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Frequently Asked Questions "FAQ's"

1. Does the Board of Pharmacy require a pharmacy technician to be certified?
2. For each biennial license renewal period, pharmacists are to obtain three continuing education credits in pharmacy law. Does the Board have a list of continuing education courses that would satisfy this requirement?
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?
6. How can a licensee change his/her name on file with the Board?
7. How does a pharmacist obtain approval to administer vaccines?
8. Can a pharmacist fill a prescription written by a physician/prescriber in another state?
9. How long does an applicant have to complete the application process?
10. How are pharmacist applicants notified of their NAPLEX and MPJE scores?

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.

   

2. For each biennial license renewal period, pharmacists are to obtain three continuing education credits in pharmacy law. Does the Board have a list of continuing education courses that would satisfy this requirement?
   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.

   

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.

   

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.

   

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.”



6. How can a licensee change his/her name on file with the Board?
   If a licensee legally changes the name under which he/she engages in the practice of pharmacy, the licensee must submit the original proof of the change of name or a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate. If the licensee wants a new license with the name change, there is a $25 fee.

   

7. How does a pharmacist obtain approval to administer vaccines?
   The pertinent application, with instructions and requirements, is posted on the Board’s Web site.

   

8. Can a pharmacist fill a prescription written by a physician/prescriber in another state?
   A pharmacist may fill a prescription issued by a practitioner authorized to issue prescriptions in another state, territory or possession of the United States, including prescriptions issued at facilities within or outside of New Jersey that are regulated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and/or the Department of Defense.

   

9. How long does an applicant have to complete the application process?
   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.

   

10. How are pharmacist applicants notified of their NAPLEX and MPJE scores?
    NAPLEX and MPJE scores are now available online. Applicants should go to the Board’s Web site, click on “useful links” and then click on the first item on the list. Scores will not be mailed out.