The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy is an eight-member board appointed by the Governor to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The Board is composed of seven licensed practicing pharmacists and one consumer member. They are responsible for the regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. Complaints are investigated and, if warranted, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board. Board meetings are held approximately twelve times each year at the Secretary of State’s office in Macon and are open to the public. Persons wishing to bring matters for the Board’s consideration should submit a written request to the office.

The practice of pharmacy consists of the art and science that deals with the nature, preparation, administration, dispense and effects of drugs and medications. Pharmacists may dispense drugs or devices as authorized by a written prescription of a physician or authorized practitioner of the healing arts. As a learned science, pharmacist licensure is considered after meeting specific pharmaceutical educational, internship/externship requirements and examination. All pharmacies are inspected prior to licensure and as needed and must meet specific standards for operation.

NOTICE CONCERNING RECIPROCITY OF FLORIDA LICENSES TO PRACTICE PHARMACY
In June 2008, the Florida legislature passed and the Governor of Florida signed, a bill dropping previous barriers to reciprocating a license to practice pharmacy to the state of Florida.
Because the state of Florida now allows full reciprocity of out-of-state pharmacy licenses, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy agreed at its August 20, 2008 meeting to allow Florida pharmacists to reciprocate their licenses to Georgia in accordance with all the procedures and substantive requirements applicable to reciprocity candidates from any other state.

Effective February 14, 2010, all Georgia licensed pharmacist are required to acquire continuing education hours in disaster preparedness.  Please see update board rule 480-3-.03 as follows:

480-3-.03 Continuing Pharmacy Education.
(1) The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy has the statutory responsibility and authority for the requirement of continuing education as prerequisite for a license renewal.
(2) The purpose of continuing education for pharmacists is to maintain and enhance the professional competency of pharmacists licensed to practice in Georgia for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of Georgia.
(3) As a requirement for the biennial renewal of his/her license, a pharmacist must complete not less than thirty (30) hours of approved continuing education.
(a) Of these 30 hours, at least 3 must be in disaster preparedness for pharmacist as approved by the Board.

On June 11, 2009, the spread of the H1N1 flu virus caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, the highest level. Georgia officials are currently preparing for the H1N1 influenza campaign and the seasonal influenza campaign that will be conducted during fall and winter. The Department of Community Health is asking all health professionals to serve as emergency response volunteers by signing up to assist with the 2009-2010 novel H1N1 vaccine immunization plan. For more information and to sign up for the online volunteer pool at www.servga.org.