Part 14.
TEXAS OPTOMETRY BOARD
Chapter 277.
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
22 TAC §277.7
The Texas Optometry Board adopts new rule §277.7 with
the following change to the proposed text published in the March 16, 2001,
issue of the
Texas Register
(26 TexReg 2101):
All references to "Rules 279.5 and 279.7" are changed to "§§279.1
and 279.3 of this title."
The new rule establishes minimum standards for patient records in order
to permit the enforcement of Texas Optometry Act §351.353, which sets
out the procedures required in the initial examination of a patient.
The Board received no comments.
The new rule is adopted under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas
Occupations Code, §§351.151 and 351.353. The Texas Optometry Board
interprets §351.151 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive
rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §351.353
to require the performance of certain procedures in an initial eye examination.
§277.7.Patient Records
(a)
In order to protect the patient's health, an optometrist
or therapeutic optometrist shall create and maintain a legible and accurate
written patient record for each patient. Every patient record shall provide
sufficient information such that:
(1)
another optometrist or therapeutic optometrist can identify
the examination performed and the results obtained, and
(2)
the Board can accurately assess a licensee's compliance
with §§279.1 and 279.3 of this title, and Optometry Act §351.353.
(b)
This rule is adopted to assist the Board in determining
whether a licensee has complied with the requirements of Optometry Act §351.353,
Initial Examination of Patient. This rule is not adopted to establish a standard
of care for the practice of optometry.
(c)
Notations to a detailed preprinted checklist are acceptable
if the results of an examination may clearly and accurately be presented in
this format. The use of a check mark or similar minimal notation to record
the performance of an examination, if not made to a detailed checklist, does
not meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. Any patient record
that is created or maintained in an electronic format must have the capability
of printing a paper record that meets the requirements of this rule.
(d)
The patient record for each initial examination for which
an ophthalmic lens prescription is signed shall contain, at a minimum, written
notations recording the procedures and findings required by §§279.1
and 279.3 of this title, and Optometry Act §351.353, in the following
format:
(1)
An accurate identification of the patient;
(2)
The date of the examination;
(3)
The name of the optometrist or therapeutic optometrist
conducting the examination;
(4)
Past and present medical history, including complaint presented
at visit;
(5)
A numerical value of the monocular uncorrected or monocular
corrected visual acuity in a standard acceptable format;
(6)
The results of a biomicroscopic examination of the lids,
cornea, and sclera;
(7)
The results of the internal examination of the media and
fundus, including the optic nerve and macula, all recorded individually;
(8)
The results of a retinoscopy. A tape from an automatic
refractor is acceptable;
(9)
The subjective findings of the examination. A tape from
a computer assisted refractor/photometer is acceptable if the instrument is
being used to obtain subjective findings;
(10)
The results of an assessment of binocular function, including
the test used and the numerical endpoint value;
(11)
The amplitude or range of accommodation expressed in numerical
endpoint value including the test used in the examination;
(12)
A tonometry reading including the type of instrument used
in the examination; and
(13)
Angle of vision: the extent of the patient's field to
the left and right.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's
legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 29, 2001.
TRD-200103020
Lois Ewald
Executive Director
Texas Optometry Board
Effective date: June 18, 2001
Proposal publication date: March 16, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 305-8500
Chapter 283.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACISTS
22 TAC §283.5, §283.6
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy adopts amendments to §283.5,
concerning Pharmacist-Intern Duties, and §283.6, concerning Preceptor
Requirements. These amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed
text as published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the
Texas Register
(26 TexReg 2273), and will not be republished.
The adopted amendments: (1) clarify the supervision requirements for pharmacist-interns
when engaged in functions associated with the preparation and delivery of
prescription or medication drug orders; and (2) allow a pharmacist in an approved
pharmacy residency to become a preceptor after completing six months of their
residency.
No comments were received.
The amendments are adopted under §§551.002, 554.051,
and 554.002 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code). The Board interprets §551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect
the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of
pharmacy. The Board interprets §554.051 as authorizing the agency to
adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The
Board interprets §554.002 as authorizing the Agency to adopt and enforce
standards for practical training, including internship.
The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 31, 2001.
TRD-200103049
Gay Dodson, R.Ph.
Executive Director/Secretary
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Effective date: June 20, 2001
Proposal publication date: March 23, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028
Subchapter B. COMMUNITY PHARMACY (CLASS A)
22 TAC §§291.33, 291.34, 291.36
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy adopts amendments to §291.33,
concerning Operational Standards, §291.34, concerning Records, and §291.36,
concerning Class A Pharmacies Compounding Sterile Pharmaceuticals. These amendments
are adopted with changes to the proposed text of §291.34 and §291.36
as published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the
Texas Register
(26 TexReg 2274). Amendments to §291.33 are adopted
without changes to the proposed text as published and will not be republished.
The adopted amendments: (1) permit an automated prescription checking device
under certain conditions; and (2) clarify a pharmacist's responsibility when
presented with prescriptions issued pursuant to internet-based or telephonic
consultations without a valid patient-practitioner relationship.
One comment was received from a pharmacy representative addressing the
language in §291.34(b)(1)(B) and states that requiring a pharmacist to
determine whether a valid patient-practitioner relationship exists is highly
problematic. The pharmacy representative suggests replacing subparagraph (B)
with language which simply states that a pharmacist may not dispense a drug
if the pharmacist knows or should have known that the prescription was issued
without a valid patient-practitioner relationship and deleting language intended
to clarify what constitutes a valid patient-practitioner relationship. The
Board agrees and made appropriate changes to the language. The same changes
were made to virtually identical language in §291.36(e)(2)(A)(ii).
The amendments are adopted under §§551.002, 554.051,
and 554.005 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code). The Board interprets §551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect
the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of
pharmacy. The Board interprets §554.051 as authorizing the agency to
adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The
Board interprets §554.005 as authorizing the agency to regulate the delivery
or distribution of prescription drugs as they relate to the practice of pharmacy.
The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code.
§291.34.Records.
(a)
Maintenance of records.
(1)
Every inventory or other record required to be kept under
the provisions of §291.31 of this title (relating to Definitions), §291.32
of this title (relating to Personnel), §291.33 of this title (relating
to Operational Standards), §291.34 of this title (relating to Records), §291.35
of this title (relating to Triplicate Prescription Records), and §291.36
of this title (relating to Class A Pharmacies Dispensing Sterile Products)
contained in Community Pharmacy (Class A) shall be kept by the pharmacy and
be available, for at least two years from the date of such inventory or record,
for inspecting and copying by the board or its representative and to other
authorized local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.
(2)
Records of controlled substances listed in Schedules I
and II shall be maintained separately from all other records of the pharmacy.
(3)
Records of controlled substances, other than prescription
drug orders, listed in Schedules III-V shall be maintained separately or readily
retrievable from all other records of the pharmacy. For purposes of this subsection,
readily retrievable means that the controlled substances shall be asterisked,
red-lined, or in some other manner readily identifiable apart from all other
items appearing on the record.
(4)
Records, except when specifically required to be maintained
in original or hard-copy form, may be maintained in an alternative data retention
system, such as a data processing system or direct imaging system provided:
(A)
the records maintained in the alternative system contain
all of the information required on the manual record; and
(B)
the data processing system is capable of producing a hard
copy of the record upon the request of the board, its representative, or other
authorized local, state, or federal law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
(b)
Prescriptions.
(1)
Professional responsibility.
(A)
Pharmacists shall exercise sound professional judgment
with respect to the accuracy and authenticity of any prescription drug order
they dispense. If the pharmacist questions the accuracy or authenticity of
a prescription drug order, he/she shall verify the order with the practitioner
prior to dispensing.
(B)
Prior to dispensing a prescription, pharmacists shall determine,
in the exercise of sound professional judgment, that the prescription is a
valid prescription. A pharmacist may not dispense a prescription drug if the
pharmacist knows or should have known that the prescription was issued on
the basis of an Internet-based or telephonic consultation without a valid
patient-practitioner relationship.
(C)
Subparagraph (B) of this paragraph does not prohibit a
pharmacist from dispensing a prescription when a valid patient-practitioner
relationship is not present in an emergency situation (e.g. a practitioner
taking calls for the patient's regular practitioner).
(2)
Written prescription drug orders.
(A)
Practitioner's signature.
(i)
Except as noted in clause (ii) of this subparagraph, written
prescription drug orders shall be:
(I)
manually signed by the practitioner; or
(II)
electronically signed by the practitioner using a system
which electronically replicates the practitioner's manual signature on the
written prescription, provided that security features of the system require
the practitioner to authorize each use.
(ii)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule II controlled substances
shall be issued on an official prescription form as required by the Texas
Controlled Substances Act, §481.075, and be manually signed by the practitioner.
(iii)
A practitioner may sign a prescription drug order in
the same manner as he would sign a check or legal document, e.g. J.H. Smith
or John H. Smith.
(iv)
Rubber stamped or otherwise reproduced signatures may
not be used except as authorized in clause (i) of this subparagraph.
(v)
The prescription drug order may not be signed by a practitioner's
agent but may be prepared by an agent for the signature of a practitioner.
However, the prescribing practitioner is responsible in case the prescription
drug order does not conform in all essential respects to the law and regulations.
(B)
Required prescription drug order format.
(i)
A pharmacist may not dispense a written prescription drug
order issued in Texas unless it is ordered on a form containing two signature
lines of equal prominence, side by side, at the bottom of the form. Under
either signature line shall be printed clearly the words "product selection
permitted," and under the other signature line shall be printed clearly the
words "dispense as written."
(ii)
The two signature line requirement does not apply to the
following types of prescription drug orders:
(I)
prescription drug orders issued by a practitioner in a
state other than Texas;
(II)
prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs issued by
a practitioner in the United Mexican States or the Dominion of Canada; and
(III)
prescription drug orders issued by a practitioner practicing
in a federal facility provided they are acting in the scope of their employment.
(C)
Preprinted prescription drug order forms. No prescription
drug order form furnished to a practitioner shall contain a preprinted order
for a drug product by brand name, generic name, or manufacturer.
(D)
Prescription drug orders written by practitioners in another
state.
(i)
Dangerous drug prescription orders. A pharmacist may dispense
a prescription drug order for dangerous drugs issued by practitioners in a
state other than Texas in the same manner as prescription drug orders for
dangerous drugs issued by practitioners in Texas are dispensed.
(ii)
Controlled substance prescription drug orders.
(I)
A pharmacist may dispense prescription drug order for controlled
substances in Schedule II issued by a practitioner in another state provided:
(-a-)
the prescription is filled in compliance with a written
plan approved by the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety in
consultation with the Board, which provides the manner in which the dispensing
pharmacy may fill a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance;
(-b-)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription
issued by a person practicing in another state and licensed by another state
as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or podiatrist, who has a current federal
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number, and who may legally
prescribe Schedule II controlled substances in such other state; and
(-c-)
the prescription drug order is not dispensed after the
end of the seventh day after the date on which the prescription is issued.
(II)
A pharmacist may dispense prescription drug orders for
controlled substances in Schedule III, IV, or V issued by a practitioner in
another state provided:
(-a-)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription
issued by a person practicing in another state and licensed by another state
as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or podiatrist, who has a current federal
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number, and who may legally
prescribe Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances in such other state;
(-b-)
the prescription drug order is not dispensed or refilled
more than six months from the initial date of issuance and may not be refilled
more than five times; and
(-c-)
if there are no refill instructions on the original written
prescription drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized)
or if all refills authorized on the original written prescription drug order
have been dispensed, a new written prescription drug order is obtained from
the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional quantities
of controlled substances.
(E)
prescription drug orders written by practitioners in the
United Mexican States or the Dominion of Canada.
(i)
Controlled substance prescription drug orders. A pharmacist
may not dispense a prescription drug order for a Schedule II, III, IV, or
V controlled substance issued by a practitioner in the Dominion of Canada
or the United Mexican States.
