Which agency oversees the regulation of pharmacy practice within the U.S.?

The State Boards of Pharmacy are the primary regulatory agencies overseeing pharmacy practice within the United States. Each state has its own Board that is responsible for enforcing pharmacy laws, setting regulations for the practice of pharmacy, issuing licenses to pharmacists and pharmacies, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. The Boards also handle matters related to pharmacy technician licensing and can take disciplinary actions against individuals or entities that violate regulations.

While other agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) play important roles in healthcare and pharmacy-related regulations, their focus is different. The FDA oversees the safety and efficacy of drugs and food products, the CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, and the DEA regulates controlled substances and their distribution. However, none of these agencies directly manage the practice of pharmacy in the way that State Boards of Pharmacy do.