May a technician perform drug product selection?

In Nebraska, as well as in many other states, the ability to perform drug product selection is a responsibility that is typically reserved for licensed pharmacists. This means that pharmacy technicians are not authorized to engage in the process of selecting drug products for patients, which includes the decision-making involved in substituting one medication for another, even if the substitute is a generic equivalent.

The rationale behind this regulation is centered on ensuring patient safety and the professional judgment involved in medication selection. Pharmacists are trained and licensed to evaluate the appropriateness of medications for individual patients, taking into consideration various factors such as the patient's medical history, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes. Allowing technicians to make these critical decisions could compromise patient care and safety, as they do not possess the same level of training or licensure.

Consequently, the role of a pharmacy technician is to support pharmacists in their duties, but they must operate within a defined scope that does not include drug product selection. This practice helps maintain high standards of care and ensures that all medication-related decisions are made by qualified professionals.