(ii)
Dangerous drug prescription drug orders. A pharmacist
may dispense a dangerous drug prescription issued by a person licensed in
the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States as a physician, dentist,
veterinarian, or podiatrist provided:
(I)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription;
and
(II)
if there are no refill instructions on the original written
prescription drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized)
or if all refills authorized on the original written prescription drug order
have been dispensed, a new written prescription drug order shall be obtained
from the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional quantities
of dangerous drugs.
(F)
Prescription drug orders carried out or signed by an advanced
practice nurse or physician assistant.
(i)
A pharmacist may dispense a prescription drug order for
a dangerous drug which is carried out or signed by an advanced practice nurse
or physician assistant provided:
(I)
the prescription is for a dangerous drug and not for a
controlled substance; and
(II)
the advanced practice nurse or physician assistant is
practicing in accordance with Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations Code.
(ii)
Each practitioner shall designate in writing the name
of each advanced practice nurse or physician assistant authorized to carry
out or sign a prescription drug order pursuant to Subtitle B, Chapter 157,
Occupations Code. A list of the advanced practice nurses or physician assistants
designated by the practitioner must be maintained in the practitioner's usual
place of business. On request by a pharmacist, a practitioner shall furnish
the pharmacist with a copy of the written authorization for a specific advanced
practice nurse or physician assistant.
(G)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule II controlled substances.
No Schedule II controlled substance may be dispensed without a written prescription
drug order of a practitioner on an official prescription form as required
by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, §481.075.
(3)
Verbal prescription drug orders.
(A)
A verbal prescription drug order from a practitioner or
a practitioner's designated agent may only be received by a pharmacist or
a pharmacist-intern under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
(B)
A practitioner shall designate in writing the name of each
agent authorized by the practitioner to communicate prescriptions verbally
for the practitioner. The practitioner shall maintain at the practitioner's
usual place of business a list of the designated agents. The practitioner
shall provide a pharmacist with a copy of the practitioner's written authorization
for a specific agent on the pharmacist's request.
(C)
If a prescription drug order is transmitted to a pharmacist
verbally, the pharmacist shall note any substitution instructions by the practitioner
or practitioner's agent on the file copy of the prescription drug order. Such
file copy may follow the two-line format indicated in paragraph (2)(B) of
this subsection, or any other format that clearly indicates the substitution
instructions.
(D)
A pharmacist may not dispense a verbal prescription drug
order for a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in another state unless the practitioner is also registered under
the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
(E)
A pharmacist may not dispense a verbal prescription drug
order for a dangerous drug or a controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States unless the
practitioner is also licensed in Texas.
(4)
Electronic prescription drug orders. For the purpose of
this subsection, prescription drug orders shall be considered the same as
verbal prescription drug orders.
(A)
An electronic prescription drug order may be transmitted
by a practitioner or a practitioner's designated agent:
(i)
directly to a pharmacy; or
(ii)
through the use of a data communication device provided:
(I)
the prescription information is not altered during transmission;
and
(II)
confidential patient information is not accessed or maintained
by the operator of the data communication device unless the operator is authorized
to receive the confidential information as specified in subsection (k) of
this section.
(B)
A practitioner shall designate in writing the name of each
agent authorized by the practitioner to electronically transmit prescriptions
for the practitioner. The practitioner shall maintain at the practitioner's
usual place of business a list of the designated agents. The practitioner
shall provide a pharmacist with a copy of the practitioner's written authorization
for a specific agent on the pharmacist's request.
(C)
A pharmacist may not dispense an electronic prescription
drug order for a:
(i)
Schedule II controlled substance;
(ii)
Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance issued by
a practitioner licensed in another state unless the practitioner is also registered
under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; or
(iii)
dangerous drug or controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States unless the
practitioner is also licensed in Texas.
(D)
The practitioner or practitioner's agent shall note any
substitution instructions on the electronic prescription drug order. Such
electronic prescription drug order may follow the two-line format indicated
in paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection, or any other format that clearly indicates
the substitution instructions.
(5)
Authorization for substitution.
(A)
Generic substitution.
(i)
A pharmacist may dispense a generically equivalent drug
product if:
(I)
the generic product cost the patient less than the prescribed
drug product;
(II)
the patient does not refuse the substitution; and
(III)
the prescribing practitioner authorizes the substitution
of a generically equivalent product; or
(IV)
the practitioner or practitioner's agent does not clearly
indicate that the verbal or electronic prescription drug order shall be dispensed
as ordered.
(ii)
Practitioners shall indicate their dispensing instructions
by signing on either the "Dispense as Written" or "Product Selection Permitted"
line on the prescription drug order. If the practitioner's signature does
not clearly indicate the prescription drug order shall be dispensed as written,
the pharmacist may substitute a generically equivalent drug product.
(iii)
A pharmacist may not substitute on prescription drug
orders identified in paragraph (2)(B)(ii) of this subsection unless the practitioner
has authorized substitution on the prescription drug order.
(iv)
If the practitioner has not authorized substitution on
the written prescription drug order, a pharmacist shall not substitute a generically
equivalent drug product unless:
(I)
the pharmacist obtains verbal or written authorization
from the practitioner (such authorization shall be noted on the original prescription
drug order); or
(II)
the pharmacist obtains written documentation regarding
substitution requirements from the state board of pharmacy in the state, other
than Texas, in which the prescription drug order was issued. The following
is applicable concerning this documentation.
(-a-)
The documentation shall state that a pharmacist may substitute
on a prescription drug order issued in such other state unless the practitioner
prohibits substitution on the original prescription drug order.
(-b-)
The pharmacist shall note on the original prescription
drug order the fact that documentation from such other state board of pharmacy
is on file.
(-c-)
Such documentation shall be updated yearly.
(B)
Substitution of dosage form.
(i)
A pharmacist may dispense a dosage form of a drug product
different from that prescribed, such as a tablet instead of a capsule or liquid
instead of tablets, provided:
(I)
the patient consents to the dosage form substitution;
(II)
the pharmacist notifies the practitioner of the dosage
form substitution; and
(III)
the dosage form so dispensed:
(-a-)
contains the identical amount of the active ingredients
as the dosage prescribed for the patient;
(-b-)
is not an enteric-coated or time release product;
(-c-)
does not alter desired clinical outcomes;
(ii)
Substitution of dosage form may not include the substitution
of a product that has been compounded by the pharmacist unless the pharmacist
contacts the practitioner prior to dispensing and obtains permission to dispense
the compounded product.
(6)
Therapeutic Drug Interchange. A switch to a drug providing
a similar therapeutic response to the one prescribed shall not be made without
prior approval of the prescribing practitioner. This paragraph does not apply
to generic substitution. For generic substitution, see the requirements of
paragraph (5) of this subsection.
(A)
The patient shall be notified of the therapeutic drug interchange
prior to, or upon delivery, of the dispensed prescription to the patient.
Such notification shall include:
(i)
a description of the change;
(ii)
the reason for the change;
(iii)
whom to notify with questions concerning the change;
and
(iv)
instructions for return of the drug if not wanted by the
patient.
(B)
The pharmacy shall maintain documentation of patient notification
of therapeutic drug interchange which shall include:
(i)
the date of the notification;
(ii)
the method of notification;
(iii)
a description of the change; and
(iv)
the reason for the change.
(7)
Original prescription drug order records.
(A)
Original prescriptions shall be maintained by the pharmacy
in numerical order and remain legible for a period of two years from the date
of filling or the date of the last refill dispensed.
(B)
If an original prescription drug order is changed, such
prescription order shall be invalid and of no further force and effect; if
additional drugs are to be dispensed, a new prescription drug order with a
new and separate number is required.
(C)
Original prescriptions shall be maintained in three separate
files as follows:
(i)
prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedule
II;
(ii)
prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedule
III-V; and
(iii)
prescriptions for dangerous drugs and nonprescription
drugs.
(D)
Original prescription records other than prescriptions
for Schedule II controlled substances may be stored on microfilm, microfiche,
or other system which is capable of producing a direct image of the original
prescription record, e.g., digitalized imaging system. If original prescription
records are stored in a direct imaging system, the following is applicable:
(i)
the record of refills recorded on the original prescription
must also be stored in this system;
(ii)
the original prescription records must be maintained in
numerical order and separated in three files as specified in subparagraph
(C) of this paragraph; and
(iii)
the pharmacy must provide immediate access to equipment
necessary to render the records easily readable.
(8)
Prescription drug order information.
(A)
All original prescriptions shall bear:
(i)
name of the patient, or if such drug is for an animal,
the species of such animal and the name of the owner;
(ii)
address of the patient, provided, however, a prescription
for a dangerous drug is not required to bear the address of the patient if
such address is readily retrievable on another appropriate, uniformly maintained
pharmacy record, such as medication records;
(iii)
name, and if for a controlled substance, the address
and DEA registration number of the practitioner;
(iv)
name and strength of the drug prescribed;
(v)
quantity prescribed;
(vi)
directions for use;
(vii)
intended use for the drug unless the practitioner determines
the furnishing of this information is not in the best interest of the patient;
and
(viii)
date of issuance.
(B)
All original electronic prescription drug orders shall
bear:
(i)
name of the patient, if such drug is for an animal, the
species of such animal, and the name of the owner;
(ii)
address of the patient, provided, however, a prescription
for a dangerous drug is not required to bear the address of the patient if
such address is readily retrievable on another appropriate, uniformly maintained
pharmacy record, such as medication records;
(iii)
name, and if for a controlled substance, the address
and DEA registration number of the practitioner;
(iv)
name and strength of the drug prescribed;
(v)
quantity prescribed;
(vi)
directions for use;
(vii)
indications for use, unless the practitioner determines
the furnishing of this information is not in the best interest of the patient;
(viii)
date of issuance;
(ix)
a statement which indicates that the prescription has
been electronically transmitted, (e.g., Faxed to or electronically transmitted
to:);
(x)
name, address, and electronic access number of the pharmacy
to which the prescription was transmitted;
(xi)
telephone number of the prescribing practitioner;
(xii)
date the prescription drug order was electronically transmitted
to the pharmacy, if different from the date of issuance of the prescription;
and
(xiii)
if transmitted by a designated agent, the full name
of the designated agent.
(C)
All original written prescriptions for dangerous drugs
carried out or signed by an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant
in accordance with Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations Code, shall bear:
(i)
name and address of the patient;
(ii)
name, address, and telephone number of the supervising
practitioner;
(iii)
name, identification number, and original signature of
the advanced practice nurse or physician assistant;
(iv)
address and telephone number of the clinic at which the
prescription drug order was carried out or signed;
(v)
name, strength, and quantity of the dangerous drug;
(vi)
directions for use;
(vii)
indications for use, if appropriate;
(viii)
date of issuance; and
(ix)
number of refills authorized.
(D)
At the time of dispensing, a pharmacist is responsible
for the addition of the following information to the original prescription:
(i)
unique identification number of the prescription drug order;
(ii)
initials or identification code of the dispensing pharmacist;
(iii)
quantity dispensed, if different from the quantity prescribed;
(iv)
date of dispensing, if different from the date of issuance;
and
(v)
brand name or manufacturer of the drug product actually
dispensed, if the drug was prescribed by generic name or if a drug product
other than the one prescribed was dispensed pursuant to the provisions of
the Act, Chapters 562 and 563.
(9)
Refills.
(A)
Refills may be dispensed only in accordance with the prescriber's
authorization as indicated on the original prescription drug order.
(B)
If there are no refill instructions on the original prescription
drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized) or if all
refills authorized on the original prescription drug order have been dispensed,
authorization from the prescribing practitioner shall be obtained prior to
dispensing any refills.
(C)
Refills of prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs
or nonprescription drugs.
