SENATE BILL NO. 247 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Pharmacy; and providing for an effective date." 10:52:56 AM JIM BENINTENDI, STAFF, SENATOR OLSON, explained that SB 247 extends the Board of Pharmacy until June, 2018. He reported that the original version of the bill extended the board through June, 2015. The 2018 extension was the date recommended by legislative audit. The change was made in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. He furthered that the board is composed of 7 members. The accompanying fiscal note (FN2 (CED) accommodates travel for members and two staff for three meetings per year. Mr. Benintendi noted that the legislative audit expressed concern that the department was not sufficiently supportive of the board and that the Governor place more emphasis on board recruitment. PAT DAVIDSON, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, reiterated that the board needs increased administrative support from the division and more timely appointments to the board by the Governor's office. She noted that the board had an issue with collaborative protocols. She explained that collaborative protocols are agreements between a physician and a pharmacist that allow a pharmacist to take on activities not usually allowed by the pharmacist, i.e., a flu shot. The board was allowing the activity to continue for longer than stipulated in the agreement. The board agreed to correct the problem. She added that the board is running a surplus and suggested to reduce the board's fees. 10:57:46 AM Co-Chair Stoltze asked if the department is committed to improving their support to professional boards. JENNIFER STRICKLER, DIVISION OPERATIONS MANAGER, DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, BUSINESS, AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, stated that the division has begun to make major improvements to all of their licensing programs. Co-Chair Stoltze stressed his concern for continued sufficient support for the important work of professional boards. Representative Doogan also expressed his concern for increased support of professional boards by the executive branch. 10:59:00 AM Representative Foster asked what kind of major improvements are being made by the department. Ms. Strickler explained that the division's cost accounting system for all licensing boards was controlled by one individual who was not qualified. That individual left state government and a qualified employee was hired. The problems are being resolved and board support has increased. 11:00:33 AM 11:00:59 AM Co-Chair Stoltze closed public testimony. Vice-Chair Thomas MOVED to report CS SB 247 (L&G) out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. CS SB 247(L&G) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with previously published fiscal note: FN2 (DCED) 11:02:19 AM