Update on CE Broker
March 18, 2004
The latest information on CE Broker.com is that the Senate has passed a bill to eliminate CE Broker.com mandatory tracking system. A bill to rescind must also be passed in the House. Currently this item is in committee. We urge pharmacists to notify their legislator to voice concerns.
Update on CE Broker.Com
As you may have heard, the Department of Health has mandated that all professional boards begin tracking of all continuing education requirements. The Department contracted with a private entity – CEBroker.com – to electronically track all health care professionals’ hours. The system goes into effect in February of 2004, however, the requirements for Pharmacists will not go into effect until the renewal cycle beginning 2005-2007.
In the mean time, the DCPA, which has already signed up as an approved provider, will begin complying with reporting requirements for participants at our CE program.
Who does this affect?
The systems claims to be voluntary from the professional’s perspective (i.e. pharmacists are encouraged, not required, to subscribe to CE Boker.com). It is mandatory for all CE providers, such as the DCPA.
How much does it cost?
Subscriptions for pharmacists will be $35 for each 2-year renewal cycle.
Why should I subscribe?
CE Broker.com encourages subscription so the each pharmacist can review his/her hours that have been logged into the system by approved providers. Providers will be required to upload CE course attendance within 8 days of the CE program so you can check to see if your hours are being posted to your license.
CE Broker.com also states that by subscribing you are guaranteed that your CE hours will not be audited.
What about non-CE Broker.com – approved providers?
According to their help desk, the Board of Pharmacy will be developing a questionnaire for their web site where a subscribing pharmacist can enter course information on this questionnaire for CE courses completed by other means (i.e. ACPE programs through internet, national conferences, teleconferences, etc.). This self-reporting process has not yet been established.
I am also a Consultant Pharmacist. Will this apply for my recertification hours too?
In speaking with Michael Jackson from the Florida Pharmacy Association, there are many details that CE Broker.com must work out. Mr. Jackson states that he has been in communication with them clarifying the different expiration/renewal dates for our several licenses, CE requirements and the manner in which CE programs are delivered for pharmacists. None of these details have been completely worked out. For instance, we don’t know if a pharmacist with a consultant license will have to carry two separate subscriptions with CE Broker.com, one for each license number.
How will I know when and if this will affect me?
The Dade County Pharmacy Association and Florida Pharmacy Association are constantly monitoring the impact of this change in CE reporting requirements on both pharmacists and CE providers. Renew your membership to stay informed.
Updated 12/15/03