Model Pharmacy Act/Rules
The Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (Model Act) provides the boards of pharmacy with model language that may be used when developing state laws or board rules. The Model Act is based on the principle that safeguarding the public interest is the foremost compelling reason for regulating the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of drugs and related devices. The document delineates the activities included within the practice of pharmacy, the authority and responsibilities of the boards of pharmacy, licensure requirements for pharmacists and facilities, and disciplinary actions that boards may take in response to violations that threaten the public.
This resource also includes a model prescription monitoring program act, as well as model rules addressing:
- the practice of pharmacy;
- pharmacy interns and pharmacy practice experience programs;
- public health emergencies;
- institutional pharmacy;
- nuclear pharmacy/radiopharmacy;
- compounded or repackaged drugs;
- outsourcing facilities,
- the licensure of manufacturers, repackagers, third-party logistics providers, and wholesale distributors; and
- the licensure of medical gas and related equipment wholesale distributors.
The Model Act is updated each August following an annual cycle of policy discussion, recommendations, reviews, and approvals. This process often begins with single-issue task forces that convene each year, usually in the fall, to discuss pharmacy policy issues and make recommendations to NABP, often including changes to the Model Act. Early the following year, the NABP Committee on Law Enforcement/Legislation reviews all of the task forces’ proposed modifications to the Model Act and makes final recommendations to the NABP Executive Committee. The Executive Committee then considers the LE/L Committee’s recommended modifications and approves those it deems appropriate. These changes are then implemented, and the updated Model Act is published.
Model Act’s Annual Cycle
In addition to this annual cycle shown below, the Model Act Review Committee convenes every 5 years to provide a comprehensive review of the Model Act.
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August – November
Single-Issue Task Force Recommendations
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March
Committee on Law Enforcement/Legislation Recommendations
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May
NABP Executive Committee Approval
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August
Publication of Updated Model Act