THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

CHAPTER 2

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

• Specific responsibilities and tasks differ by setting

– Job descriptions– Policy and procedure manuals

PERSONAL STANDARDS

• Respect for patients• Need for confidentiality• Personal inventory

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPPA)

Health care providers are responsible for the privacy and security of all identifiable patient health information

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Governs communication in any form -- electronic, paper, and oral

Must use HIPAA-compliant electronic data interchange

No discussion of patient information within earshot of others

No discussion of patient information with family members

Use a private discussion area when discussing medications or other personal health issues

Securely store files and documents

Employer specific Training

• Based on – job requirements–necessary skills–professional standards–state regulations

National Certification • PTCE

– Offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

• ExCPT

– Offered by the National Healthcareer Association

The PTCE contains 90 multiple choice questions

The ExCPT contains 110 multiple choice questions

The time allowed to take both the ExCPT and the PTCE is 120 mins

To renew their certifications CPhTs must complete at least 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related continuing education every 2 years and 1 hour needs to be in pharmacy law

Maintaining Certification

• Renew every two years

• Continuing education