(i)
Prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs or nonprescription
drugs may not be refilled after one year from the date of issuance of the
original prescription drug order.
(ii)
If one year has expired from the date of issuance of an
original prescription drug order for a dangerous drug or nonprescription drug,
authorization shall be obtained from the prescribing practitioner prior to
dispensing any additional quantities of the drug.
(D)
Refills of prescription drug orders for Schedule III-V
controlled substances.
(i)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule III-V controlled
substances may not be refilled more than five times or after six months from
the date of issuance of the original prescription drug order, whichever occurs
first.
(ii)
If a prescription drug order for a Schedule III, IV, or
V controlled substance has been refilled a total of five times or if six months
have expired from the date of issuance of the original prescription drug order,
whichever occurs first, a new and separate prescription drug order shall be
obtained from the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional
quantities of controlled substances.
(E)
A pharmacist may exercise his professional judgment in
refilling a prescription drug order for a drug, other than a controlled substance
listed in Schedule II, without the authorization of the prescribing practitioner,
provided:
(i)
failure to refill the prescription might result in an interruption
of a therapeutic regimen or create patient suffering;
(ii)
either:
(I)
a natural or manmade disaster has occurred which prohibits
the pharmacist from being able to contact the practitioner; or
(II)
the pharmacist is unable to contact the practitioner after
a reasonable effort;
(iii)
the quantity of prescription drug dispensed does not
exceed a 72-hour supply;
(iv)
the pharmacist informs the patient or the patient's agent
at the time of dispensing that the refill is being provided without such authorization
and that authorization of the practitioner is required for future refills;
(v)
the pharmacist informs the practitioner of the emergency
refill at the earliest reasonable time;
(vi)
the pharmacist maintains a record of the emergency refill
containing the information required to be maintained on a prescription as
specified in this subsection;
(vii)
the pharmacist affixes a label to the dispensing container
as specified in §291.33(c)(4) of this title (relating to Operational
Standards); and
(viii)
if the prescription was initially filled at another
pharmacy, the pharmacist may exercise his professional judgment in refilling
the prescription provided:
(I)
the patient has the prescription container, label, receipt
or other documentation from the other pharmacy which contains the essential
information;
(II)
after a reasonable effort, the pharmacist is unable to
contact the other pharmacy to transfer the remaining prescription refills
or there are no refills remaining on the prescription;
(III)
the pharmacist, in his professional judgment, determines
that such a request for an emergency refill is appropriate and meets the requirements
of clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph; and
(IV)
the pharmacist complies with the requirements of clauses
(iii)-(v) of this subparagraph.
(c)
Patient medication records.
(1)
A patient medication record system shall be maintained
by the pharmacy for patients to whom prescription drug orders are dispensed.
(2)
The patient medication record system shall provide for
the immediate retrieval of information for the previous 12 months which is
necessary for the dispensing pharmacist to conduct a prospective drug regimen
review at the time a prescription drug order is presented for dispensing.
(3)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure that a reasonable
effort is made to obtain and record in the patient medication record at least
the following information:
(A)
full name of the patient for whom the drug is prescribed;
(B)
address and telephone number of the patient;
(C)
patient's age or date of birth;
(D)
patient's gender;
(E)
any known allergies, drug reactions, idiosyncrasies, and
chronic conditions or disease states of the patient and the identity of any
other drugs currently being used by the patient which may relate to prospective
drug regimen review;
(F)
pharmacist's comments relevant to the individual's drug
therapy, including any other information unique to the specific patient or
drug; and
(G)
a list of all prescription drug orders dispensed (new and
refill) to the patient by the pharmacy during the last two years. Such list
shall contain the following information:
(i)
date dispensed;
(ii)
name, strength, and quantity of the drug dispensed;
(iii)
prescribing practitioner's name;
(iv)
unique identification number of the prescription; and
(v)
name or initials of the dispensing pharmacists.
(4)
A patient medication record shall be maintained in the
pharmacy for two years. If patient medication records are maintained in a
data processing system, all of the information specified in this subsection
shall be maintained in a retrievable form for two years and information for
the previous 12 months shall be maintained on-line.
(5)
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring
a pharmacist to obtain, record, and maintain patient information other than
prescription drug order information when a patient or patient's agent refuses
to provide the necessary information for such patient medication records.
(d)
Prescription drug order records maintained in a manual
system.
(1)
Original prescriptions shall be maintained in three files
as specified in subsection (b)(6)(D) of this section.
(2)
Refills.
(A)
Each time a prescription drug order is refilled, a record
of such refill shall be made:
(i)
on the back of the prescription by recording the date of
dispensing, the written initials or identification code of the dispensing
pharmacist, and the amount dispensed. (If the pharmacist merely initials and
dates the back of the prescription drug order, he or she shall be deemed to
have dispensed a refill for the full face amount of the prescription drug
order); or
(ii)
on another appropriate, uniformly maintained, readily
retrievable record, such as medication records, which indicates by patient
name the following information:
(I)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(II)
name and strength of the drug dispensed;
(III)
date of each dispensing;
(IV)
quantity dispensed at each dispensing;
(V)
initials or identification code of the dispensing pharmacist;
and
(VI)
total number of refills for the prescription.
(B)
If refill records are maintained in accordance with subparagraph
(A)(ii) of this paragraph, refill records for controlled substances in Schedule
III-V shall be maintained separately from refill records of dangerous drugs
and nonprescription drugs.
(3)
Authorization of refills. Practitioner authorization for
additional refills of a prescription drug order shall be noted on the original
prescription, in addition to the documentation of dispensing the refill.
(4)
Transfer of prescription drug order information. For the
purpose of refill or initial dispensing, the transfer of original prescription
drug order information is permissible between pharmacies, subject to the following
requirements:
(A)
the transfer of original prescription drug order information
for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, or V is permissible
between pharmacies on a one-time basis;
(B)
the transfer of original prescription drug order information
for dangerous drugs is permissible between pharmacies without limitation up
to the number of originally authorized refills;
(C)
the transfer is communicated directly between pharmacists
and/or pharmacist interns;
(D)
both the original and the transferred prescription drug
order are maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill;
(E)
the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring the prescription
drug order information shall:
(i)
write the word "void" on the face of the invalidated prescription
drug order; and
(ii)
record on the reverse of the invalidated prescription
drug order the following information:
(I)
the name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription drug order
is transferred;
(II)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information;
(III)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information; and
(IV)
the date of the transfer;
(F)
the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving the transferred
prescription drug order information shall:
(i)
write the word "transfer" on the face of the transferred
prescription drug order; and
(ii)
record on the transferred prescription drug order the
following information:
(I)
original date of issuance and date of dispensing or receipt,
if different from date of issuance;
(II)
original prescription number and the number of refills
authorized on the original prescription drug order;
(III)
number of valid refills remaining and the date of last
refill, if applicable;
(IV)
name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy from which such prescription information
is transferred; and
(V)
name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information.
(5)
A pharmacist or pharmacist intern may not refuse to transfer
original prescription information to another pharmacist or pharmacist intern
who is acting on behalf of a patient and who is making a request for this
information as specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection.
(e)
Prescription drug order records maintained in a data processing
system.
(1)
General requirements for records maintained in a data processing
system.
(A)
Compliance with data processing system requirements. If
a Class A (community) pharmacy's data processing system is not in compliance
with this subsection, the pharmacy must maintain a manual recordkeeping system
as specified in subsection (c) of this section.
(B)
Original prescriptions. Original prescriptions shall be
maintained in three files as specified in subsection (b)(6)(D) of this section.
(C)
Requirements for backup systems.
(i)
The pharmacy shall maintain a backup copy of information
stored in the data processing system using disk, tape, or other electronic
backup system and update this backup copy on a regular basis, at least monthly,
to assure that data is not lost due to system failure.
(ii)
Data processing systems shall have a workable (electronic)
data retention system which can produce an audit trail of drug usage for the
preceding two years as specified in paragraph (2)(G) of this subsection.
(D)
Change or discontinuance of a data processing system.
(i)
Records of dispensing. A pharmacy that changes or discontinues
use of a data processing system must:
(I)
transfer the records of dispensing to the new data processing
system; or
(II)
purge the records of dispensing to a printout which contains
the same information required on the daily printout as specified in paragraph
(2)(B) of this subsection. The information on this hard-copy printout shall
be sorted and printed by prescription number and list each dispensing for
this prescription chronologically.
(ii)
Other records. A pharmacy that changes or discontinues
use of a data processing system must:
(I)
transfer the records to the new data processing system;
or
(II)
purge the records to a printout which contains all of
the information required on the original document.
(iii)
Maintenance of purged records. Information purged from
a data processing system must be maintained by the pharmacy for two years
from the date of initial entry into the data processing system.
(E)
Loss of data. The pharmacist-in-charge shall report to
the board in writing any significant loss of information from the data processing
system within 10 days of discovery of the loss.
(2)
Records of dispensing.
(A)
Each time a prescription drug order is filled or refilled,
a record of such dispensing shall be entered into the data processing system.
(B)
The data processing system shall have the capacity to produce
a daily hard-copy printout of all original prescriptions dispensed and refilled.
This hard-copy printout shall contain the following information:
(i)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(ii)
date of dispensing;
(iii)
patient name;
(iv)
prescribing practitioner's name;
(v)
name and strength of the drug product actually dispensed;
if generic name, the brand name or manufacturer of drug dispensed;
(vi)
quantity dispensed;
(vii)
initials or an identification code of the dispensing
pharmacist; and
(viii)
if not immediately retrievable via CRT display, the
following shall also be included on the hard-copy printout:
(I)
patient's address;
(II)
prescribing practitioner's address;
(III)
practitioner's DEA registration number, if the prescription
drug order is for a controlled substance;
(IV)
quantity prescribed, if different from the quantity dispensed;
(V)
date of issuance of the prescription drug order, if different
from the date of dispensing; and
(VI)
total number of refills dispensed to date for that prescription
drug order.
(C)
The daily hard-copy printout shall be produced within 72
hours of the date on which the prescription drug orders were dispensed and
shall be maintained in a separate file at the pharmacy. Records of controlled
substances shall be readily retrievable from records of noncontrolled substances.
(D)
Each individual pharmacist who dispenses or refills a prescription
drug order shall verify that the data indicated on the daily hard-copy printout
is correct, by dating and signing such document in the same manner as signing
a check or legal document (e.g., J.H. Smith, or John H. Smith) within seven
days from the date of dispensing.
(E)
In lieu of the printout described in subparagraph (B) of
this paragraph, the pharmacy shall maintain a log book in which each individual
pharmacist using the data processing system shall sign a statement each day,
attesting to the fact that the information entered into the data processing
system that day has been reviewed by him or her and is correct as entered.
Such log book shall be maintained at the pharmacy employing such a system
for a period of two years after the date of dispensing; provided, however,
that the data processing system can produce the hard-copy printout on demand
by an authorized agent of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the Texas Department
of Public Safety, or the Drug Enforcement Administration. If no printer is
available on site, the hard-copy printout shall be available within 48 hours
with a certification by the individual providing the printout, which states
that the printout is true and correct as of the date of entry and such information
has not been altered, amended, or modified.
(F)
The pharmacist-in-charge is responsible for the proper
maintenance of such records and responsible that such data processing system
can produce the records outlined in this section and that such system is in
compliance with this subsection.
(G)
The data processing system shall be capable of producing
a hard-copy printout of an audit trail for all dispensings (original and refill)
of any specified strength and dosage form of a drug (by either brand or generic
name or both) during a specified time period.
(i)
Such audit trail shall contain all of the information required
on the daily printout as set out in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
(ii)
The audit trail required in this subparagraph shall be
supplied by the pharmacy within 48 hours, if requested by an authorized agent
of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Department of Public Safety, or Drug
Enforcement Administration.
