Presidential Initiative
Supporting Boards Through Regulatory Change
Boards of pharmacy operate in a constantly shifting regulatory environment. This initiative is focused on cutting through the confusion, strengthening confidence, and supporting boards with practical tools as the practice of pharmacy continues to evolve. These objectives share the same goal of making sure boards are not left without a clear path forward and a reliable source of support.
In her term as the 2026-2027 NABP president, Nicki Chopski, PharmD, ANP, will focus on development of interstate practice options, keeping examination programs strong and credible, and expanding the resources boards can access when exploring alternative regulatory pathways. She will also ensure that the work of previous NABP presidents continues, especially in the areas of pharmacist well-being and workplace safety, board involvement in medication-assisted treatment, and access to medications for opioid use disorder.
Nicki Chopski, PharmD, ANP
NABP President
Interstate Practice and Examinations
For more than 50 years, NABP has supported the boards by providing them licensure exam options that reliably measure competency. Currently, the Association is working with boards of pharmacy to build an interstate practice option that can further streamline license portability. Collaborating with our member boards of pharmacy is key to creating strong, credible programs. This involvement helps ensure member boards are in the driver’s seat for the decision impacting their licensees.
Interstate Portability
Interstate portability works when participation is strong, and when the model is built with the boards and for the boards. This initiative will focus on the following:
Setting clear, realistic milestones and keeping boards informed every step of the way.
Giving boards a concrete set of options and steps they can take if the new licensure model fits their needs.
Ensuring states are not left piecing together outside solutions that may not align with board priorities or public health protection.
Examinations
When jurisdictions make different decisions about examination programs, boards should not be left without direction. NABP will focus on making sure the path forward is clear, the process is rigorous, and boards can continue to rely on NABP for accurate information and insight.
Expanding Board Resources
Some boards are looking at different ways to approach regulation, including standard of care-based models. This objective is to make sure that if a board wants to explore alternative regulatory approaches, NABP can provide the information and tools they need to make decisions that fit their circumstances.
NABP Can Support Boards by Providing:
✔ Model language and practical guidance that boards can adapt to their own needs.
✔ Research and examples drawn from other safety-sensitive professions.
✔ Clear explanation of what a standard of care regulatory approach is, so discussions stay grounded in facts.
Pharmacist Well-Being and Patient Access
NABP will continue supporting workplace safety and pharmacist well-being as well as support for appropriate board involvement in medication-assisted treatment and access to medications for opioid use disorder.
Resources
These resources cover the key topics from Nicki Chopski’s initiative in more depth. The resources below offer a closer look at interstate practice, examination programs, alternative regulatory approaches, and the issues affecting pharmacists and patients today.