Pharmacy Technician Law Passed in Ohio

US Pharm. 2009;34(2):6. 

Columbus, OH -- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed legislation known commonly as Emily's Law. The law provides stricter requirements and regulations for pharmacy technicians practicing in the state. Emily's Law (SB 203) was enacted following the death of two-year-old Emily Jerry, which resulted from a chemotherapy medication error caused by a pharmacy technician. The law was passed with the lobbying support of the Houston-based National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA). Emily's Law was introduced in the Ohio State Senate by Senator Tim Grendell (R). "Governor Strickland, Senator Grendell, and the Ohio State Legislature have taken a significant step in protecting citizens of Ohio from preventable medication errors," said Mike Johnston, CPhT, NPTA's chairman and CEO. All pharmacy technicians currently practicing in Ohio will have 210 days from the law's effective date to become compliant. The law requires that pharmacy technicians be at least 18 years old, pass a board-certified competency exam, and register with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. The law also provides new standards on training, education, criminal records, and disciplinary actions.