4729:1-5-02. Continuing education requirements for pharmacists

(A)

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this rule, four C.E.U.s (forty contact hours) of approved continuing education shall be completed by a pharmacist licensed in accordance with Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code prior to the renewal of the pharmacist's license. At least 0.2 C.E.U.s of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in pharmacy jurisprudence and at least 0.2 C.E.U.s of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in patient or medication safety.

(2) A pharmacist who obtains an initial license by reciprocity or examination during an even-numbered year shall complete two C.E.U.s (twenty contact hours) of approved continuing education to be completed prior to the renewal of the pharmacist's license. At least 0.1 C.E.U. of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in pharmacy jurisprudence and at least 0.1 C.E.U of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in patient or medication safety.

(3) A pharmacist who obtains an initial license by reciprocity or examination prior to May first in an odd-numbered year shall complete two C.E.U.s (twenty contact hours) of approved continuing education to be completed prior to the renewal of the pharmacist's license. At least 0.1 C.E.U. of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in pharmacy jurisprudence and at least 0.1 C.E.U of the total required C.E.U.s must be obtained in patient or medication safety.

(B)

(1) A pharmacist may satisfy the continuing pharmacy education requirements in accordance with paragraph (A) of this rule by providing evidence at the time of renewal that the pharmacist has met the requirements of and is currently certified by a board approved pharmacy practice-specific specialty certification program.

(2) Pharmacists who meet the requirements of paragraph (B)(1) of this rule shall be required to complete either of the following prior to renewal:

(a) At least 0.2 C.E.U.s in pharmacy jurisprudence and 0.2 C.E.U.s in patient or medication safety. The C.E.U.s must be obtained within a period that is no more than two years prior to September fifteenth of the year in which a pharmacist's license must be renewed.

(b) If the pharmacist obtains initial licensure in accordance with paragraphs (A) (2) and (A)(3) of this rule, at least 0.1 C.E.U. in pharmacy jurisprudence and 0.1 C.E.U. in patient or medication safety. The C.E.U.s must be obtained within a period that is no more than two years prior to September fifteenth of the year in which a pharmacist's license must be renewed.

(C)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (C)(2) of this rule, C.E.U.s must be obtained within a period that is no more than two years prior to September fifteenth of the year in which a pharmacist's license must be renewed.

(2) A pharmacist obtaining initial licensure by reciprocity or examination may apply C.E.U.s obtained during the pharmacist's initial period of licensure to meet the continuing education requirements set forth in this rule.

(D) If continuing pharmacy education is required after a pharmacist's license has lapsed or where the license is being renewed after board action, continuing education must be obtained during the three-year period immediately preceding the date the renewal application is filed with the board office. A pharmacist shall obtain two C.E.U.s for each year the pharmacist's license has lapsed or is subject to board action.

(E) C.E.U.s obtained that exceed the required C.E.U.s at the time continuing education is required for licensure renewal may not be transferred and applied to future requirements.

(F) Ohio-licensed pharmacists who hold a current license in states where continuing education is mandatory, have met the continuing pharmacy education requirements of that state, and who have not practiced pharmacy in Ohio at any time during the two years prior to the renewal date in which a pharmacist's license must be renewed, may renew their license in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code without having to comply with the requirements of this rule.

(G) A pharmacist may satisfy up to one-third of the pharmacist's continuing education requirements by providing health care services as a volunteer in accordance with section 4745.04 of the Revised Code. The location where health care services are provided shall be an approved in-state provider of volunteer healthcare services in accordance with rule 4729-6-03 of the Administrative Code.

(H) Pharmacists shall keep all certificates and other documented evidence of participation that have been issued by non-A.C.P.E. accredited providers for approved C.E.U.s for which the pharmacist has claimed continuing education units towards licensure renewal for a period of one year following the year in which continuing education was required for renewal.

(I) The board may request a pharmacist submit documentation demonstrating compliance with the continuing education requirements of this rule. A pharmacist shall have thirty days to submit such documentation upon receipt of a request by the board.

(J) The board shall monitor compliance by conducting an audit of licensees.

(K) The board shall require the reporting of continuing education units to a national or state register.

Effective: 9/16/2019
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 9/16/2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4729.26
Rule Amplifies: 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15
Prior Effective Dates: 11/20/1972, 09/15/1979, 02/15/1982, 07/01/1984, 09/01/1985, 03/21/1988, 07/01/1994, 02/15/1995, 04/15/1999, 02/01/2002, 01/01/2006, 04/27/2007, 05/22/2014, 10/24/2014, 01/15/2016, 02/01/2017, 09/16/2018