NABP Issues Nearly 50,000 Temporary Licenses for Pharmacists, Techs

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has issued nearly 50,000 “passports”, or temporary licenses, for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

“Launched in response to the [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] crisis, this new service supports member state boards of pharmacy in processing requests for temporary and emergency licensure to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians,” NABP said in an email sent to Drug Topics®.

NABP Passport allows those seeking temporary or emergency nonresident licensure to submit state-specific requests for an NABP Passport through their NABP e-Profile. NABP then conducts the necessary license verification and disciplinary history review at no cost to the individual or the boards of pharmacy. 

Related: Pharmacy Job Demand Could Grow Because of COVID-19

To streamline the process for applicants, multiple states can be included in each request. As a result, the number of passports issued is higher than the number of requests-which reached 6800 by the end of May.

“Pharmacists must have at least 1 existing license to apply for the Passport, and pharmacy technicians must have a license/registration or hold a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. Interns and pharmacy businesses can also apply for a Passport if allowed by the state in which they are seeking temporary or emergency licensure,” NABP said.

Currently, 19 jurisdictions have indicated they will make use of the passport program, and 8 states have approved the service for interns. 

To apply, visit the NABP Passport section of the NABP’s web site.

Pharmacy licensure testing sites, which were closed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now reopened, Lemrey “Al” Carter, PharmD, executive director and secretary of NABP, told Drug Topics®.

“Most test centers are open and are increasing the capacity in accordance with state and federal regulations,” Carter said. In addition, in late May, Pearson Vue gave access to 61 additional select sites to take the NAPLEX and MPJE, Carter said.