Illinois has about 12,430 pharmacists who are licensed to work in the state. The Illinois Board of Pharmacy was created by law to ensure that all pharmacists and pharmacies in Illinois meet necessary safety standards.
This board is in charge of giving licenses to pharmacists, checking on them, and providing education to make sure they can do their jobs safely and effectively for the people of Illinois.
If you’re looking for information about pharmacists, pharmacies, pharmacy interns, or pharmacy technicians in Illinois, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through how licensing and license renewal work. We’ll also discuss how to verify your pharmacy license and how Heartbeat can help you with all these tasks.
What’s on this page:
Illinois Board of Pharmacy: At A Glance
The Illinois Board of Pharmacy is responsible for overseeing pharmacists in Illinois. Its main role is to ensure that these professionals follow the rules and meet the high standards of practice expected of them.
When the board issues licenses to pharmacists, it confirms that these individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge. If a pharmacist does not follow the rules, they might be prohibited from working in Illinois.
Contact Information
- Address: 320 W Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
- Phone: 800-560-6420
- Website: Illinois State Board of Pharmacy
What is the Illinois Board of Pharmacy Responsible for?
The Illinois Board of Pharmacy has several crucial responsibilities to ensure public safety in regard to the use of medications:
Illinois Board of Pharmacy License Lookup
You can conveniently do an Illinois pharmacy license lookup online through the state’s official website. This website gives detailed information about pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and their licenses, including any disciplinary actions taken against them. You can find specific details by entering information such as the person’s name or license number.
To simplify the lookup process, you can use Heartbeat AI. This platform makes it easy and quick to verify pharmacy credentials in Illinois, allowing you to access the information you need without any trouble.
Illinois Board of Pharmacy License Requirements
Here are the requirements for getting a pharmacy license with the Board of Pharmacy Illinois.
For Pharmacists
- Graduation from an accredited five-year professional degree program in pharmacy.
- Completion of a practical experience program supervised directly by a registered pharmacist.
- After completing a PharmD program, prospective pharmacists must pass two exams to become licensed. The required exams are the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific pharmacy law exam.
For Pharmacy Technicians
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need a high school diploma or GED.
- Illinois does not require additional education during the 2-year recertification cycle. However, you must pay a $25 renewal fee before the license expires.
- Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions is required.
- You must comply with all applicable PTCB Certification policies.
- Study for and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
How to Get an Illinois Board of Pharmacy License
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an IL Board of Pharmacy license.
Step 1: Complete Your Education
Earn your degree from a pharmacy school or college accredited by the Illinois Pharmacy Board. The program should include coursework in the practice of pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and patient care.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
Complete an internship or residency program under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This hands-on training is essential for developing professional skills in pharmacy.
Step 3: Pass Licensing Examinations
To obtain a pharmacy license, you must pass the required exams, which typically include the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). These exams test your knowledge of general pharmacy practice and Illinois-specific pharmacy laws.
Moreover, a pharmacy technician must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. After that, they can apply for the license as well.
Step 4: Submit the Illinois Board of Pharmacy License Application
Submit a licensure application to the board. Ensure that all necessary documentation, such as proof of education, examination scores, and any required background checks, is included.
Step 5: Complete a Background Check
Undergo a criminal background check as required by the board. This check ensures compliance with state regulations and verifies that there are no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Step 6: Pay Required Fees
Pay the application and licensing fees associated with the licensure process. These fees cover administrative costs related to processing your application.
Step 7: Await Approval
Wait for the board to review and approve your application. Once all requirements are verified and met, your pharmacy license will be issued, allowing you to practice in the state.
Illinois Pharmacy Board Licensure Time Frame
Pharmacists in IL usually get their license within 7 days. The practice of pharmacy license is approximately one to two weeks after submitting their application and completing the payment of the required fees. This quick turnaround time reflects efficient processing by the licensing board once all the necessary documents and payments are properly submitted and verified.
However, if your license is taking more than a week, you can contact the board to find out the issue and solve it promptly.
Cost of Illinois Pharmacy Board License
The cost of a pharmacy license is $100. Additionally, pharmacy technicians have to pay $40 to get the licensing process started. You need to write your check or money order to IDFPR. This application fee cannot be returned. If an application is submitted without the correct fee, it will not be processed.
When it comes to Illinois Board of Pharmacy license renewal, licensed pharmacists must pay a $75 fee to renew their license. If a pharmacist reinstates their license after it has been inactive, they must pay a $50 fee in addition to any other overdue fees.
Illinois Board of Pharmacy License Renewal
Here is a step-by-step guide for renewing your Illinois pharmacy board license:
Step 1: Verify License Expiration
It’s important to confirm the expiration date of your pharmacy license to ensure you renew it on time and avoid disruptions in your practice. Failing to renew your license before it expires can lead to unnecessary complications, such as having to stop practicing until the license is renewed.
