As always, California is at the forefront of inventing new requirements for enforcing compliance with pharmacy laws. This time, the new requirement pertains to Pharmacists-in-Charge (PICs).

Effective April 1, 2025, all proposed PICs are required to complete a training course available on the California State Board of Pharmacy’s website, within two years prior to the date of application to serve as a PIC.

The amended California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 16, section 1709.1 now requires all proposed PICs to submit an attestation statement that include the following:

  • The name of the proposed PIC
  • The proposed PIC’s license number
  • A statement that the PIC has read Sections 4036.5, 4081, 4113, and 4330 of the Business and Professions Code and CCR 1709.1 (please review these sections if you are currently serving as a PIC, as they have recently been amended)
  • A statement identifying the date that the proposed PIC took the board’s training course
  • A declaration signed under penalty of perjury that the statement contains true information.

The training course could be accessed on the BOP’s website and is free of charge. It provides an overview of pharmacy law related to the position and the responsibility of a PIC. The course also discusses tips on how to prepare a pharmacy for an inspection by a California State Board of Pharmacy Inspector and provide resources for the PIC to aid in their supervision and management of a pharmacy. One hour of CE will be awarded for completing this training, but does not count toward the required 2 hours of CE for Law and Ethics.

Taking this course is recommended for all PICs (even if not required). In my experience, many PICs are still confused about their responsibilities and oversight of the pharmacy. The course is beneficial to all PICs, pharmacy owners, and pharmacists as it covers such important requirements as:

1) Legal requirements of the role of a PIC;

2) Legal prohibitions for a pharmacy owner to subvert the PIC

(3) Legal requirements/Overview of the self-assessment process

(4) How to prepare for an inspection

(5) Top violations that result in a Cite and Fine.

If you a pharmacist who considers becoming a PIC, a pharmacy owner, or a PIC, this course is a must and not because it is now required but also because it provides a condensed version of major legal requirements that pertain to pharmacy operations.