(H)
Failure to provide the records set out in this subsection,
either on site or within 48 hours for whatever reason, constitutes prima facie
evidence of failure to keep and maintain records.
(I)
The data processing system shall provide on-line retrieval
(via CRT display or hard-copy printout) of the information set out in subparagraph
(B) of this paragraph of:
(i)
the original controlled substance prescription drug orders
currently authorized for refilling; and
(ii)
the current refill history for Schedule III, IV, and V
controlled substances for the immediately preceding six-month period.
(J)
In the event that a pharmacy which uses a data processing
system experiences system downtime, the following is applicable:
(i)
an auxiliary procedure shall ensure that refills are authorized
by the original prescription drug order and that the maximum number of refills
has not been exceeded or authorization from the prescribing practitioner shall
be obtained prior to dispensing a refill; and
(ii)
all of the appropriate data shall be retained for on-line
data entry as soon as the system is available for use again.
(3)
Authorization of refills. Practitioner authorization for
additional refills of a prescription drug order shall be noted as follows:
(A)
on the hard-copy prescription drug order;
(B)
on the daily hard-copy printout; or
(C)
via the CRT display.
(4)
Transfer of prescription drug order information. For the
purpose of refill or initial dispensing, the transfer of original prescription
drug order information is permissible between pharmacies, subject to the following
requirements.
(A)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, or V is permissible
between pharmacies on a one-time basis only. However, pharmacies electronically
sharing a real-time, on-line database may transfer up to the maximum refills
permitted by law and the prescriber's authorization.
(B)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for dangerous drugs is permissible between pharmacies without limitation up
to the number of originally authorized refills.
(C)
The transfer is communicated directly between pharmacists
and/or pharmacist interns or as authorized in paragraph (5) of this subsection.
(D)
Both the original and the transferred prescription drug
orders are maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill.
(E)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring the prescription
drug order information shall:
(i)
write the word "void" on the face of the invalidated prescription
drug order; and
(ii)
record on the reverse of the invalidated prescription
drug order the following information:
(I)
the name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription is transferred;
(II)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information;
(III)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information; and
(IV)
the date of the transfer.
(F)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving the transferred
prescription drug order information shall:
(i)
write the word "transfer" on the face of the transferred
prescription drug order; and
(ii)
record on the transferred prescription drug order the
following information:
(I)
original date of issuance and date of dispensing or receipt,
if different from date of issuance;
(II)
original prescription number and the number of refills
authorized on the original prescription drug order;
(III)
number of valid refills remaining and the date of last
refill, if applicable;
(IV)
name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy from which such prescription drug order
information is transferred; and
(V)
name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information.
(G)
Prescription drug orders may not be transferred by non-electronic
means during periods of downtime except on consultation with and authorization
by a prescribing practitioner; provided however, during downtime, a hard copy
of a prescription drug order may be made available for informational purposes
only, to the patient, a pharmacist or pharmacist intern, and the prescription
may be read to a pharmacist or pharmacist intern by telephone.
(H)
The original prescription drug order shall be invalidated
in the data processing system for purposes of filling or refilling, but shall
be maintained in the data processing system for refill history purposes.
(I)
If the data processing system has the capacity to store
all the information required in subparagraphs (E) and (F) of this paragraph,
the pharmacist is not required to record this information on the original
or transferred prescription drug order.
(J)
The data processing system shall have a mechanism to prohibit
the transfer or refilling of controlled substance prescription drug orders
which have been previously transferred.
(5)
Electronic transfer of prescription drug order information
between pharmacies. Pharmacies electronically accessing the same prescription
drug order records may electronically transfer prescription information if
the following requirements are met.
(A)
The original prescription is voided and the following information
is documented in the records of the transferring pharmacy:
(i)
the name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription is transferred;
(ii)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information; and
(iii)
the date of the transfer.
(B)
Pharmacies not owned by the same person may electronically
access the same prescription drug order records, provided the owner or chief
executive officer of each pharmacy signs an agreement allowing access to such
prescription drug order records.
(6)
A pharmacist or pharmacist intern may not refuse to transfer
original prescription information to another pharmacist or pharmacist intern
who is acting on behalf of a patient and who is making a request for this
information as specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection.
(f)
Limitation to one type of recordkeeping system. When filing
prescription drug order information a pharmacy may use only one of the two
systems described in subsection (d) or (e) of this section.
(g)
Distribution of controlled substances to another registrant.
A pharmacy may distribute controlled substances to a practitioner, another
pharmacy, or other registrant, without being registered to distribute, under
the following conditions.
(1)
The registrant to whom the controlled substance is to be
distributed is registered under the Controlled Substances Act to dispense
that controlled substance.
(2)
The total number of dosage units of controlled substances
distributed by a pharmacy may not exceed 5.0% of all controlled substances
dispensed and distributed by the pharmacy during the 12-month period in which
the pharmacy is registered; if at any time it does exceed 5.0%, the pharmacy
is required to obtain an additional registration to distribute controlled
substances.
(3)
If the distribution is for a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled
substance, a record shall be maintained which indicates:
(A)
the actual date of distribution;
(B)
the name, strength, and quantity of controlled substances
distributed;
(C)
the name, address, and DEA registration number of the distributing
pharmacy; and
(D)
the name, address, and DEA registration number of the pharmacy,
practitioner, or other registrant to whom the controlled substances are distributed.
(4)
If the distribution is for a Schedule I or II controlled
substance, the following is applicable.
(A)
The pharmacy, practitioner, or other registrant who is
receiving the controlled substances shall issue Copy 1 and Copy 2 of a DEA
order form (DEA 222C) to the distributing pharmacy.
(B)
The distributing pharmacy shall:
(i)
complete the area on the DEA order form (DEA 222C) titled
"To Be Filled in by Supplier";
(ii)
maintain Copy 1 of the DEA order form (DEA 222C) at the
pharmacy for two years; and
(iii)
forward Copy 2 of the DEA order form (DEA 222C) to the
Divisional Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
(h)
Other records. Other records to be maintained by a pharmacy:
(1)
a permanent log of the initials or identification codes
which will identify each dispensing pharmacist by name (the initials or identification
code shall be unique to ensure that each pharmacist can be identified, i.e.,
identical initials or identification codes shall not be used);
(2)
Copy 3 of DEA order form (DEA 222C) which has been properly
dated, initialed, and filed, and all copies of each unaccepted or defective
order form and any attached statements or other documents;
(3)
a hard copy of the power of attorney to sign DEA 222C order
forms (if applicable);
(4)
suppliers' invoices of dangerous drugs and controlled substances;
pharmacists or other responsible individuals shall verify that the controlled
drugs listed on the invoices were actually received by clearly recording their
initials and the actual date of receipt of the controlled substances;
(5)
suppliers' credit memos for controlled substances and dangerous
drugs;
(6)
a hard copy of inventories required by §291.17 of
this title (relating to Inventory Requirements);
(7)
hard-copy reports of surrender or destruction of controlled
substances and/or dangerous drugs to an appropriate state or federal agency;
(8)
a hard copy of the Schedule V nonprescription register
book;
(9)
records of distribution of controlled substances and/or
dangerous drugs to other pharmacies, practitioners, or registrants; and
(10)
a hard copy of any notification required by the Texas
Pharmacy Act or the sections in this chapter, including, but not limited to,
the following:
(A)
reports of theft or significant loss of controlled substances
to DEA, Department of Public Safety, and the board;
(B)
notifications of a change in pharmacist-in-charge of a
pharmacy; and
(C)
reports of a fire or other disaster which may affect the
strength, purity, or labeling of drugs, medications, devices, or other materials
used in the diagnosis or treatment of injury, illness, and disease.
(i)
Permission to maintain central records. Any pharmacy that
uses a centralized recordkeeping system for invoices and financial data shall
comply with the following procedures.
(1)
Controlled substance records. Invoices and financial data
for controlled substances may be maintained at a central location provided
the following conditions are met.
(A)
Prior to the initiation of central recordkeeping, the pharmacy
submits written notification by registered or certified mail to the divisional
director of the Drug Enforcement Administration as required by Title 21, Code
of Federal Regulations, §1304.04(a), and submits a copy of this written
notification to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Unless the registrant is
informed by the divisional director of the Drug Enforcement Administration
that permission to keep central records is denied, the pharmacy may maintain
central records commencing 14 days after receipt of notification by the divisional
director.
(B)
The pharmacy maintains a copy of the notification required
in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(C)
The records to be maintained at the central record location
shall not include executed DEA order forms, prescription drug orders, or controlled
substance inventories, which shall be maintained at the pharmacy.
(2)
Dangerous drug records. Invoices and financial data for
dangerous drugs may be maintained at a central location.
(3)
Access to records. If the records are kept on microfilm,
computer media, or in any form requiring special equipment to render the records
easily readable, the pharmacy shall provide access to such equipment with
the records.
(4)
Delivery of records. The pharmacy agrees to deliver all
or any part of such records to the pharmacy location within two business days
of written request of a board agent or any other authorized official.
(j)
Ownership of pharmacy records. For the purposes of these
sections, a pharmacy licensed under the Act is the only entity which may legally
own and maintain prescription drug records.
(k)
Confidentiality.
(1)
A pharmacist shall provide adequate security of prescription
drug orders, and patient medication records to prevent indiscriminate or unauthorized
access to confidential health information. If prescription drug orders, requests
for refill authorization, or other confidential health information are not
transmitted directly between a pharmacy and a physician but are transmitted
through a data communication device, confidential health information may not
be accessed or maintained by the operator of the data communication device
unless specifically authorized to obtain the confidential information by this
subsection.
(2)
Confidential records are privileged and may be released
only to:
(A)
the patient or the patient's agent;
(B)
a practitioner or another pharmacist if, in the pharmacist's
professional judgement, the release is necessary to protect the patient's
health and well being;
(C)
the board or to a person or another state or federal agency
authorized by law to receive the confidential record;
(D)
a law enforcement agency engaged in investigation of a
suspected violation of Chapter 481 or 483, Health and Safety Code, or the
Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. Section
801 et seq.);
(E)
a person employed by a state agency that licenses a practitioner,
if the person is performing the person's official duties; or
(F)
an insurance carrier or other third party payor authorized
by a patient to receive such information.
§291.36.Class A Pharmacies Compounding Sterile Pharmaceuticals.
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards
for the preparation, labeling, and distribution of compounded sterile pharmaceuticals
by licensed pharmacies, pursuant to a prescription drug order. The intent
of these standards is to provide a minimum level of pharmaceutical care to
the patient so that the patient's health is protected while striving to produce
positive patient outcomes.
(b)
Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in
this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise.
(1)
ACPE--The American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.
(2)
Act--The Texas Pharmacy Act, Chapter 551-556, Occupations
Code, as amended.
(3)
Accurately as prescribed--Dispensing, delivering, and/or
distributing a prescription drug order:
(A)
to the correct patient (or agent of the patient) for whom
the drug or device was prescribed;
(B)
with the correct drug in the correct strength, quantity,
and dosage form ordered by the practitioner; and
(C)
with correct labeling (including directions for use) as
ordered by the practitioner. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall
prohibit pharmacist substitution if substitution is conducted in strict accordance
with applicable laws and rules, including Chapters 562 and 563 of the Texas
Pharmacy Act.
(4)
Advanced practice nurse--A registered nurse approved by
the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners to practice as an advanced practice
nurse on the basis of completion of an advanced education program. The term
includes a nurse practitioner, a nurse midwife, a nurse anesthetist, and a
clinical nurse specialist.
(5)
Airborne particulate cleanliness class--The level of cleanliness
specified by the maximum allowable number of particles per cubic foot of air
as specified in Federal Standard 209E, et seq. For example:
(A)
Class 100 is an atmospheric environment which contains
less than 100 particles 0.5 microns in diameter per cubic foot of air;
(B)
Class 10,000 is an atmospheric environment which contains
less than 10,000 particles 0.5 microns in diameter per cubic foot of air;
and
(C)
Class 100,000 is an atmospheric environment which contains
less than 100,000 particles 0.5 microns in diameter per cubic foot of air.
