Abbott waives regulations to increase job capacities of pharmacy technicians, interns

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has temporarily waived some requirements to increase job capacities for pharmacy technicians and interns in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The waiver allows for pharmacy technicians to accept prescription drug orders over the phone, which is a responsibility typically reserved for pharmacists.

Pharmacy technicians will also be allowed to transfer or receive transfers of original prescription information on patients' behalf. The governor's office says the two waivers can be used at the discretion of pharmacists.

"By expanding the duties of pharmacy technicians and the additional availability of interns to all pharmacists, we are ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce can efficiently serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response," said Abbott. "These waivers provide flexibility to our pharmacists and those that assist them to ensure they can continue to perform their important duties."

Abbott: 85,000 have been tested

So far, 1,153 have been hospitalized in Texas and 140 have died.

Abbott has also waived regulations allowing interns to assist pharmacists who are not preceptors.

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