S.B. 939 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 939
By: Janek
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 
Currently, there is a shortage of specialty pharmacists in Texas.
Increasing the permissible number of technicians per pharmacist from three
to five would address this shortage by allowing the specialty pharmacists
to have more time to interact with their patients. Specialty pharmacies
are adversely affected by the current pharmacist/technician ratio because
technicians are involved in producing the product rather than handling
refills and performing other routine tasks. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS
Amends Chapter 568, Occupations Code by adding Section 568.006. The ratio
of pharmacist to technicians in a Class A pharmacy must be at least one
pharmacist for every 5 pharmacy technicians. The Class A pharmacy must not
dispense  more than 20 different types of prescription drugs and can not
produce intravenous or intramuscular drugs on-site. 

EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2003.