| SUMMARY OF: | A Sunset Review on the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Board of Pharmacy (BOP), November 12, 2009 |
Purpose of the Report
In accordance with Title 24 and Title 44 of the Alaska Statutes (sunset legislation), we have reviewed the activities of BOP. The purpose of this audit was to determine if there is a demonstrated public need for its continued existence and if it has been operating in an effective manner. As required by AS 44.66.050(a), this report shall be considered by the committee of reference during the legislative oversight process in determining whether BOP’s termination date should be extended. Currently under AS 08.03.010(c)(15), BOP is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2010. If the legislature does not extend the board’s termination date, BOP will have one year to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
The termination date for BOP should be extended until June 30, 2018. The board is safeguarding the public interest by ensuring the competence of individuals who present themselves to the public as pharmacists, pharmacist interns, and pharmacist technicians through licensing and regulatory requirements. The board also has an integral role in the regulation of pharmacies, drug rooms, and wholesale distributors and should continue to regulate those entities.
Findings and Recommendations
1. BOP should approve collaborative protocols in accordance with regulation.
2. DCCED’s professional licensing administrative officer should improve administrative support.
3. BOP and staff within the Office of the Governor should work together to increase the pool of qualified applicants available for board appointments to ensure full representation.