FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 18, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973)504-6327

Date of Proposal:     October 7, 2002

Proposal Number:     PPR 2002-2

Proposal Summary:
The New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy is considering proposing amendments to existing rules concerning the duties and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians. The Board is considering replacing all references to the term "supportive personnel" with the term "pharmacy technician" to distinguish between individuals who perform pharmaceutical-related tasks and those who are employed by pharmacies as cashiers and/or clerks. In addition to the proposed change in terminology, the Board is also considering proposing amendments to clarify and expand the list of duties that may appropriately be performed by pharmacy technicians. The Board is also considering proposing amendments to the pharmacist-to-technician ratio rule, which currently provides that a pharmacist may not supervise more than two pharmacy technicians at any one time. Additionally, the Board is considering proposing a new rule that would allow pharmacists to take meal breaks while working in a pharmacy or pharmacy department, provided certain conditions are satisfied.

Text of Proposal:
The full text of the proposed regulation is posted on the Division of Consumer Affairs' Web site at: www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/proposal/phpro107.htm.

Public Comment:
Public comment on this proposal will be accepted until December 6, 2002. Please direct all comments to:

Debora Whipple, Executive Director
New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy
124 Halsey St.
PO Box 45013
Newark, N.J. 07101