Passage of ‘Emily’s Law’ draws praise from Rx tech certification board

WASHINGTON The Ohio Legislature’s passage of the so-called “Emily’s Law” Tuesday drew praise from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The law requires a competency test and background check for pharmacy technicians in the state. The name comes form Emily Jerry, a young girl who died after receiving the wrong IV solution. The PTCB, which issued the statement Friday, said Jerry’s case demonstrates that errors in pharmacy can have dire consequences.

“In addition to efforts in Ohio, pharmacy associations across the country are invested in the protection of the public,” the organization said in the statement.

The PTCB conducted a poll last year showing that 91 percent support strong regulations across the country to protect patient safety by requiring that pharmacy technicians be trained and certified, while 13 percent were aware that there are no nationwide requirements for the training and certification of pharmacy technicians.