(6)
Ancillary supplies--Supplies necessary for the administration
of compounded sterile pharmaceuticals.
(7)
Aseptic preparation--The technique involving procedures
designed to preclude contamination of drugs, packaging, equipment, or supplies
by microorganisms during processing.
(8)
Automated compounding or counting device--An automated
device that compounds, measures, counts, and or packages a specified quantity
of dosage units for a designated drug product.
(9)
Batch preparation compounding--Compounding of multiple
sterile-product units, in a single discrete process, by the same individual(s),
carried out during one limited time period. Batch preparation/compounding
does not include the preparation of multiple sterile-product units pursuant
to patient specific medication orders.
(10)
Biological Safety Cabinet--Containment unit suitable for
the preparation of low to moderate risk agents where there is a need for protection
of the product, personnel, and environment, according to National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) Standard 49.
(11)
Board--The Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
(12)
Carrying out or signing a prescription drug order--The
completion of a prescription drug order presigned by the delegating physician,
or the signing of a prescription by an advanced practice nurse or physician
assistant after the person has been designated with the Texas State Board
of Medical Examiners by the delegating physician as a person delegated to
sign a prescription. The following information shall be provided on each prescription:
(A)
patient's name and address;
(B)
name, strength, and quantity of the drug to be dispensed;
(C)
directions for use;
(D)
the intended use of the drug, if appropriate;
(E)
the name, address, and telephone number of the physician;
(F)
the name, address, telephone number, and identification
number of the advanced practice nurse or physician assistant completing the
prescription drug order;
(G)
the date; and
(H)
the number of refills permitted.
(13)
Certified Pharmacy Technician--A pharmacy technician who:
(A)
has completed the pharmacy technician training program
of the pharmacy;
(B)
has taken and passed the National Pharmacy Technician Certification
Exam or other examination approved during an open meeting by the Board; and
(C)
maintains a current certification with the Pharmacy Technician
Certification Board or any other entity providing an examination approved
by the Board.
(14)
Clean room--A room in which the concentration of airborne
particles is controlled and there are one or more clean zones according to
Federal Standard 209E, et seq.
(15)
Clean zone--A defined space in which the concentration
of airborne particles is controlled to meet a specified airborne particulate
cleanliness class.
(16)
Compounding--The preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging,
or labeling of a drug or device:
(A)
as the result of a practitioner's prescription drug or
medication order or initiative based on the practitioner-patient pharmacist
relationship in the course of professional practice;
(B)
in anticipation of prescription drug or medication orders
based on routine, regularly observed prescribing patterns; or
(C)
for the purpose of or as an incident to research, teaching,
or chemical analysis and not for sale or dispensing.
(17)
Confidential record--Any health related record that contains
information that identifies an individual and that is maintained by a pharmacy
or pharmacist such as a patient medication record, prescription drug order,
or medication drug order.
(18)
Controlled area--A controlled area is the area designated
for preparing sterile pharmaceuticals.
(19)
Controlled substance--A drug, immediate precursor, or
other substance listed in Schedules I-V or Penalty Groups 1-4 of the Texas
Controlled Substances Act, as amended, or a drug, immediate precursor, or
other substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of the Federal Comprehensive
Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, as amended (Public Law 91-513).
(20)
Critical areas--Any area in the controlled area where
products or containers are exposed to the environment.
(21)
Cytotoxic--A pharmaceutical that has the capability of
killing living cells.
(22)
Dangerous drug--Any drug or device that is not included
in Penalty Groups 1-4 of the Controlled Substances Act and that is unsafe
for self-medication or any drug or device that bears or is required to bear
the legend:
(A)
"Caution: federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription";
or
(B)
"Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or
on the order of a licensed veterinarian."
(23)
Data communication device--An electronic device that receives
electronic information from one source and transmits or routes it to another
(e.g., bridge, router, switch or gateway).
(24)
Deliver or delivery--The actual, constructive, or attempted
transfer of a prescription drug or device or controlled substance from one
person to another, whether or not for a consideration.
(25)
Designated agent--
(A)
a licensed nurse, physician assistant, pharmacist, or other
individual designated by a practitioner, and for whom the practitioner assumes
legal responsibility, who communicates prescription drug orders to a pharmacist;
(B)
a licensed nurse, physician assistant, or pharmacist employed
in a health care facility to whom the practitioner communicates a prescription
drug order;
(C)
an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant authorized
by a practitioner to carry out or sign a prescription drug order for dangerous
drugs under Chapter 157 of the Medical Practice Act (Subtitle B, Occupations
Code); or
(D)
a person who is a licensed vocational nurse or has an education
equivalent to or greater than that required for a licensed vocational nurse
designated by the practitioner to communicate prescriptions for an advanced
practice nurse or physician assistant authorized by the practitioner to sign
prescription drug orders under Chapter 157 of the Medical Practice Act (Subtitle
B, Occupations Code).
(26)
Device--An instrument, apparatus, implement, machine,
contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article,
including any component part or accessory, that is required under federal
or state law to be ordered or prescribed by a practitioner.
(27)
Dispense--Preparing, packaging, compounding, or labeling
for delivery a prescription drug or device in the course of professional practice
to an ultimate user or his agent by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner.
(28)
Dispensing pharmacist--The pharmacist responsible for
the final check of the dispensed prescription before delivery to the patient.
(29)
Distribute--The delivery of a prescription drug or device
other than by administering or dispensing.
(30)
Downtime--Period of time during which a data processing
system is not operable.
(31)
Drug regimen review--An evaluation of prescription drug
or medication orders and patient medication records for:
(A)
known allergies;
(B)
rational therapy--contraindications;
(C)
reasonable dose and route of administration;
(D)
reasonable directions for use;
(E)
duplication of therapy;
(F)
drug-drug interactions;
(G)
drug-food interactions;
(H)
drug-disease interactions;
(I)
adverse drug reactions; and
(J)
proper utilization, including overutilization or underutilization.
(32)
Electronic prescription drug order--A prescription drug
order which is transmitted by an electronic device to the receiver (pharmacy).
(33)
Electronic signature--A unique security code or other
identifier which specifically identifies the person entering information into
a data processing system. A facility which utilizes electronic signatures
must:
(A)
maintain a permanent list of the unique security codes
assigned to persons authorized to use the data processing system; and
(B)
have an ongoing security program which is capable of identifying
misuse and/or unauthorized use of electronic signatures.
(34)
Expiration date--The date (and time, when applicable)
beyond which a product should not be used.
(35)
Full-time pharmacist--A pharmacist who works in a pharmacy
from 30 to 40 hours per week or if the pharmacy is open less than 60 hours
per week, one-half of the time the pharmacy is open.
(36)
Hard copy--A physical document that is readable without
the use of a special device (i.e., cathode ray tube (CRT), microfiche reader,
etc.).
(37)
Medical Practice Act--The Texas Medical Practice Act,
Subtitle B, Occupations Code, as amended.
(38)
New prescription drug order--A prescription drug order
that:
(A)
has not been dispensed to the patient in the same strength
and dosage form by this pharmacy within the last year;
(B)
is transferred from another pharmacy; and/or
(C)
is a discharge prescription drug order. (Note: furlough
prescription drug orders are not considered new prescription drug orders.)
(39)
Original prescription--The:
(A)
original written prescription drug orders; or
(B)
original verbal or electronic prescription drug orders
reduced to writing either manually or electronically by the pharmacist.
(40)
Part-time pharmacist--A pharmacist who works less than
full-time.
(41)
Patient counseling--Communication by the pharmacist of
information to the patient or patient's agent, in order to improve therapy
by ensuring proper use of drugs and devices.
(42)
Pharmacist-in-charge--The pharmacist designated on a pharmacy
license as the pharmacist who has the authority or responsibility for a pharmacy's
compliance with laws and rules pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
(43)
Pharmaceutical care--The provision of drug therapy and
other pharmaceutical services intended to assist in the cure or prevention
of a disease, elimination or reduction of a patient's symptoms, or arresting
or slowing of a disease process.
(44)
Pharmacy technicians--Those individuals utilized in pharmacies
whose responsibility it shall be to provide technical services that do not
require professional judgment concerned with the preparation and distribution
of drugs under the direct supervision of and responsible to a pharmacist.
Pharmacy technician includes certified pharmacy technicians, pharmacy technicians,
and pharmacy technician trainees.
(45)
Pharmacy technician trainee--a pharmacy technician:
(A)
participating in a pharmacy's technician training program;
or
(B)
a person currently enrolled in a technician training program
accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists provided:
(i)
the person is working during times the individual is assigned
to a pharmacy as a part of the experiential component of the American Society
of Health-System Pharmacists training program;
(ii)
the person is under the direct supervision of and responsible
to a pharmacist; and
(iii)
the supervising pharmacist conducts in-process and final
checks.
(46)
Physician assistant--A physician assistant recognized
by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners as having the specialized education
and training required under Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations Code, and
issued an identification number by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
(47)
Practitioner--
(A)
a physician, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other
person licensed or registered to prescribe, distribute, administer, or dispense
a prescription drug or device in the course of professional practice in this
state;
(B)
a person licensed by another state in a health field in
which, under Texas law, licensees in this state may legally prescribe dangerous
drugs or a person practicing in another state and licensed by another state
as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or podiatrist, having a current federal
Drug Enforcement Administration registration number, and who may legally prescribe
Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substances in such other state; or
(C)
a person licensed in the Dominion of Canada or the United
Mexican States in a health field in which, under the laws of this state, a
licensee may legally prescribe dangerous drugs;
(D)
does not include a person licensed under the Texas Pharmacy
Act.
(48)
Prepackaging--The act of repackaging and relabeling quantities
of drug products from a manufacturer's original commercial container into
a prescription container for dispensing by a pharmacist to the ultimate consumer.
(49)
Prescription drug--
(A)
a substance for which federal or state law requires a prescription
before it may be legally dispensed to the public;
(B)
a drug or device that under federal law is required, prior
to being dispensed or delivered, to be labeled with either of the following
statements:
(i)
"Caution: federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription";
or
(ii)
"Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or
on order of a licensed veterinarian"; or
(C)
a drug or device that is required by any applicable federal
or state law or regulation to be dispensed on prescription only or is restricted
to use by a practitioner only.
(50)
Prescription drug order--
(A)
an order from a practitioner or a practitioner's designated
agent to a pharmacist for a drug or device to be dispensed; or
(B)
an order pursuant to the Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations
Code.
(51)
Process validation--Documented evidence providing a high
degree of assurance that a specific process will consistently produce a product
meeting its predetermined specifications and quality attributes.
(52)
Quality assurance--The set of activities used to assure
that the process used in the preparation of sterile drug products lead to
products that meet predetermined standards of quality.
(53)
Quality control--The set of testing activities used to
determine that the ingredients, components (e.g., containers), and final sterile
pharmaceuticals prepared meet predetermined requirements with respect to identity,
purity, non-pyrogenicity, and sterility.
(54)
Sample--A prescription drug which is not intended to be
sold and is intended to promote the sale of the drug.
(55)
State--One of the 50 United States of America, a U.S.
territory, or the District of Columbia.
(56)
Sterile pharmaceutical--A dosage form free from living
micro-organisms.
(57)
Texas Controlled Substances Act--The Texas Controlled
Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481, as amended.
(58)
Unit-dose packaging--The ordered amount of drug in a dosage
form ready for administration to a particular patient, by the prescribed route
at the prescribed time, and properly labeled with name, strength, and expiration
date of the drug.
(59)
Unusable drugs--Drugs or devices that are unusable for
reasons such as they are adulterated, misbranded, expired, defective, or recalled.
