What is the main role of state boards of pharmacy?

The main role of state boards of pharmacy is to regulate pharmacy practices to ensure public safety and compliance with laws. These boards are established to protect the health and safety of the public by overseeing the ethical and legal dispensing of medications. They create and enforce regulations that govern pharmacy operations, license pharmacists and pharmacies, and ensure that all practices adhere to federal and state laws.

This role includes monitoring the professional conduct of pharmacists, ensuring adequate quality control, and implementing standards for the safe distribution of pharmaceuticals. By focusing on compliance with laws and standards, state boards help maintain the integrity of the pharmacy profession and promote the safe use of medications among the public.

The other options address functions that are typically outside the primary scope of state boards of pharmacy. Pricing regulations are usually determined by market forces and health policy rather than enforced by pharmacy boards. Delivering medications directly to patients is a function conducted by pharmacies and their staff, not the regulatory boards. While oversight of healthcare training is important, it primarily falls under the purview of different educational and accreditation bodies rather than pharmacy boards specifically.