California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCDivision 2 — Healing ArtsChapter 9 — PharmacyArticle 17 — Continuing EducationSection 4231

(a) For purposes of this section, “cultural competency course” means a cultural competency and humility course that meets the following criteria:

(1) The course focuses on patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, or queer, or who question their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

(2) The course is approved from an accreditation agency approved by the board.

(3) The course covers recognized health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

(4) The course contains elements demonstrating how sexual identity is directly impacted through intersectionality.

(b) The board shall not renew a pharmacist license unless the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed 30 hours of approved courses of continuing pharmacy education, including at least one hour of participation in a cultural competency course, during the two years preceding the application for renewal.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the board shall not require completion of continuing education for the first renewal of a pharmacist license.

(d) If an applicant for renewal of a pharmacist license submits the renewal application and payment of the renewal fee but does not submit proof satisfactory to the board that the licensee has completed 30 hours of continuing pharmacy education, the board shall not renew the license and shall issue the applicant an inactive pharmacist license. A licensee with an inactive pharmacist license issued pursuant to this section may obtain an active pharmacist license by paying the renewal fees due and submitting satisfactory proof to the board that the licensee has completed 30 hours of continuing pharmacy education.

(e) If, as part of an investigation or audit conducted by the board, a pharmacist fails to provide documentation substantiating the completion of continuing education as required in subdivision (b), the board shall cancel the active pharmacist license and issue an inactive pharmacist license in its place. A licensee with an inactive pharmacist license issued pursuant to this section may obtain an active pharmacist license by paying the renewal fees due and submitting satisfactory proof to the board that the licensee has completed 30 hours of continuing pharmacy education.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2024.