(a)

(1) The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy may provide by regulation for credentialing and approval of pharmacists to practice disease state management and any other pharmacy services determined by the board to require a credential.

(2)

(A) The credentials may be issued by agencies approved by the board to pharmacists who qualify pursuant to minimum competencies, standards, objectives, and qualifications determined by the board.

(B) However, a credential shall not authorize the pharmacist to practice credentialed pharmacy service in Arkansas until after the board has determined that the credentialed pharmacist meets the minimum competencies, standards, objectives, and qualifications determined by the board.

(b) The board shall adopt regulations necessary and appropriate to implement the credentialing and the board's approval of pharmacists to practice disease state management and other credentialed pharmacy services, including:

(1) Identification of areas of credentialed pharmacy services;

(2) Identification of the minimum competencies, standards, objectives, and qualifications necessary for a credential and the board's approval to practice in each area of credentialed pharmacy service;

(3) Identification of the standards for qualifying an agency to issue credentials for areas of pharmacy services;

(4) The procedure and standards, which may include a practical examination, for the board's review and approval of a credential and determination of a pharmacist's qualifications to practice disease state management or other credentialed pharmacy service;

(5) The conversion of a credential previously issued by the board for the practice of disease state management or other pharmacy service to a credential issued by an approved credentialing agency; and

(6) Continuing professional education and other measures to maintain pharmacists' continuing competency in disease state management and other credentialed pharmacy services.

(c) The board shall promulgate regulations to:

(1) Identify areas of credentialing;

(2) Establish procedures for initial application and renewal;

(3) Define the minimum competencies and standards to be examined;

(4) Define the qualifications for credentialing; and

(5) Define required continuing education, competencies, standards, and other information necessary to implement this chapter.