The Basis for Elimination of the Jurisprudence Examination as a Condition of Pharmacist Licensure in Idaho

Abstract

Some national pharmacy associations have recently joined in advocacy for a more portable pharmacist license. One impediment to accomplishing this is the state-specific nature of the pharmacy jurisprudence examination, leading to calls for the exploration of alternatives to, or outright elimination of, such examinations. This manuscript reviews the rationale for the elimination of the pharmacy jurisprudence examination in Idaho. The Idaho Board of Pharmacy reviewed the absence of similar jurisprudence examinations in other health professions, the role schools of pharmacy and employers play in preparing pharmacists for lawful practice, and how the adoption of a “standard of care” regulatory model changed thinking about the need for a jurisprudence examination. Idaho eliminated the examination in 2018, and no evidence demonstrating a public safety impact has yet materialized, while the number of Idaho licensed pharmacists has grown at a higher rate than its border states. State boards of pharmacy are in a position to decide whether keeping the pharmacy jurisprudence examination is necessary, and this manuscript reviews key considerations for other states.