Step 2: Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements
Verify that you have completed the required continuing education credits as mandated by the board. Completing these credits is crucial for renewing your license, as it demonstrates your commitment to staying updated with the latest developments in pharmacy practice.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation
Collect all necessary documents and personal information needed for the renewal process, such as your license number and other personal details. Once you gather the right documents, the renewal process will be quite hassle-free.
Step 4: Access the Board’s Online Portal
Visit the Illinois Board of Pharmacy’s official website and go to the license renewal section. Log into your existing account or create a new one if needed.
Step 5: Complete the Renewal Application
Find and fill out the renewal application provided on the board’s website. Ensure all information is accurate and all required fields are fully completed.
Step 6: Remit the Renewal Fee
Pay the specified fee required for renewing your license. This fee is necessary to cover the costs of administrative processes that the board undertakes to review and process your renewal application. It ensures that all necessary checks and verifications are carried out efficiently to maintain the standards of licensing for the profession.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Once the form is complete and the fee is paid, submit your renewal application through the board’s online portal, adhering to any additional instructions.
Step 8: Await License Issuance
After submission, you will receive a confirmation from the board. Keep this for your records. The board will review your application and, upon meeting all requirements, will issue your renewed license, which you will receive by mail or electronically.
Illinois Board of Pharmacy License Verification
Let’s have a detailed look at the steps of verifying your pharmacy license in Illinois.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the Illinois Board of Pharmacy’s official website. You can find this site by searching online or by entering the direct URL if you know it.
Step 2: Find the License Verification Section
Once on the website, look for a section specifically for checking licenses. This section is usually under a tab or menu labeled for professionals or licensees.
Step 3: Access the License Verification Tool
In the license verification section, locate the tool or link designed to check pharmacy licenses. This feature allows you to enter details needed for verification.
Step 4: Input Required Information
Enter the necessary information into the verification tool. Typically, this includes the pharmacist’s name, license number, or other identifiers. Make sure to follow all instructions to fill in the details correctly.
Step 5: Submit Your Search
After you have entered all the required information, submit your search. This will prompt the system to retrieve and display any records matching the information you provided.
Step 6: Examine the Results
Review the results provided by the system. This will show the current status of the pharmacy license, including any relevant details like the license’s expiration date, any disciplinary actions taken, or existing restrictions.
How Often Do Pharmacy Licenses Need to be Renewed in Illinois?
In Illinois, all pharmacy licenses need to be renewed every two years, which involves completing the renewal process and paying any associated fees each year.
The State Board of Pharmacy does not require pharmacists to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses. However, if pharmacists hold a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), they must fulfill continuing education requirements set by the PTCB to maintain their certification.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Pharmacy License in Illinois?
Heartbeat AI is a platform that simplifies licensing procedures for pharmacists, although it does not offer direct assistance. It allows users to quickly find licensed pharmacists across the state and contact them for licensure information.
Here are some of the key features of Heartbeat AI:
Access to a Large Database
Heartbeat AI provides access to a substantial database containing information on over 11 million healthcare workers in the U.S. This database includes direct contact details of 377,624 pharmacists, which helps in improving communication and forming professional connections.
Up-to-Date Information
The platform collects information from more than 200 reliable sources, ensuring pharmacists receive the most current contact details, including personal email addresses. This feature helps pharmacists stay informed and communicate effectively.
Accurate Contact Details
Heartbeat AI uses predictive modeling to achieve high accuracy rates for contact information, with an 84% accuracy rate for cell phone numbers and 92% for personal emails. This accuracy is essential for reliable communication.
Networking Opportunities
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension encourages connections between pharmacists and various healthcare providers through social media. It enhances career opportunities and professional networking.
Targeted Search
The Prospector Tool on Heartbeat AI enables pharmacists to perform searches based on specific criteria like location, specialty, and experience. This helps in finding relevant contacts quickly, which can be especially useful during the licensure or renewal processes.
Verification of Contact Information
Users can use the File Upload feature in Heartbeat AI to verify and correct the contact in the database, ensuring the accuracy of the information. This step enhances the database’s integrity and increases trust in the platform’s capabilities.
Conclusion
In this overview, we explored the Illinois Board of Pharmacy and its critical function in overseeing the pharmacy profession within the state. Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies in Illinois are required to adhere to the board’s regulations to retain their licenses and uphold high standards of public health and safety.
If you are looking for an effective method to access information about licensed pharmacists and pharmacies in Illinois, Heartbeat AI offers a solution. This platform makes it easy to connect with healthcare providers and handle tasks related to licensing smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my pharmacist license from another state to Illinois?
Illinois offers license reciprocity with other states. Pharmacists moving to Illinois can apply for license transfer through the license reciprocity process, which requires passing the MPJE specific to Illinois, among other documentation.
What should I do if I lose my pharmacy license certificate?
If you lose your pharmacy license certificate, you should contact the IL Pharmacy Board to request a duplicate. There may be a fee associated with issuing a duplicate certificate.
How do I file a complaint against a pharmacist or pharmacy in Illinois?
Complaints against pharmacists or pharmacies can be filed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Complaint forms are available on their website, and the department investigates allegations to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
