Board of Pharmacy

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Frequently Asked Questions "FAQ's"

1. Does the Board of Pharmacy require a pharmacy technician to be certified?
2. Does the Board have a list of continuing education (C.E.) courses that will satisfy the law requirement for C.E.?
3. Can a pharmacist fill a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance for more than 120 doses?
4. Does a pharmacist-in-charge need to work 40 hours a week?
5. If I am the only pharmacist working in a retail setting, can I take a meal break?

1. Does the Board of Pharmacy require a pharmacy technician to be certified?

   No. The Board of Pharmacy does not require that a pharmacy technician be certified.
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2. Does the Board have a list of continuing education (C.E.) courses that will satisfy the statutory requirement for C.E.?

   For the biennial renewal period commencing in May 2005 and thereafter, at least three C.E. credits shall be obtained in pharmacy law. The Board of Pharmacy has determined that any American Council of Pharmaceutical Education course ending in “03" will satisfy the law requirement.
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3. Can a pharmacist fill a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance for more than 120 doses?

   According to State Board of Medical Examiners’ regulation N.J.A.C. 13:35 - 7.6(c)1, a practitioner may write a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance that exceeds 120 dosage units if the patient is suffering pain from cancer, intractable pain or terminal illness. However, the quantity may not exceed a 30-day supply.
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4. Does a pharmacist-in-charge need to work 40 hours a week?

   According to N.J.A.C. 13:39 - 6.2(f), a registered pharmacist-in-charge shall be a full- time employee, employed for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
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5. If I am the only pharmacist working in a retail setting, can I take a meal break?

   According to N.J.A.C. 13:39 - 6.4, a sole pharmacist on duty may take a 30-minute meal break while on duty consistent with the following requirements:
   

   1. The pharmacist shall remain in the pharmacy or, in the case of a pharmacy department, in the pharmacy department building, and shall be accessible for emergencies or for counseling, if requested;
   2. The pharmacy shall remain open during the meal break for patient-related services, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
      1. The receipt of new written prescriptions; and
      2. The dispensing of prescription medications which have been checked by the pharmacist; and
   3. A sign shall be posted in the pharmacy stating “Pharmacist on meal break, but available for emergencies and counseling.”
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