§ 40-43-250 — Initial education requirement; continuing education.

(A) Prior to dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives or administering injectable hormonal contraceptives pursuant to Section 40-43-240, a pharmacist must have completed a certificate program that has been accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education or a similar health authority or professional body approved by the Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Medical Examiners, as specified in the joint protocol, that is program-specific to self-administered hormonal contraceptives or injectable hormonal contraceptives, that includes the application of the United States Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, and that includes other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on contraception. To maintain eligibility, a pharmacist must complete at least one hour of continuing education per year that is offered by an entity approved by the Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy. (B) An equivalent, curriculum-based training program completed on or after January 2021 in an accredited South Carolina pharmacy school satisfies the initial education requirement.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 210 (S.628), SECTION 2, eff November 16, 2022. Editor's Note 2022 Act No. 210, SECTIONS 1, 4, and 6, provide as follows: "SECTION 1. This act shall be referred to as the 'Pharmacy Access Act'." "SECTION 4. The Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy must issue a written joint protocol pursuant to Section 40-43-240 not later than six months after the passage of this act." "SECTION 6. Except as otherwise specifically provided, this act takes effect upon the issuance of a written joint protocol pursuant to SECTION 4 of this act." The written joint protocol was issued on November 16, 2022.