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Pharmacy technicians play key roles in hospital 340B program operations, but pharmacy technician staffing shortages are occurring in hospitals throughout the nation. We’re joined by Dr. Tyffani Wingfield with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) to discuss how the shortages are affecting hospitals, the pharmacy technician workforce, and 340B. Tyffani also shares potential solutions. Before the interview, we discuss recently enacted federal drug pricing legislation and the start of the annual 340B hospital recertification process.  

Factors Contributing to the Pharmacy Tech Shortage

Pharmacy technician vacancy rates are high. Tyffani shares results from a pair of ASHP surveys that provide insights into the most prominent challenges hospitals face in recruiting and retaining technicians as well as potential solutions.

How Pharmacy Tech Shortages Affect Hospitals  

Tyffani explains the vital roles pharmacy technicians fill, the strain on the health care system when there aren’t enough technicians, and how hospital organization structures can be modified to support techs. She also provides advice for how pharmacy technicians can have a satisfying career.

What the Pharmacy Tech Shortage Means for 340B 

The staffing shortage has affected technicians operating 340B programs and pharmacy services. Tyffani describes how the staffing shortage affects 340B professionals in their day-to-day work. 

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you would like us to cover in this podcast, email us at [email protected].

Resources 

1. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Bill Becomes Law 
2. 340B Health Webinar: Inflation Reduction Act Drug Pricing Provisions and 340B 
3. 340B Insight Episode 55: Are You Ready for 340B Recertification?
4. ASHP’s Executive Summary for the Pharmacy Technician Shortage Survey Findings