Things You Always Wanted to Know About the Board of Pharmacy

What is the California State Board of Pharmacy?

The California Board of Pharmacy was formed in 1891 to function as a state health regulatory agency. In 1971, the Board became part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is part of the executive branch of the government of the State of California.

The Board of Pharmacy consists of 13 members who are appointed to four-year terms. Members can serve only two terms. The governor appoints seven registered pharmacists who reside in different parts of the state and four public members. The Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly each appoint one public member. Public members are not licensed by this Board.

Members of the Board appoint the executive officer who directs the Board's operations and oversees a staff of 50, including 20 inspectors who are registered pharmacists.

The Board is totally self-funded and receives no tax money from the General Revenue Fund of the State of California. Funds necessary for its operation are generated primarily through its licensing fees.

What is the Board's purpose?

The Board's purpose is to serve the public by:

• Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the people of California with integrity and honesty;
• Advocating the highest quality of affordable pharmaceutical care;
• Providing the best available information on pharmaceutical care; and
• Promoting education, wellness and quality of life.

How does the Board accomplish its purpose?

The Board accomplishes its purpose by ensuring that pharmacists provide patients with pharmaceutical care by dispensing information; by protecting patients from drug misadventures; and by taking responsibility for therapeutic outcomes resulting from their decisions.

The Board further ensures that:

• The quality skills of those entering pharmacy practice are maintained by requiring candidates for the Board's licensing examination to have graduated from accredited pharmacy schools and have completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of internship in both community and hospital pharmacies. Additionally, continuing education is required for pharmacist license renewal.
• The Board's enforcement of regulations is another way in which the Board seeks to protect the public from the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs from pharmacies.
• The Board's enforcement efforts are focused toward the improvement of therapeutic outcomes and compliance with the highest standards of pharmaceutical care.