The bill amends the Public Health Code, specifically section 17731, to update the requirements for renewing pharmacist and pharmacy technician licenses in Michigan. It stipulates that licensees must provide satisfactory evidence of completing a specified number of continuing education hours or passing a proficiency examination within a defined timeframe prior to renewal. For pharmacists, this is set at 30 hours over the past four years, while pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours over the past two years. The language has been revised to replace "he or she attended" with "the licensee completed," clarifying the requirement for completion of courses or examinations.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department, in consultation with the board, will establish rules requiring a portion of the continuing education to focus on pain and symptom management. It also introduces a provision allowing for 100% of the continuing education to be completed through online or electronic media, provided that these formats meet standards approved by the Department and the board. This amendment aims to enhance the educational requirements for license renewal while accommodating modern learning methods.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.17731