(60)
Written protocol--A physicians order, standing medical
order, standing delegation order, or other order or protocol as defined by
rule of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners under the Texas Medical
Practice Act.
(c)
Personnel.
(1)
Pharmacist-in-charge.
(A)
General.
(i)
Each Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
shall have one pharmacist-in-charge who is employed on a full-time basis,
who may be the pharmacist-in-charge for only one such pharmacy; provided,
however, such pharmacist-in-charge may be the pharmacist-in-charge of more
than one Class A pharmacy, if the additional Class A pharmacies are not open
to provide pharmacy services simultaneously.
(ii)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall comply with the provisions
of §291.17 of this title (relating to Inventory Requirements).
(B)
Responsibilities. The pharmacist-in-charge shall have the
responsibility for, at a minimum, the following:
(i)
ensuring that drugs and/or devices are dispensed and delivered
safely and accurately as prescribed;
(ii)
that a pharmacist communicates to the patient or the patient's
agent information about the prescription drug or device which in the exercise
of the pharmacist's professional judgment, the pharmacist deems significant
as specified in subsection (d)(3) of this section;
(iii)
assuring that a pharmacist communicates to the patient
or the patient's agent on his or her request, information concerning any prescription
drugs dispensed to the patient by the pharmacy;
(iv)
assuring that a reasonable effort is made to obtain, record,
and maintain patient medication records;
(v)
developing a system to assure that all pharmacy personnel
responsible for compounding and/or supervising the compounding of sterile
pharmaceuticals within the pharmacy receive appropriate education and training
and competency evaluation;
(vi)
establishing policies for procurement of drugs and devices
and storage of all pharmaceutical materials including pharmaceuticals, components
used in the compounding of pharmaceuticals, and drug delivery devices;
(vii)
developing a system for the disposal and distribution
of drugs from the Class A pharmacy;
(viii)
developing a system for bulk compounding or batch preparation
of drugs;
(ix)
developing a system for the compounding, sterility assurance,
quality assurance and quality control of sterile pharmaceuticals;
(x)
participating in those aspects of the patient care evaluation
program relating to pharmaceutical material utilization and effectiveness;
(xi)
implementing the policies and decisions relating to pharmaceutical
services;
(xii)
maintaining records of all transactions of the Class
A pharmacy necessary to maintain accurate control over and accountability
for all pharmaceutical materials required by applicable state and federal
laws and rules;
(xiii)
developing a system to assure the maintenance of effective
controls against the theft or diversion of prescription drugs, and records
for such drugs;
(xiv)
assuring that records in a data processing system are
maintained such that the data processing system is in compliance with this
section;
(xv)
assuring that the pharmacy has a system to dispose of
cytotoxic waste in a manner so as not to endanger the public health; and
(xvi)
legal operation of the pharmacy, including meeting all
inspection and other requirements of all state and federal laws or rules governing
the practice of pharmacy.
(2)
Pharmacists.
(A)
General.
(i)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall be assisted by sufficient
number of additional licensed pharmacists as may be required to operate the
pharmacy competently, safely, and adequately to meet the needs of the patients
of the pharmacy.
(ii)
All pharmacists shall assist the pharmacist-in-charge
in meeting his or her responsibilities in ordering, dispensing, and accounting
for prescription drugs.
(iii)
Pharmacists are solely responsible for the direct supervision
of pharmacy technicians and for designating and delegating duties, other than
those listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, to pharmacy technicians.
Each pharmacist:
(I)
shall verify the accuracy of all acts, tasks, and functions
performed by pharmacy technicians; and
(II)
shall be responsible for any delegated act performed by
pharmacy technicians under his or her supervision.
(iv)
All pharmacists while on duty, shall be responsible for
complying with all state and federal laws or rules governing the practice
of pharmacy.
(v)
A pharmacist shall be accessible at all times to respond
to patients' and other health professionals' questions and needs. Such access
may be through a telephone which is answered 24 hours a day.
(vi)
A dispensing pharmacist shall ensure that the drug is
dispensed and delivered safely, and accurately as prescribed.
(B)
Duties. Duties which may only be performed by a pharmacist
are as follows:
(i)
receiving verbal prescription drug orders and reducing
these orders to writing, either manually or electronically;
(ii)
interpreting and evaluating prescription drug orders;
(iii)
selection of drug products;
(iv)
interpreting patient medication records and performing
drug regimen reviews;
(v)
performing the final check of the dispensed prescription
before delivery to the patient to ensure that the prescription has been dispensed
accurately as prescribed;
(vi)
communicating to the patient or patient's agent information
about the prescription drug or device which in the exercise of the pharmacist's
professional judgment, the pharmacist deems significant as specified in paragraph
(3) of this subsection;
(vii)
communicating to the patient or the patient's agent on
his or her request, information concerning any prescription drugs dispensed
to the patient by the pharmacy;
(viii)
assuring that a reasonable effort is made to obtain,
record, and maintain patient medication records; and
(ix)
performing a specific act of drug therapy management for
a patient delegated to a pharmacist by a written protocol from a physician
licensed in this state in compliance with the Medical Practice Act.
(3)
Pharmacy technicians.
(A)
Qualifications.
(i)
General. All pharmacy technicians shall:
(I)
have a high school or equivalent degree, e.g., GED, or
be currently enrolled in a program which awards such a degree; and
(II)
complete a structured didactic and experiential training
program, which provides instruction and experience in the areas listed in
subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.
(III)
Effective January 1, 2001, all pharmacy technicians must
have taken and passed the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
or other examination approved during an open meeting by the Board or be a
pharmacy technician trainee.
(ii)
Pharmacy Technician Trainee.
(I)
A person shall be designated as a pharmacy technician trainee
while participating in a pharmacy's technician training program in preparation
for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or other examination
approved during an open meeting by the Board.
(II)
A person may be designated a pharmacy technician trainee
for no more than one year. A person may not be a technician trainee if they
fail to pass the certification exam within this one year training period.
This subclause does not apply to a pharmacy technician trainee working in
a pharmacy as part of a training program accredited by the American Society
of Health-System Pharmacists or an individual enrolled in a health science
technology education program in a Texas high school.
(III)
Individuals enrolled in a health science technology education
program in a Texas high school that is accredited by the Texas Education Agency,
may be designated as a pharmacy technician trainee for up to two years provided:
(-a-)
the work as a pharmacy technician is concurrent with
enrollment in a health science technology education program, which may include:
(-1-)
partial semester breaks such as spring breaks;
(-2-)
between semesters; and
(-3-)
whole semester breaks provided the individual was enrolled
in the health science technology education program in the immediate preceding
semester and is scheduled with the high school to attend in the immediate
subsequent semester;
(-b-)
the individual is under the direct supervision of and
responsible to a pharmacist; and
(-c-)
the supervising pharmacist verifies the accuracy of all
acts, tasks, or functions performed by the individual.
(iii)
Certified Pharmacy Technicians. All certified pharmacy
technicians shall have taken and passed the National Pharmacy Technician Certification
Exam or other examination approved during an open meeting by the Board and
maintain a current certification with the Pharmacy Technician Certification
Board or any other entity providing an examination approved by the Board.
(B)
Duties.
(i)
pharmacy technicians may not perform any of the duties
listed in paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection.
(ii)
A pharmacist may delegate to pharmacy technicians any
nonjudgmental technical duty associated with the preparation and distribution
of prescription drugs provided:
(I)
a pharmacist verifies the accuracy of all acts, tasks,
and functions performed by pharmacy technicians; and
(II)
pharmacy technicians are under the direct supervision
of and responsible to a pharmacist.
(iii)
Pharmacy technicians may perform only nonjudgmental technical
duties associated with the preparation and distribution of prescription drugs,
including but not limited to the following.
(I)
initiating and receiving refill authorization requests;
(II)
entering prescription data into a data processing system;
(III)
taking a stock bottle from the shelf for a prescription;
(IV)
preparing and packaging prescription drug orders (i.e.,
counting tablets/capsules, measuring liquids and placing them in the prescription
container);
(V)
affixing prescription labels and auxiliary labels to the
prescription container provided:
(-a-)
the pharmacy technician has completed the education and
training requirements outlined in subparagraphs (A) and (D) of this subsection;
and
(-b-)
effective January 1, 2001, only certified pharmacy technicians
may affix a label to a prescription container.
(VI)
reconstituting medications;
(VII)
prepackaging and labeling prepackaged drugs;
(VIII)
loading bulk unlabeled drugs into an automated dispensing
system provided a pharmacist verifies that the system is properly loaded prior
to use;
(IX)
compounding sterile pharmaceuticals provided:
(-a-)
the pharmacy technician has completed the education and
training specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection and the pharmacy technician
is supervised by a pharmacist who has completed the training specified in
paragraph (4) of this subsection; and
(-b-)
effective January 1, 2001, the pharmacy technicians:
(-1-)
are either certified pharmacy technicians or technician
trainees;
(-2-)
have completed the training specified in paragraph (4)
of this subsection; and
(-3-)
are supervised by a pharmacist who has completed the
training specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection, conducts in-process
and final checks, and affixes his or her initials to the appropriate quality
control records.
(X)
compounding non-sterile prescription drug orders; and
(XI)
bulk compounding.
(iv)
Certified pharmacy technicians. Effective January 1, 2001,
only certified pharmacy technicians may:
(I)
affix a label to a prescription container; and
(II)
compound sterile pharmaceuticals.
(C)
Ratio of pharmacist to pharmacy technicians.
(i)
The ratio of pharmacists to pharmacy technicians may not
exceed 1:2 provided that only one pharmacy technician may be engaged in the
compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals.
(ii)
The ratio of pharmacists to pharmacy technicians may be
1:3 provided that at least one of the three technicians is certified and only
one may be engaged in the compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals.
(D)
Training.
(i)
pharmacy technicians shall complete initial training as
outlined by the pharmacist-in-charge in a training manual which includes training
and experience as outlined in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph prior to
the regular performance of their duties. Such training:
(I)
shall include training and experience as outlined in subparagraph
(E) of this paragraph; and
(II)
may not be transferred to another pharmacy unless:
(-a-)
the pharmacies are under common ownership and control
and have a common training program; and
(-b-)
the pharmacist-in-charge of each pharmacy in which the
pharmacy technician works certifies that the pharmacy technician is competent
to perform the duties assigned in that pharmacy.
(ii)
A pharmacy technician shall be designated a pharmacy technician
trainee until completing the full training program. A pharmacy technician
trainee:
(I)
may perform all of the duties of a pharmacy technician
except affix a label to a prescription;
(II)
may be designated a pharmacy technician trainee for no
longer than one year except as specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph;
and
(III)
shall be counted in the pharmacist to pharmacy technician
ratio.
(iii)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure the continuing
competency of pharmacy technicians through-in-service education and training
to supplement initial training.
(iv)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall document the completion
of the training program and certify the competency of pharmacy technicians
completing the training. A written record of initial and in-service training
of pharmacy technicians shall be maintained and contain the following information:
(I)
name of the person receiving the training;
(II)
date(s) of the training;
(III)
general description of the topics covered;
(IV)
a statement or statements that certifies that the pharmacy
technician is competent to perform the duties assigned;
(V)
name of the person supervising the training; and
(VI)
signature of the pharmacy technician and the pharmacist-in-charge
or other pharmacist employed by the pharmacy and designated by the pharmacist-in-charge
as responsible for training of pharmacy technicians.
(v)
A person who has previously completed training as a pharmacy
technician, or a licensed nurse or physician assistant is not required to
complete the entire training program if the person is able to show competency
through a documented assessment of competency. Such competency assessment
may be conducted by personnel designated by the pharmacist-in-charge, but
the final acceptance of competency must be approved by the pharmacist-in-charge.
