02-392-2 Me. Code R. § 4-1

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 392-2-4-1 - Applications

1. Generally

The applicant shall complete the application supplied by the board and provide such other information as the board may require. Applications will not be considered for approval until they are complete. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

2. Completion of Application Process

An applicant must satisfy all qualifications for licensure in an expeditious manner following submission of the application. Qualifications include but are not limited to the achievement and submission of passing examination scores. Application files that show no activity by the applicant to satisfy the qualifications for licensure over a period of one year will be discarded.

3. Designation of Examinations

All applicants for licensure must demonstrate passing scores on the NAPLEX and the MPJE or their predecessors, or any successor to either of them recognized by the board.

4. Applicants for Licensure by Examination

The applicant shall submit with the application-

A. An official transcript from the pharmacy school accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education or Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs where the applicant earned a first pharmacy degree. For purposes of this chapter, "accredited" includes pre-candidate and candidate status;

B. Written verification from a regulatory body with jurisdiction over the practice of pharmacy that the applicant has completed an internship that meets the requirements of Chapter 6-A of the board's rules;

C. The fee required by Chapter 10 of the rules of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, entitled "Establishment of License Fees."

A NAPLEX score transfer presented in support of an application for licensure by examination is only valid for one year from the date the applicant achieved the passing score.

5. Applicants for Licensure by Reciprocity

An applicant who has taken the NAPLEX in another state may transfer the scores on that examination to Maine for consideration by the board for licensure in this state. The applicant shall contact the Score Transfer Program administered by the NABP for this purpose.

The applicant shall submit with the application-

A. An official transcript from the pharmacy school from which the applicant graduated;

[NOTE: See 32 MRSA §13733(1)(D) for circumstances as to when accreditation of the pharmacy degree program is not required.]

B. Verification of employment in a manner required by the board for the period of time required by 32 MRSA §13733(1)(D) (5 years within the 10 years preceding application) or 32 MRSA §13733(1)(E) (at least one year), as applicable;

C. For applicants electing to demonstrate completion of internship pursuant to 32 MRSA §13733(1)(E) in lieu of employment, written verification from a regulatory body with jurisdiction over the practice of pharmacy that the applicant has completed an internship that meets the requirements of Chapter 6-A of the board's rules; and

D. The fee required by Chapter 10 of the rules of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, entitled "Establishment of License Fees."

6. Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee ("FPGEC") Certificate

An applicant who has earned a first pharmacy degree outside the United States from a college which is not subject to accreditation by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy or the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs and presents a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee Certificate issued by the NABP is eligible for licensure.

An applicant subject to this subsection must meet all other requirements of law and rule in order to qualify for licensure.

7. Verification of Licensure; Effect of Prior Disciplinary Action or Criminal Conviction on Application

The applicant shall supply verification of licensure for all jurisdictions in which the applicant has at any time been licensed or registered as a pharmacist, pharmacy intern or pharmacy technician. The board may refuse to license and may refuse to renew the license of an applicant-

A. Whose pharmacy license or registration as a pharmacy intern or pharmacy technician has been denied, revoked, suspended or restricted in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons; or

B. Who has been convicted of a crime involving controlled substances. This restriction is subject to consideration and waiver by the board upon presentation of satisfactory evidence that the conviction does not impair the ability of the person to conduct, with safety to the public, the duties of a pharmacist.

[NOTE: The effect of a criminal conviction on an applicant's eligibility for licensure is governed generally by the Occupational License Disqualification on Basis of Criminal Record law, 5 MRSA §5301 et seq.]

02-392 C.M.R. ch. 2, § 4-1