a medication that interacts lethally with a patient's other prescriptions or conditions. The result can be serious injury, hospitalization, or even death. Furthermore, unlicensed operations may fail to track controlled substances, contributing to drug diversion and addiction crises. By acting as the gatekeepers for medication dispensing, State Pharmacy Boards are indispensable in ensuring accuracy, safety, and ethical practice within the healthcare system

Use the resources below to learn more about the work of your State Pharmacy Board.