legislation expanding pharmacy technician staffing ratios clears house, heads to governor’s desk
MAY 7, 2025
Senate Bill 906 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today by a vote of 81-6 and now heads to the Governor for signature. The measure represents a significant step forward for the pharmacy industry in Oklahoma, modernizing key statutes and providing much-needed flexibility in pharmacy staffing.
The legislation updates and clarifies language governing pharmacy technicians and formally establishes a technician-to-pharmacist staffing ratio of up to 4:1 in licensed retail pharmacies. This change reflects the evolving demands on pharmacies and ensures that pharmacists can rely on appropriate support while maintaining safety and compliance.
Under the bill, pharmacy technicians are still required to obtain and renew permits from the State Board of Pharmacy, with the associated permit and reinstatement fee structures remaining in place. The bill also outlines rules for permit expiration, late fees, and reinstatement procedures, enhancing administrative consistency for pharmacy operations.
This policy modernization is a positive development for the profession, expanding the capacity of pharmacies to serve patients efficiently—particularly in rural and high-demand areas where staffing shortages have posed challenges in recent years.
The bill is set to take effect November 1, 2025.
Watch the House Floor deliberation here.
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