Does a CPhT make less errors than a non-certified tech? Will an R.Ph. not be as quick to catch an error if it was prepared by a C.PhT and he put more trust in their ability?

If tech standards pass, would we be held more liable than we were before?

The profession of Pharmacy is a fragmented profession where the parts equal LESS than the whole. Retail Pharmacists oppose Institutional Pharmacists standards. Nuclear Pharmacists are an entirely different entity. Pharmacists as a whole have never completely embraced Technicians. Even our organizational names reflect this fragmentation. We have the American Society of Health-System PHARMACISTS. We have the National PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Association. There are at least 35 other organizations that have the word “Pharmacist” or “Technician” in it.

If you look at the other professions, you have the American MEDICAL (not Physician) Association, which embraces both Physicians and Physician Assistants. You have the American DENTAL (not Dentists) Association, which embraces both Dentists and Dental Assistants. The American Nursing Association. The National Bar Association. The list goes on. ALL these organizations promote the PROFESSION, not the professional, and in that simple difference is where Pharmacy fails.

The profession battles with itself in a house set aflame by its own fragmentation. And to quote my favorite show, “Only a fool battles in a burning house.” Pharmacy has to realize that we’re all in this together – Pharmacists, Technicians, Buyers – we’re all part of the same profession. And until we as a profession embrace each other, well, I hope there’s enough burn salve to go around!