The new statute states that in order for a pharmacist to be recognized by the California Board of Pharmacy as an advanced practice pharmacist, you must satisfy at least two of the following:
- 4210(a)(2)(A): “Earn certification in a relevant area of practice, including, but not limited to, ambulatory care, critical care, geriatric pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, or psychiatric pharmacy, from an organization recognized by [ACPE] or another entity recognized by the board.”
- 4210(a)(2)(B): “Complete a postgraduate residency through an accredited postgraduate institution where at least 50 percent of the experience includes the provision of direct patient care services with interdisciplinary teams.”
- 4210(a)(2)(C): “Have provided clinical services to patients for at least one year under a collaborative practice agreement or protocol with a physician, advanced practice pharmacist, pharmacist practicing collaborative drug therapy management, or health system” – Learn more with CPhA’s Collaborative Practice Agreements on-demand course here.
CPhA partnered with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) to develop the Advanced Practice Pharmacist certificate program that satisfies 4210(a)(2)(A): “Earn certification in a relevant area of practice…”. This certificate program provides pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to expand their scope of practice as an Advanced Practice Pharmacist.
The APP certificate program consists of three components:
- 30 hours of self-study to be completed online.
- 8 hours of didactic training with hands on assessment
- A comprehensive examination.
By successfully completing this course, the candidate will receive a certificate which will satisfy section 4210(a)(2)(A), one of two criteria required to become an APh.
Certification Renewal Requirement: Pursuant to Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 1730.2, individuals completing this program must complete ten hours of continuing education on the topics listed below every two years to maintain certification.
Continuing Education Topics: performing patient assessments; ordering and interpreting drug therapy-related tests; referring patients to other health care providers; participating in the evaluation and management of diseases and health conditions in collaboration with other health care providers; and initiating, adjusting, modifying or discontinuing drug therapy