Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: continuing education: cultural competency.

The Pharmacy Law establishes the California State Board of Pharmacy in the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensing and regulation of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies. That law prohibits the board from renewing a pharmacist license after the first renewal unless the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed 30 hours of approved courses of continuing pharmacy education. This bill would require that those 30 hours of approved courses of continuing pharmacy education include at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course, as defined. The bill would also prohibit the board from renewing a pharmacy technician license unless the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course during the two years preceding the application for renewal. The bill would make the bill's provisions operative on January 1, 2024.