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Virginia Board of Pharmacy: Simplification of the Licensing Steps

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April 1, 2024

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In Virginia, thousands of residents rely on the expertise of pharmacists. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy plays a vital role in upholding the highest standards in pharmaceutical care. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy is affiliated with over 6,100 Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists.

However, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy is in charge of managing everything related to pharmacy work. If you want to get a pharmacy license, it’s important to know the board policy. 

This guide will show you how to get your pharmacy license, how to renew it, and how to check if it’s still valid. Plus, we’ll talk about Heartbeat AI, a handy tool that makes the whole process easier by providing medical professionals with information.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy

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Virginia Board of Pharmacy: At A Glance

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy regulates pharmacies and pharmacists in Virginia, ensuring they meet standards for safety and professionalism. They issue licenses, investigate complaints, and enforce rules to protect public health. 

Contact Information

What is the Virginia Board of Pharmacy Responsible for?

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy is responsible for:

  • Licensing: Issues licenses to pharmacists, pharmacies, and related personnel.
  • Standards Setting: Establishes standards for safe and effective pharmacy practice.
  • Compliance Enforcement: Enforces regulations and ensures compliance within the profession.
  • Inspections: Conduct inspections of pharmacies and related entities.
  • Education Oversight: Manages continuing education requirements for pharmacy professionals.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Takes action against licensees who violate regulations to protect public health.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Lookup

To look up a Virginia Board of Pharmacy license, you can utilize the online verification system provided by the VDHP. This system allows users to search for and verify the license status of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies operating in Virginia.

Furthermore, Heartbeat AI simplifies the task of validating Indiana pharmacies’ qualifications, ensuring quick and accurate compliance with key standards.

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Are You Eligible for a Virginia Board of Pharmacy License?

To be eligible for a Virginia Board of Pharmacy license, you need to graduate from an accredited pharmacy program. You must pass the NAPLEX and Virginia’s MPJE exams

You also need to complete the required practical experience. A criminal background check is mandatory. Finally, submit a full application. Continuing education is necessary to keep the license. 

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Requirements

In Virginia, the requirements for obtaining a pharmacy license involve different criteria for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

For Pharmacists:

  • Complete 15 hours of continuing education each year.
  • Include at least 3 hours of live courses.
  • Keep CE documents for audits​​.

For Pharmacy Technicians:

  • Must be certified through PTCB or ExCPT.
  • Be 18 or older.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
  • Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years​​.

How to Get a Virginia Board of Pharmacy Licenses?

How to Get a Virginia Board of Pharmacy License

Getting a Virginia Board of Pharmacy license involves several steps, each crucial to ensuring you meet all legal and professional requirements. Below, we break down the process into manageable steps and provide explanations to help guide you through it.

Step 1: Determine Your License Type

First, you need to decide which type of pharmacy license you are applying for. Virginia offers several licenses, including pharmacist, pharmacy technician, and pharmacy intern, among others. Each license has specific requirements, so knowing the type of license you’re aiming for is crucial.

Step 2: Complete the Required Education

For a pharmacist license, you must graduate from an accredited pharmacy program. Pharmacy technicians may have different requirements, such as completing a board-approved training program. Ensure you meet the educational prerequisites before proceeding.

Step 3: Gain Necessary Experience

Depending on your license type, you may need to complete a certain number of hours of practical experience. For pharmacists, this usually involves internships or clerkships during your educational program, which provide hands-on experience in the field.

Step 4: Pass the Required Examinations

To become a licensed pharmacist in Virginia, you must pass two exams: the (NAPLEX) and the Virginia Pharmacy Law Exam. Pharmacy technicians might need to pass the (PTCE).

Step 5: Submit the Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Application

Once you have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements, you can submit your application to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Make sure to include all necessary documents, such as transcripts, proof of examination scores, and application fees.

Step 6: Complete Background Check

Everyone applying needs to have a criminal record check. This process involves fingerprinting and submitting your prints to the appropriate agencies for verification. It’s a vital step in ensuring the safety and integrity of the pharmacy profession.

Step 7: Await License Issuance

Once you submit your application and meet all requirements, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy will review it. If everything is in order, your license will be issued. The time it takes to process your application can vary, so be patient during this period.

Step 8: Maintain Your License

Once you have your license, it’s essential to keep it up to date. This involves completing continuing education (CE) requirements and renewing your license as needed. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy provides all the details on maintaining your license, including deadlines and CE requirements.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy Licensure Time Frame

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s licensure time frame varies, often extending from weeks to months. Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s role, such as pharmacist, technician, or intern. 

Factors like the completeness of the application and the current volume of applications being processed also play a significant role. Particularly, pharmacists may face longer wait times due to the need for passing exams, background checks, and verifying educational credentials.

For pharmacy technicians and interns, the process might be shorter, though it varies based on certification requirements and educational progress, respectively.  Applicants with foreign pharmacy degrees could need additional time for credential evaluation. Ensuring prompt communication with the Board can help in reducing delays.

Cost of Virginia Pharmacy Board License?

