Notice Of Intent To Adopt Amendments To The Georgia Board Of Pharmacy, Chapter 480-2 Licensure As A Pharmacist, Rule 480-2-.04 Examinations And Notice Of Public Hearing.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the authority set forth below, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, (hereinafter “Board”) proposes to adopt amendments to the rule for the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, Rule 480-2-.04 Examinations (hereinafter “proposed amended rule”).

This notice, together with an exact copy of the proposed amended rule and a synopsis of the proposed amended rule, is being mailed to all persons who have requested, in writing, that they be placed on a mailing list. A copy of this notice, an exact copy of the proposed amended rule, and a synopsis of the proposed amended rule may be reviewed during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except official State holidays, at the Office of the Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. These documents will also be available for review on the Board’s web page. Copies may also be requested by contacting the Board’s office at 478-207-2440.

A public hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on April 17, 2013 at the Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217 to provide the public an opportunity to comment upon and provide input into the proposed amended rule. At the public hearing anyone may present data, make a statement, comment or offer a viewpoint or argument whether orally or in writing. Lengthy statements or statements of a considerable technical or economic nature, as well as previously recorded messages, must be submitted for the official record. Oral statements should be concise and will be limited to 5 minutes per person. Additional comments should be presented in writing. Written comments are welcome. To ensure their consideration, written comments must be received on or before April 10, 2013. Written comments should be addressed to Lisa Durden, Division Director, Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division, Georgia Board of Pharmacy, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. FAX: 866-888-1308.

The proposed amended rule will be considered for adoption by the Board at its meeting scheduled to begin at 9:35 a.m. on April 17, 2013, at the Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. According to the Department of Law, State of Georgia, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy has the authority to adopt this rule amendment pursuant to authority contained in O.C.G.A §§ 26-4-27, 26-4-41 and 26-4-42.

At its meeting on February 13, 2013, the Board voted that the formulation and adoption of this new rule does not impose excessive regulatory cost on any licensee and any cost to comply with the proposed rule cannot be reduced by a less expensive alternative that fully accomplishes the objectives of O.C.G.A §§ 26-4-27, 26-4-41 and 26-4-42. Also, at its meeting on February 13, 2013, the Board voted that it is not legal or feasible to meet the objectives of O.C.G.A §§ 26-4-27, 26-4-41 and 26-4-42 to adopt or implement differing actions for businesses as listed at O.C.G.A. §50-13-4(a)(3)(A), (B), (C) and (D). The formulation and adoption of this rule will impact every licensee in the same manner and each licensee is independently licensed, owned and operated and dominant in the field of Pharmacy.

For further information, contact the Board office at 478-207-2440.

This notice is given in compliance with O.C.G.A. §50-13-4.

This 11th day of March, 2013.

Contact Information:

Lisa Durden, Division Director, Professional Licensing Boards