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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board (SPCB) plans to launch a feasibility study for a Certified Specialty Pharmacy Technician (CSPT) designation.
SPCB said the study will assess the level of interest and need among major pharmacy stakeholders for supporting the development of a certification program and creation of national standards of education, experience and practice for specialty pharmacy technicians.
The board noted that pharmacy technicians working in the specialty pharmacy area have an expanded role, given the administrative and clinical complexities associated with specialty medications.
For example, SPCB said, technicians are involved in a range of additional activities such as patient on-boarding, order entry, patient care coordination, and cold chain distribution and shipping.
What’s more, specialty pharmaceuticals intersect all distribution channels, including specialty pharmacies, retail pharmacies, hospitals, infusion facilities and services, home health care and managed care organizations.
"This is a unique opportunity to align specialty pharmacy stakeholders and pharmacy technician teaching institutions to ensure that current and future specialty pharmacy technicians are better-equipped to meet the demanding roles and responsibilities of one of the fastest growing areas in pharmacy," SPCB president Gary Rice said in a statement. "The SPCB is committed to be the conduit of this specialty pharmacy feasibility study."
In May, SPCB set policies for the Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) credential. The criteria cover code of conduct, eligibility requirements, recertification requirements and fees.
Formed in July 2012, SPCB aims to develop certifications for pharmacists and related health professionals in the specialty pharmacy field.
