Replacement of the MPJE Licensing Requirement
Key Points
- Currently, pharmacy students are required to take the MPJE, an exam pertaining to Indiana pharmacy law, to obtain their license.
- This examination is a one-time examination that has been known to be an inadequate assessment of Indiana Law.
- Replacing the MPJE with continuing education would encourage continuous learning as opposed to preparing for a one-time examination.
What is the issue?
Financial Burden – The licensing price has reached an all-time high with study material and examination fees reaching well over $1000. The MPJE alone is hundreds of dollars. Problem – This steep price may not be affordable for all college students, creating an economic barrier for licensing.
Current Curriculum – All pharmacy students are required to pass a law course as a part of the current curriculum. Problem – Pharmacy students who make it to licensing examinations have already proven there understanding of the law, thus an additional examination is redundant.
Other States – Some states, including Idaho and Arkansas, have removed the MPJE from its licensing requirements and many states have shown interest in moving in that direction. Problem – Graduating pharmacy students are moving to these states to avoid taking this examination, decreasing the pool of new pharmacists entering the workforce in Indiana.
Removing this unnecessary examination from the licensing requirement is more cost-effective for students who have already passed a pharmacy law course. This examination is not a good representation of pharmacy law knowledge which explains the movement towards abolishment in other states.
Next Steps for Indiana
Pass updated legislation in 2025 that removes the MPJE as a required examination prior to pharmacist licensing.