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This single-position class serves as the administrator for the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy that regulates activities associated with the practice of pharmacy. This class is distinguished from other regulatory board administrators by the complexity of the activities administered for the board and agency-wide consultative responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty in administering the programs and activities which regulate the practice of pharmacy including the manufacturing, compounding, processing, distributing and disposing of drugs. Interprets the provisions of laws, rules and regulatory standards to pharmacists, wholesale dealers, manufacturers and other interested parties. Determines eligibility to open a drug business, provides direction for closing a pharmacy and evaluates plans for dispensing and destroying drugs. Monitors changes in federal drug laws and prepares parallel recommendations for changes in state laws. Responds to inquiries regarding professional practices issues. Supervises, monitors and evaluates examinations and issues licenses. Manages the board offices determining financial, personnel and other needs. Represents the board at professional meetings.

Supervision Given: Supervises administrative and clerical staff in functions related to licensing, certification, record-keeping and disciplinary actions.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from an agency deputy and from board members.

Scope: Work performed affects the operating of all state pharmacies and the dispensing of drugs. The decisions rendered by the board regulate pharmacy practices in the Commonwealth.

Impact of Actions: This work could result in the over-regulation or under-regulation of pharmacy practices, incorrect opening or closing of businesses, and incorrect dispensing of drugs.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts with physicians, licensees, consumer groups, professional associations, Drug Enforcement Administration representatives and the general public to resolve issues, answer inquiries and be spokesperson for the board. Frequently works with the Assistant Attorney General and attorneys. on legal issues involving the board. Frequently responds to legislators or their staffs in response to inquiries or proposals.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of the professions regulated; laws, regulations, examination and discipline procedures, and operation of the board; and various techniques and methods of manufacturing, composing and dispensing of drugs. Considerable knowledge of the principles of public administration and management practices.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to supervise, direct, train and evaluate others in their work; manage the administrative activities of a board with complex rules and regulations; develop policies, procedures and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency administrators, board members and employees; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and devise and conduct surveys, studies and investigations, analyze problems and reach logical and legally supported conclusions.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Licensed as a pharmacist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from a school of pharmacy.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience as a pharmacist with administrative responsibilities in a community pharmacy practice.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this training and experience.

This class was established in 1982 to administer activities for the Board of Pharmacy.