The Board of Pharmacy in Virginia has various fees for license-related matters, detailed as follows:

  • For an active pharmacist license, there’s an annual renewal cost of $120, payable by December 31 each year.
  • An inactive pharmacist license attracts an annual renewal charge of $60, also due by December 31.
  • Registration for pharmacy technicians incurs an annual renewal expense of $35, with the same December 31 deadline.
  • The initial application fee for a pharmacy permit is $500.
  • Registration for nonresident pharmacies is set at $350.
  • Controlled substances registrations at $120,
  • Approval for innovative programs at $325,
  • Medical equipment supplier permits at $235,
  • Outsourcing facility permits at $350,
  • Permits for physicians licensed to dispense drugs are priced at $500.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Renewal

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Renewal

To renew your license with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, follow these steps for a straightforward process.

Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date

Know when your license expires by checking the Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s website. Keep your contact information updated to receive renewal notifications.

Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements

Verify the required continuing education credits as outlined on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s website. Complete these credits before your license expires.

Step 3: Log In to Your Online Profile

Log into your online profile on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website. Create an account if you don’t have one.

Step 4: Complete the Renewal Application

Fill out the renewal application form in the license renewal section of your online profile. Ensure all information is correct before submitting.

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee

Pay the renewal fee online through your profile. Check the current fee on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website and ensure the payment goes through.

Step 6: Confirm Your Renewal

Wait for a confirmation that your renewal is being processed. You can view your renewal status in your online account.

Step 7: Keep a Copy of Your Renewed License

Once renewed, access and print a copy of your license from your online profile. Inform your employer or relevant parties of your license renewal.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Verification

Virginia Board of Pharmacy License Verification

To verify a Virginia Board of Pharmacy license, you can follow these simplified steps:

Step 1: Access the Virginia Interactive License Lookup Page

To begin, you need to visit the Virginia Interactive License Lookup page. This is a website provided by the state to help you find and verify the licenses of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. It’s a user-friendly platform where you can easily search for the information you need.

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

Once you’re on the License Lookup page, you will find several options to conduct your search. You can search using the pharmacist’s license number if you have it. Alternatively, you can use the pharmacist’s name or other details like occupation, state, or zip code to find their license information.

Step 3: Enter the Required Information

After selecting your preferred search method, enter the relevant information into the search fields. If you are using the name search, for example, you would input the last name of the pharmacist. It’s important to fill in the information accurately to ensure your search results are correct.

Step 4: Review the Search Results

Once you submit your search, the website will display a list of professionals that match your search criteria. Look through the list to find the pharmacist you’re searching for. The results will typically include the pharmacist’s name, license number, and the status of their license.

Step 5: Verify License Details

After locating the pharmacist in the search results, you can click on their name or license number to view more detailed information about their license. This page will provide you with comprehensive details about the pharmacist’s license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions or sanctions if applicable.

How Often Do Pharmacy Licenses Need to be Renewed in Virginia?

Virginia Board of Pharmacy licensees must renew their licenses annually between January 1 and December 31. This renewal procedure involves the submission of a renewal fee, a renewal form, and an e-profile. 

Additionally, licensees are required to update their e-profile, ensuring compliance with state regulations and the continuation of their professional practice.

How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Pharmacy License in Virginia?

How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Pharmacy License in Virginia

Facilitating a smoother process for acquiring and renewing Pharmacy licenses in Virginia, Heartbeat AI offers valuable insights into licensed medical practitioners. Talking to them you can learn more about the procedure.

Let’s look at what makes Heartbeat special:

Wide-ranging Database

Heartbeat AI has a big database with info on more than 11 million healthcare workers from 200 different sources. It keeps contact details like phone numbers and emails up-to-date, making sure they’re correct—84% for phone numbers and 92% for emails right from the start.

Better Search Tool

Its Prospector Tool helps you search effectively. You can find healthcare professionals based on their location, what they specialize in, and their level of experience. This makes finding what you need straightforward and efficient.

Instant Information Access

With the Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension, you get quick details on medical websites. This means you can find the info you need without leaving the site you’re on.

Accurate Contact Info

Heartbeat AI file upload feature lets you upload contact lists to check and fix any wrong or missing information. This keeps the database reliable and accurate.

Flexible Pricing

Heartbeat AI understands that medical organizations have different budgets and needs. It offers various pricing plans to fit everyone, making it accessible to a wide range of healthcare industry members.

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Conclusion

We discussed the significance of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacies in Virginia must adhere to the board’s regulations to maintain their licenses and provide optimal service to their patients. 

To work confidently, it’s important to get a license from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Understanding how to get and keep this license helps in adjusting to the changing healthcare field. 

If you are seeking information on licensed pharmacies in Virginia, Heartbeat AI is an excellent choice. Contacting them you can find more data about the licensing procedure.

FAQs

Are physicians in Virginia allowed to dispense drugs without a Board of Pharmacy license?

Yes, physicians in Virginia can dispense drugs directly to patients under certain conditions and must follow state regulations.

Do out-of-state pharmacies need Virginia registration for Medicaid reimbursement?

Yes, out-of-state pharmacies must register with Virginia to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.

Can a pharmacy return unused medications to stock in Virginia?

Yes, in Virginia, pharmacies can put unused medicines back in stock if they follow certain rules to make sure the medicines are safe to use.

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