Immunization Authority Expansion for Pharmacists, Interns, Externs and Pharmacy Technicians
On January 5, 2021, the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued four Administrative Orders which address administration of vaccinations and reporting requirements. The Administrative Orders are: -
DCA-AO-2021-01, which permits licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and registered pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs to administer, FDA approved COVID vaccines to patients three years of age or older;
-
DCA-AO-2021-02, which permits pharmacy technicians to administer childhood vaccines and related emergency medications, limited to diphenhydramine and epinephrine, to children three through seventeen years of age, and FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages three and older;
-
DCA-AO-2021-03, which permits licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and registered pharmacy interns and pharmacy externs to administer, vaccines and related emergency medications, limited to diphenhydramine and epinephrine, to children three through seventeen years of age; and
-
DCA-AO-2021-04, which requires licensed health care providers who are authorized to administer vaccines to register and report to the NJIIS when administering a vaccine for COVID-19.
Licensed pharmacists, registered pharmacy interns, pharmacy externs, and pharmacy technicians should read and familiarize themselves with the requirements of this order.
|
The Board of Pharmacy, the oldest professional licensing board in New Jersey, was established in 1877 to protect the public by regulating the dispensing of prescription medications.
The purpose of the Board is:
- to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of New Jersey;
- to regulate the practice of pharmacies and pharmacists.
The Board protects the public by:
- making sure that every pharmacist has met all of the necessary requirements for licensure;
- investigating and disciplining any pharmacist who has not complied with the Board of Pharmacy's laws;
- enforcing the requirement that every pharmacist continue his/her professional education and training to keep current with the evolving world of pharmacy;
- requiring that all pharmacies be registered by the State and renew their permits annually;
- ensuring that patients receive the prescribed medication.