(E)
Training program. Pharmacy technicians training shall be
outlined in a training manual. Such training manual shall, at a minimum, contain
the following:
(i)
written procedures and guidelines for the use and supervision
of pharmacy technicians. Such procedures and guidelines shall:
(I)
specify the manner in which the pharmacist responsible
for the supervision of pharmacy technicians will supervise such personnel
and verify the accuracy and completeness of all acts, task and functions performed
by such personnel; and
(II)
specify duties which may and may not be performed by pharmacy
technicians; and
(ii)
instruction in the following areas and any additional
areas appropriate to the duties of pharmacy technicians in the pharmacy:
(I)
Orientation;
(II)
Job descriptions;
(III)
Communication techniques;
(IV)
Laws and rules;
(V)
Security and safety;
(VI)
Prescription drugs:
(-a-)
Basic pharmaceutical nomenclature;
(-b-)
Dosage forms;
(VII)
Prescription drug orders:
(-a-)
Prescribers;
(-b-)
Directions for use;
(-c-)
Commonly-used abbreviations and symbols;
(-d-)
Number of dosage units;
(-e-)
Strength and systems of measurement;
(-f-)
Route of administration;
(-g-)
Frequency of administration;
(-h-)
Interpreting directions for use;
(VIII)
Prescription drug order preparation:
(-a-)
Creating or updating patient medication records;
(-b-)
Entering prescription drug order information into the
computer or typing the label in a manual system;
(-c-)
Selecting the correct stock bottle;
(-d-)
Accurately counting or pouring the appropriate quantity
of drug product;
(-e-)
Selecting the proper container;
(-f-)
Affixing the prescription label;
(-g-)
Affixing auxiliary labels, if indicated; and
(-h-)
Preparing the finished product for inspection and final
check by pharmacists;
(IX)
Other functions;
(X)
Drug product prepackaging;
(XI)
Compounding of non-sterile pharmaceuticals;
(XII)
Written policy and guidelines for use of and supervision
of pharmacy technicians.
(4)
Special education, training, and evaluation requirements
for pharmacy personnel compounding or responsible for the direct supervision
of pharmacy personnel compounding sterile pharmaceuticals.
(A)
General.
(i)
All pharmacy personnel preparing sterile pharmaceuticals
shall receive didactic and experiential training and competency evaluation
through demonstration, testing (written or practical) as outlined by the pharmacist-in-charge
and described in the policy and procedure or training manual. Such training
shall include instruction and experience in the following areas:
(I)
aseptic technique;
(II)
critical area contamination factors;
(III)
environmental monitoring;
(IV)
facilities;
(V)
equipment and supplies;
(VI)
sterile pharmaceutical calculations and terminology;
(VII)
sterile pharmaceutical compounding documentation;
(VIII)
quality assurance procedures;
(IX)
aseptic preparation procedures including proper gowning
and gloving technique;
(X)
handling of cytotoxic and hazardous drugs, if applicable;
and
(XI)
general conduct in the controlled area.
(ii)
The aseptic technique of each person compounding or responsible
for the direct supervision of personnel compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
shall be observed and evaluated as satisfactory through written or practical
tests and process validation and such evaluation documented.
(iii)
Although process validation may be incorporated into
the experiential portion of a training program, process validation must be
conducted at each pharmacy where an individual compounds sterile pharmaceuticals.
No product intended for patient use shall be compounded by an individual until
the on-site process validation test indicates that the individual can competently
perform aseptic procedures, except that a pharmacist may temporarily compound
sterile pharmaceuticals and supervise pharmacy technicians compounding sterile
pharmaceuticals without process validation provided the pharmacist:
(I)
has completed a recognized course in an accredited college
of pharmacy or a course sponsored by an American Council on Pharmaceutical
Education approved provider which provides 20 hours of instruction and experience
in the areas listed in this subparagraph; and
(II)
completes the on-site process validation within seven
days of commencing work at the pharmacy.
(iv)
Process validation procedures for assessing the preparation
of specific types of sterile pharmaceuticals shall be representative of all
types of manipulations, products, and batch sizes that personnel preparing
that type of pharmaceutical are likely to encounter.
(v)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure continuing competency
of pharmacy personnel through in-service education, training, and process
validation to supplement initial training. Personnel competency shall be evaluated:
(I)
during orientation and training prior to the regular performance
of those tasks;
(II)
whenever the quality assurance program yields an unacceptable
result;
(III)
whenever unacceptable techniques are observed; and
(IV)
at least on an annual basis.
(B)
Pharmacists.
(i)
All pharmacists who compound sterile pharmaceuticals or
supervise pharmacy technicians compounding sterile pharmaceuticals shall:
(I)
complete through a single course, a minimum of 20 hours
of instruction and experience in the areas listed in subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph. Such training may be through:
(-a-)
completion of a structured on-the-job didactic and experiential
training program at this pharmacy which provides 20 hours of instruction and
experience in the areas listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Such training
may not be transferred to another pharmacy unless the pharmacies are under
common ownership and control and use a common training program; or
(-b-)
completion of a recognized course in an accredited college
of pharmacy or a course sponsored by an American Council on Pharmaceutical
Education approved provider which provides 20 hours of instruction and experience
in the areas listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
(II)
possess knowledge about:
(-a-)
aseptic processing;
(-b-)
quality control and quality assurance as related to environmental,
component, and end-product testing;
(-c-)
chemical, pharmaceutical, and clinical properties of
drugs;
(-d-)
container, equipment, and closure system selection; and
(-e-)
sterilization techniques.
(ii)
The required experiential portion of the training programs
specified in this subparagraph must be supervised by an individual who has
already completed training as specified in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this
paragraph.
(C)
Pharmacy technicians. In addition to the qualifications
and training outlined in paragraph (3) of this subsection, all pharmacy technicians
who compound sterile pharmaceuticals shall:
(i)
have a high school or equivalent education;
(ii)
either:
(I)
complete through a single course, a minimum of 40 hours
of instruction and experience in the areas listed in subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph. Such training may be obtained through the:
(-a-)
completion of a structured on-the-job didactic and experiential
training program at this pharmacy which provides 40 hours of instruction and
experience in the areas listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. Such
training may not be transferred to another pharmacy unless the pharmacies
are under common ownership and control and use a common training program;
or
(-b-)
completion of a course sponsored by an ACPE approved
provider which provides 40 hours of instruction and experience in the areas
listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; or
(II)
completion of a training program which is accredited by
the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (formerly the American Society
of Hospital Pharmacists). Individuals enrolled in training programs accredited
by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists may compound sterile
pharmaceuticals in a licensed pharmacy provided:
(-a-)
the compounding occurs only during times the individual
is assigned to a pharmacy as a part of the experiential component of the American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists training program;
(-b-)
the individual is under the direct supervision of and
responsible to a pharmacist who has completed training as specified in subparagraph
(B) of this paragraph; and
(-c-)
the supervising pharmacist conducts in-process and final
checks; and
(iii)
on January 1, 2001, discontinue preparation of sterile
pharmaceuticals if the technician has not taken and passed the National Pharmacy
Technician Certification Exam or other examination approved during an open
meeting by the Board. Such pharmacy technicians may continue to compound sterile
pharmaceuticals during the interim between the effective date of these rules
and January 1, 2001, if they maintain documentation of completion of the training
specified in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.
(iv)
acquire the required experiential portion of the training
programs specified in this subparagraph under the supervision of an individual
who has already completed training as specified in subparagraph (B) or (C)
of this paragraph.
(D)
Documentation of Training. A written record of initial
and in-service training and the results of written or practical testing and
process validation of pharmacy personnel shall be maintained and contain the
following information:
(i)
name of the person receiving the training or completing
the testing or process validation;
(ii)
date(s) of the training, testing, or process validation;
(iii)
general description of the topics covered in the training
or testing or of the process validated;
(iv)
name of the person supervising the training, testing,
or process validation; and
(v)
signature (first initial and last name or full signature)
of the person receiving the training or completing the testing or process
validation and the pharmacist-in-charge or other pharmacist employed by the
pharmacy and designated by the pharmacist-in-charge as responsible for training,
testing, or process validation of personnel.
(5)
Identification of pharmacy personnel. Pharmacy personnel
shall be identified as follows.
(A)
Pharmacy technicians. All pharmacy technicians shall wear
an identification tag or badge which bears the person's name and identifies
him or her as a pharmacy technician trainee, pharmacy technician, or a certified
pharmacy technician.
(B)
Pharmacist interns. All pharmacist interns shall wear an
identification tag or badge which bears the person's name and identifies him
or her as a pharmacist intern.
(C)
Pharmacists. All pharmacists shall wear an identification
tag or badge which bears the person's name and identifies him or her as a
pharmacist.
(d)
Operational standards.
(1)
Licensing requirements.
(A)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
shall register annually or biennially with the board on a pharmacy license
application provided by the board, following the procedures specified in §291.1
of this title (relating to Pharmacy License Application).
(B)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
which changes ownership shall notify the board within ten days of the change
of ownership and apply for a new and separate license as specified in §291.4
of this title (relating to Change of Ownership).
(C)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
which changes location and/or name shall notify the board within ten days
of the change and file for an amended license as specified in §291.2
of this title (relating to Change of Location and/or Name).
(D)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
owned by a partnership or corporation which changes managing officers shall
notify the board in writing of the names of the new managing officers within
ten days of the change, following the procedures in §291.3 of this title
(relating to Change of Managing Officers).
(E)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
shall notify the board in writing within ten days of closing, following the
procedures in §291.5 of this title (relating to Closed Pharmacies).
(F)
A separate license is required for each principal place
of business and only one pharmacy license may be issued to a specific location.
(G)
A fee as specified in §291.6 of this title (relating
to Pharmacy License Fees) will be charged for the issuance and renewal of
a license and the issuance of an amended license.
(H)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals,
licensed under the provisions of the Act, §560.051(a)(1), which also
operates another type of pharmacy which would otherwise be required to be
licensed under the Act, §560.051(a)(2), concerning nuclear pharmacy (Class
B), is not required to secure a license for such other type of pharmacy; provided,
however, such licensee is required to comply with the provisions of §291.51
of this title (relating to Purpose), §291.52 of this title (relating
to Definitions), §291.53 of this title (relating to Personnel), §291.54
of this title (relating to Operational Standards), and §291.55 of this
title (relating to Records), contained in Nuclear Pharmacy (Class B), to the
extent such sections are applicable to the operation of the pharmacy.
(I)
A Class A pharmacy engaged in nonsterile compounding of
drug products shall comply with the provisions of §§291.31-291.34
of this title (relating to Definitions, Personnel, Operational Standards,
and Records for Class A (Community) Pharmacies) to the extent such rules are
applicable to nonsterile compounding of drug products.
(2)
Environment.
(A)
General requirements.
(i)
The pharmacy shall be enclosed and lockable.
(ii)
The pharmacy shall have adequate space necessary for the
storage, compounding, labeling, dispensing, and sterile preparation of drugs
prepared in the pharmacy, and additional space, depending on the size and
scope of pharmaceutical services.
(iii)
The pharmacy shall be arranged in an orderly fashion
and shall be kept clean. All required equipment shall be clean and in good
operating condition.
(iv)
A sink with hot and cold running water, exclusive of restroom
facilities, designated primarily for use of admixtures, shall be available
within the pharmacy facility to all pharmacy personnel and shall be maintained
in a sanitary condition at all times.
(v)
The pharmacy shall be properly lighted and ventilated.
(vi)
The temperature of the pharmacy shall be maintained within
a range compatible with the proper storage of drugs; the temperature of the
refrigerator shall be maintained within a range compatible with the proper
storage of drugs requiring refrigeration.
(vii)
If prescription drug orders are delivered to the patient
at the pharmacy, the pharmacy shall contain an area which is suitable for
confidential patient counseling.
