If you’ve been trying to figure out how to gain temporary licensure in another state to help out with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re here with some good news! The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has created a new program, the NABP Passport, to help states grant temporary/emergency licensure for pharmacists and teams looking to practice in their state as part of COVID-19 response efforts while streamlining the entire application process for all.
What’s the goal of the NABP Passport?
The aim of this program is to lighten the load for pharmacists and other essential healthcare workers by quickening the licensure verification process as pharmacists seek to support multiple states that might be hit harder by the pandemic.
Commenting on the program, NABP President Jack W. “Jay” Campbell IV, JD, RPh stated: “The NABP Passport consolidates the processes for temporary licensure that can vary by state. NABP recognizes that there is no time to waste when facilitating a quick response to the pandemic.”
Who can use it?
The rules vary state by state and are subject to individual state boards’ guidelines as well as emergency declarations in each state. Overall, the program itself allows pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, interns, and licensed pharmacy businesses and facilities, like drug distributors, to participate.
State boards of pharmacy have options as to how they leverage the NABP Passport, either by simply granting temporary/emergency licensure to NABP Passport holders or by requiring the NABP Passport as a prerequisite for attaining temporary or emergency licensure in their state. In this instance, state boards may have requirements in addition to the NABP Passport that applicants must meet before being granted licensure.[1]
Good news: if you and your pharmacy team are seeking emergency licensure in multiple states, the NABP Passport will make it easier to keep track of your multiple submissions by providing a centralized portal – learn more about what’s required and apply here. Plus, the program is free!
Where can I find out which states are participating?
To date, more than 15 states are participating in the program to allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to practice out of state. Some states are also accepting the NABP Passport for pharmacy interns, as well as allowing licensed pharmacy businesses to participate if they’re covered by state emergency declarations – explore state-specific requirements here.
Some states are also requiring NABP Passport applicants to submit additional documentation to qualify – those states are listed here. Stay tuned as NABP updates details on its authorizations according to state-specific COVID-19 guidelines and responses.
How can I apply?
According to the NABP website, the following general criteria must be met to apply for a NABP Passport:
- Must be a licensed pharmacist with at least one active license, a registered/certified pharmacy technician with active registration or certification, or an active licensed pharmacy intern
- Do not have disciplinary actions on your license, registration or certification
- Do not currently hold an active license, registration, or certification in the state to which you are applying for the Passport.[2]
According to NABP, you should be screened within a few business days, and if everything looks good, you’ll be ready to practice with a “COVID-19” authorization in the states for which you are approved.
Head here to apply for a NABP Passport
[1] National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, “Temporary or Emergency Licensure Facilitated by NABP Passport,” https://nabp.pharmacy/coronavirus-updates/passport/.
[2] National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, “Help: Who Can Apply for NABP Passport,” https://nabp.pharmacy/help/who-can-apply-for-nabp-passport/.
