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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
pharmacy board; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (Board) for six years.
Background
The Board is the regulatory body responsible for the licensing and oversight of pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in Arizona. Established in 1913, the Board regulates the practice of pharmacy, licenses qualified applicants, conducts pharmacist examinations, approves pharmacy colleges and programs, issues permits to distributors of medications and regulates distribution, sale and storage of prescription medications, prescriptive devices and nonprescription medication. Additionally, the Board is authorized to conduct inspections and to take enforcement actions and disciplinary measures against licensees (Arizona State Library; A.R.S. § 32-1904).
The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor for five-year terms, including: 1) six pharmacists, at least one of whom is a pharmacist employed by a licensed hospital and at least one of whom is employed by a community pharmacy and engaged in the day-to-day practice of pharmacy; 2) one pharmacy technician; and 3) two public members (A.R.S. § 32-1902).
The Senate and House of Representatives Health and Human Services Joint Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on January 30, 2026, to review and evaluate the Auditor General's performance audit and sunset review report, consider the Board's responses to the statutorily outlined sunset factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue the Board for six years until July 1, 2032, and that statutory changes be made to improve the Board's ability to efficiently and accurately perform their duties as prescribed by law (COR Report). The Board terminates on July 1, 2026, unless legislation is enacted for its continuation (A.R.S. § 41-3026.07).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2026, the Board until July 1, 2032.
2. Repeals the Board on January 1, 2032.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
HHS 2/19/26 DP 11-0-0-1
3rd Read 2/26/26 43-11-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2026
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