Expanding the pharmacist's scope of practice at the state level: Support for board certification within the credentialing process. Issue 6 (24th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Mary; Saseen, Joseph J.; Beckman, Elizabeth; Coon, Scott; Gabay, Michael; Japs, Kelsey; Mangan, Brendan; McBane, Sarah; See, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Volume 2:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 694
• Page End: 701
• Publication Date: 2019-11-24
• Subjects: board certification -- clinical pharmacy -- pharmacist scope of practice -- pharmacy practice; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacy Service, Hospital; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodical; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2574-9870

Abstract

Abstract: The practice of pharmacy continues to evolve as more pharmacists complete the education, training, and credentialing necessary to provide direct patient care. Ongoing advocacy of legal and regulatory changes at the state level is essential to support an expanded scope of practice for these qualified pharmacists. Determining the eligibility requirements for pharmacists in advanced practice roles is an important component of this advocacy. Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is an appropriate qualifying credential. This commentary will overview board certification through BPS, differentiate board certification from a certificate program, and provide examples of state pharmacy practice act language that includes board certification as a qualifying credential. The commentary will include a recommendation and rationale for board certification to be included in state pharmacy practice acts as the credential required for pharmacists to practice in direct patient care roles. This commentary will serve as a resource for advocates working at the state level to revise pharmacy practice acts.