FAMU CoPPS, IPH collaborates with Florida Board of Pharmacy's Rules Committee
We show up because our presence is necessary!
Special to the FAMU CoPPS, IPH submitted by
Michael Jackson, BPharm, CPh, FAPhA, DSc Honoris Causa
Eminent Scholar in Residence | Interim Director of Continuing Pharmacy Education
Five of FAMU CoPPS, IPH fiercest learners testify.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA—On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Florida Board of Pharmacy's (FBP’s) Rules Committee met to discuss pending changes to the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Last year, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) began work on developing a new uniform version of the MPJE examination which all pharmacist candidates must pass in order to become licensed in Florida. This new MPJE design is intended to review all state laws and focus on testing knowledge of regulations that are consistent and applicable across most states. It is likely the intent here is to allow for better streamlining of licensure transfer. The Uniform Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination Domains will include the following: (30%) Pharmacy and Pharmacist Practice, (30%) Medication Use Process (Prescribing, Transcribing and Documenting, Dispensing, Administering, and Monitoring), (20%) Regulatory Authority and Legal Obligations, and (20%) Pharmacy Operations.
The FBP Rules Committee included on their agenda an opportunity for discussion on these pending changes and whether any rule revisions may be necessary. Attending the meeting were several of our FAMU pharmacy learners who took time from their schedule to monitor the Board's deliberation. Five of our learners were granted an opportunity to testify on the record their thoughts on the pending changes and why the Board of Pharmacy should support them. Also attending the meeting were FAMU pharmacy practice professors Dr. Jocelyn D. Spates, Pharm.D., BCPS | Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Professor and Dr. Ryan Johnson, PharmD, BCPS, CPh | Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice who provided technical information on Uniform MPJE. Understanding the Uniform MPJE for Pharmacy Licensure | MPJE
Dr. Patty Ghazvini, PharmD, BCGP was appointed to the Florida Board of Pharmacy in 2020.
Dr. Seth Y. Ablordeppey, Interim Dean of the FAMU CoPPS, IPH & Distinguished Professor noted of this assembly: “The presence of our learners and faculty at the Florida Board of Pharmacy Rules Committee meeting exemplifies the mission of FAMU CoPPS, IPH—to lead, to advocate, and to educate. Their voices were not only heard, but they were also valued. I am proud of their professionalism, their preparation, and their passion. This is how we help shape the future of pharmacy in Florida and beyond.”
Our P3 learners, as well as some of our P4 learners
As part of the Pharmacy Law course, Dr. Ryan Johnson had all of the P3 learners attend in person (including our Crestview learners). “On Wednesday, there was a Rules Committee meeting where one of the discussed items was the potential transition to the present MPJE (Florida Version) to the U-MPJE (a uniform multi-state version). On Thursday, the General Board Meeting occurred. All of our P3 learners, as well as some of our P4 learners were in attendance. They had the opportunity to see the board members discuss disciplinary actions, proposed rules, and declaratory statements. It was a great experience for the learners to see how the Board of Pharmacy operates, as well as the importance of compliance/understanding of pharmacy law and regulations,” he emphatically noted.
The goal of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is to launch the exam in the Spring of 2026 with the first administrations of the exam scheduled for June of 2026. Boards of pharmacies across the US are beginning to have similar discussions on this new format. FAMU CoPPS, IPH is present, proactive, and accountable in the process.
Photos provided by Ryan Johnson.