How long do members of the Board of Pharmacy serve?

Members of the Board of Pharmacy serve 5-year terms. This duration is established to provide consistency and stability on the Board, allowing members sufficient time to understand the intricacies of pharmacy practice, regulatory requirements, and the needs of the public and the profession. A five-year term encourages a deeper engagement with the responsibilities of overseeing pharmacy practices, managing licensure, and ensuring compliance with state laws.

Shorter terms, such as 2 or 3 years, might not allow members the necessary time to fully grasp complex issues or to implement long-term initiatives, which could lead to a lack of continuity in the Board's work. Indefinite terms until replaced would not provide the checks and balances necessary for accountability and could lead to a stagnation of ideas and practice as new members would not have a clear timeline for when transitions occur. The 5-year term thus strikes an essential balance between continuity and the opportunity for new perspectives.