Pharmacy Technician Scope of Authority
Overview
Pharmacy technician scope of authority refers to the range of tasks that state laws allow technicians to perform under a pharmacist’s supervision. These duties, which vary across states, may include processing prescriptions, operating automated systems, compounding medications, administering vaccines, and conducting point-of-care tests. Clearly defining and aligning technician authority based on training and safety standards enables pharmacists to focus on clinical care, improves workflow efficiency, expands patient access, and strengthens the overall pharmacy team.
Pharmacy Technician Scope of Authority Workgroup
The Key Elements for Pharmacy Technician Scope of Authority Final Report (available shortly) presents the findings and recommendations of a national workgroup convened by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA). The project was designed to address inconsistencies in how state laws define pharmacy technician authority and to develop best practice recommendations to guide policy modernization. Using a modified Delphi method, the workgroup analyzed existing state regulations and reached consensus on which tasks technicians can safely and effectively perform with appropriate training and pharmacist oversight. The report identifies a set of best practice recommendations—including allowing technicians to accept verbal prescription orders, transfer prescriptions, verify final products, administer vaccines, and perform nonsterile and sterile compounding—each supported by evidence and real-world experience from multiple states.
The workgroup met several times between 2024 and 2025 and included representatives from national pharmacy organizations, state pharmacy associations, industry partners, and academic experts. Members comprised pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, educators, and policy professionals who brought diverse perspectives on technician roles, training, and regulation. Through a collaborative, consensus-based process, the group developed recommendations that emphasize patient safety, workforce optimization, and expanded access to care. The final report serves as a policy and advocacy resource for advancing consistent, evidence-based technician roles nationwide.
View the Workgroup Recommendations one-pager here.
The Pharmacy Technician Scope of Authority Workgroup Recommendations project was supported by the Community Pharmacy Foundation and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Advocacy Toolkit
NASPA members, log-in to view the Advocacy Toolkit.
This advocacy toolkit was supported by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.