Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on pharmacists' standard of care (SOC) regulation

Pharmacy regulation is undergoing a transformation away from prescriptive, bright-line rules toward a standard of care (SOC) framework. Unlike bright-line regulation that dictates specific tasks or thresholds, SOC regulation directs pharmacists to act within their education, training, and competence-mirroring the approach used in medicine and nursing. This model evolves naturally with scientific and clinical advancements, allowing pharmacists to implement new services without waiting for regulatory updates. States that have adopted SOC regulation, including Idaho, Iowa, and Alaska, show improved service innovation without compromising patient safety. This manuscript dispels common concerns related to SOC regulation. For example, fears that SOC is vague or permissive are unfounded; it reinforces accountability and empowers boards to sanction unsafe care based on professional judgment rather than outdated checklists. Further, SOC regulation modernizes pharmacy oversight, enabling a more responsive, evidence-based, and patient-centered practice. Adopting this model nationwide would align pharmacy with other health professions and better position pharmacists to meet contemporary healthcare needs for the betterment of patient care.