Are interns counted as part of the pharmacy technician supervision ratios?

In Nebraska, pharmacy interns are not counted as part of the pharmacy technician supervision ratios. This means that when a pharmacist is supervising pharmacy technicians, the presence of interns does not affect the maximum number of technicians that can be supervised. The rationale behind this is that interns are typically students in a pharmacy program who are gaining practical experience under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist. Their role is educational, and they do not have the same responsibilities or credentials as a pharmacy technician.

The primary focus for ratios is on licensed pharmacy technicians who are paid staff members responsible for a range of tasks related to drug dispensing and patient care. By excluding interns from these ratios, the regulation allows pharmacists to maintain their supervision structure without being limited by the number of interns present, thus supporting the intern's educational experience while ensuring safe and effective pharmacy operations.

This policy reflects a commitment to the development of pharmacy students while also maintaining compliance with legal and safety standards in pharmacy practice.