(I)
Such counseling area shall:
(-a-)
be easily accessible to both patient and pharmacists
and not allow patient access to prescription drugs;
(-b-)
be designed to maintain the confidentiality and privacy
of the pharmacist/patient communication.
(II)
In determining whether the area is suitable for confidential
patient counseling and designed to maintain the confidentiality and privacy
of the pharmacist/patient communication, the board may consider factors such
as the following:
(-a-)
the proximity of the counseling area to the check-out
or cash register area;
(-b-)
the volume of pedestrian traffic in and around the counseling
area;
(-c-)
the presence of walls or other barriers between the counseling
area and other areas of the pharmacy; and
(-d-)
any evidence of confidential information being overheard
by persons other than the patient or patient's agent or the pharmacist or
agents of the pharmacist.
(viii)
Animals, including birds and reptiles, shall not be
kept within the pharmacy and in immediately adjacent areas under the control
of the pharmacy. This provision does not apply to fish in aquariums, guide
dogs accompanying disabled persons, or animals for sale to the general public
in a separate area that is inspected by local health jurisdictions.
(B)
Special requirements for the compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals.
When the pharmacy compounds sterile pharmaceuticals, the following is applicable.
(i)
Aseptic environment control device(s). The pharmacy shall
prepare sterile pharmaceuticals in an appropriate aseptic environmental control
device(s) or area, such as a laminar air flow hood, biological safety cabinet,
or clean room which is capable of maintaining at least Class 100 conditions
during normal activity. The aseptic environmental control device(s) shall:
(I)
be certified by an independent contractor according to
Federal Standard 209E, et seq, for operational efficiency at least every six
months or when it is relocated; and
(II)
have pre-filters inspected periodically and replaced as
needed, in accordance with written policies and procedures, and the inspection
and/or replacement date documented.
(ii)
Controlled area. The pharmacy shall have a designated
controlled area for the compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals that is functionally
separate from areas for the preparation of non-sterile pharmaceuticals and
is constructed to minimize the opportunities for particulate and microbial
contamination. This controlled area for the preparation of sterile pharmaceuticals
shall:
(I)
have a controlled environment that is aseptic or contains
an aseptic environmental control device(s);
(II)
be clean, well lighted, and of sufficient size to support
sterile compounding activities;
(III)
be used only for the compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals;
(IV)
be designed to avoid outside traffic and air flow;
(V)
have non-porous and washable floors or floor covering to
enable regular disinfection;
(VI)
be ventilated in a manner not interfering with aseptic
environmental control conditions;
(VII)
have hard cleanable walls and ceilings (acoustical ceiling
tiles that are coated with an acrylic paint are acceptable);
(VIII)
have drugs and supplies stored on shelving areas above
the floor to permit adequate floor cleaning;
(IX)
contain only the appropriate compounding supplies and
not be used for bulk storage for supplies and materials.
(iii)
End-product evaluation.
(I)
The responsible pharmacist shall verify that the sterile
pharmaceutical was compounded accurately with respect to the use of correct
ingredients, quantities, containers, and reservoirs.
(II)
end product sterility testing according to policies and
procedures, which include a statistically valid sampling plan and acceptance
criteria for the sampling and testing, shall be performed if deemed appropriate
by the pharmacist-in-charge;
(III)
the pharmacist-in-charge shall establish a mechanism
for recalling all products of a specific batch if end-product testing procedures
yield unacceptable results.
(iv)
Automated compounding or counting device. If automated
compounding or counting devices are used, the pharmacy shall have a method
to calibrate and verify the accuracy of automated compounding or counting
devices used in aseptic processing and document the calibration and verification
on a routine basis.
(v)
Cytotoxic drugs. In addition to the requirements specified
in clause (i) of this subparagraph, if the product is also cytotoxic, the
following is applicable.
(I)
General.
(-a-)
All personnel involved in the compounding of cytotoxic
products shall wear appropriate protective apparel, such as masks, gloves,
and gowns or coveralls with tight cuffs.
(-b-)
Appropriate safety and containment techniques for compounding
cytotoxic drugs shall be used in conjunction with aseptic techniques required
for preparing sterile pharmaceuticals.
(-c-)
Disposal of cytotoxic waste shall comply with all applicable
local, state, and federal requirements.
(-d-)
Prepared doses of cytotoxic drugs must be dispensed,
labeled with proper precautions inside and outside, and distributed in a manner
to minimize patient contact with cytotoxic agents.
(II)
Aseptic environment control device(s).
(-a-)
Cytotoxic drugs must be prepared in a vertical flow biological
safety cabinet.
(-b-)
If the vertical flow biological safety cabinet is also
used to prepare non-cytotoxic sterile pharmaceuticals, the cabinet must be
thoroughly cleaned prior to its use to prepare non-cytotoxic sterile pharmaceuticals.
(C)
Security requirements.
(i)
The pharmacy shall have locked storage for Schedule II
controlled substances and other controlled drugs requiring additional security.
(ii)
All areas occupied by a pharmacy shall be capable of being
locked by key or combination, so as to prevent access by unauthorized personnel
when a pharmacist is not on-site.
(iii)
The pharmacy may authorize personnel to gain access to
that area of the pharmacy containing dispensed sterile pharmaceuticals, in
the absence of the pharmacist, for the purpose of retrieving dispensed prescriptions
to deliver to patients. If the pharmacy allows such after-hours access, the
area containing the dispensed sterile pharmaceuticals shall be an enclosed
and lockable area separate from the area containing undispensed prescription
drugs. A list of the authorized personnel having such access shall be in the
pharmacy's policy and procedure manual.
(iv)
Each pharmacist while on duty shall be responsible for
the security of the prescription department, including provisions for effective
control against theft or diversion of prescription drugs, and records for
such drugs.
(D)
Temporary absence of pharmacist.
(i)
If a pharmacy is staffed by a single pharmacist, the pharmacist
may leave the prescription department for breaks and meal periods without
closing the prescription department and removing pharmacy technicians and
other pharmacy personnel from the prescription department provided the following
conditions are met:
(I)
at least one certified pharmacy technician remains in the
prescription department;
(II)
the pharmacist remains on-site at the licensed location
of the pharmacy and available for an emergency;
(III)
the absence does not exceed 30 minutes at a time and
a total of one hours in a 12 hour period;
(IV)
the pharmacist reasonably believes that the security of
the prescription department will be maintained in his or her absence. If in
the professional judgment of the pharmacist, the pharmacist determines that
the prescription department should close during his or her absence, then the
pharmacist shall close the prescription department and remove the pharmacy
technicians and other pharmacy personnel from the prescription department
during his or her absence; and
(V)
a notice is posted which includes the following information:
(-a-)
the fact that pharmacist is on a break and the time the
pharmacist will return; and
(-b-)
the fact that pharmacy technicians may begin the processing
of prescription drug orders or refills brought in during the pharmacist absence
but the prescription or refill may not be delivered to the patient or the
patient's agent until the pharmacist returns and verifies the accuracy of
the prescription.
(ii)
During the time a pharmacist is absent from the prescription
department, only pharmacy technicians who have completed the pharmacy's training
program may perform the following duties, provided a pharmacist verifies the
accuracy of all acts, tasks, and functions performed by the pharmacy technicians
prior to delivery of the prescription to the patient or the patient's agent:
(I)
initiating and receiving refill authorization requests;
(II)
entering prescription data into a data processing system;
(III)
taking a stock bottle from the shelf for a prescription;
(IV)
preparing and packaging prescription drug orders (i.e.,
counting tablets/capsules, measuring liquids and placing them in the prescription
container);
(V)
affixing prescription labels and auxiliary labels to the
prescription container. After January 1, 2001, only certified pharmacy technicians
may affix prescription labels to prescription containers; and
(VI)
prepackaging and labeling prepackaged drugs.
(iii)
Upon return to the prescription department, the pharmacist
shall:
(I)
conduct a drug regimen review as specified in paragraph
(4)(A)(ii) of this subsection; and
(II)
verify the accuracy of all acts, tasks, and functions
performed by pharmacy technicians prior to delivery of the prescription to
the patient or the patient's agent.
(iv)
An agent of the pharmacist may deliver a prescription
drug order to the patient or his or her agent provided a record of the delivery
is maintained containing the following information:
(I)
date of the delivery;
(II)
unique identification number of the prescription drug
order;
(III)
patient's name;
(IV)
patient's phone number or the phone number of the person
picking up the prescription; and
(V)
signature of the person picking up the prescription.
(v)
Any prescription delivered to a patient when a pharmacist
is not in the prescription department must meet the requirements for a prescription
delivered to a patient as described in paragraph (3)(A)(v) of this subsection.
(vi)
During the times a pharmacist is absent from the prescription
department a pharmacist intern shall be considered a certified pharmacy technician
and may perform only the duties of a certified pharmacy technician.
(vii)
In pharmacies with two or more pharmacists on duty, the
pharmacists shall stagger their breaks and meal periods so that the prescription
department is not left without a pharmacist on duty.
(3)
Prescription dispensing and delivery.
(A)
Patient counseling and provision of drug information.
(i)
To optimize drug therapy, a pharmacist shall communicate
to the patient or the patient's agent, information about the prescription
drug or device which in the exercise of the pharmacist's professional judgment
the pharmacist deems significant, such as the following:
(I)
the name and description of the drug or device;
(II)
dosage form, dosage, route of administration, and duration
of drug therapy;
(III)
special directions and precautions for preparation, administration,
and use by the patient;
(IV)
common severe side or adverse effects or interactions
and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their
avoidance, and the action required if they occur;
(V)
techniques for self monitoring of drug therapy;
(VI)
proper storage;
(VII)
refill information; and
(VIII)
action to be taken in the event of a missed dose.
(ii)
Such communication:
(I)
shall be provided with each new prescription drug order,
once yearly on maintenance medications, and if the pharmacist deems appropriate,
with prescription drug order refills. (For the purposes of this clause, maintenance
medications are defined as any medication the patient has taken for one year
or longer);
(II)
shall be provided for any prescription drug order dispensed
by the pharmacy on the request of the patient or patient's agent;
(III)
shall be communicated orally in person unless the patient
or patient's agent is not at the pharmacy or a specific communication barrier
prohibits such oral communication; and
(IV)
shall be reinforced with written information. The following
is applicable concerning this written information.
(-a-)
Written information designed for the consumer such as
the USP DI Patient Information Leaflets shall be provided.
(-b-)
When a compounded product is dispensed, information shall
be provided for the major active ingredient(s), if available.
(-c-)
For new drug entities, if no written information is initially
available, the pharmacist is not required to provide information until such
information is available, provided:
(-1-)
the pharmacist informs the patient or the patient's agent
that the product is a new drug entity and written information is not available;
(-2-)
the pharmacist documents the fact that no written information
was provided; and
(-3-)
if the prescription is refilled after written information
is available, such information is provided to the patient or patient's agent.
(iii)
Only a pharmacist may verbally provide drug information
to a patient or patient's agent and answer questions concerning prescription
drugs. Non-pharmacist personnel may not ask questions of a patient or patient's
agent which are intended to screen and/or limit interaction with the pharmacist.
(iv)
Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed as requiring
a pharmacist to provide consultation when a patient or patient's agent refuses
such consultation. The pharmacist shall document such refusal for consultation.
(v)
In addition to the requirements of clauses (i)-(iv) of
this subparagraph, if a prescription drug order is delivered to the patient
at the pharmacy, the following is applicable.
(I)
So that a patient will have access to information concerning
his or her prescription, a prescription may not be delivered to a patient
unless a pharmacist is in the pharmacy, except as provided in paragraph (2)(D)
of this subsection or subclause (II) of this clause.
(II)
An agent of the pharmacist may deliver a prescription
drug order to the patient or his or her agent during short periods of time
when a pharmacist is absent from the pharmacy, provided the short periods
of time do not exceed two hours, and provided a record of the delivery is
maintained containing the following information:
(-a-)
date of the delivery;
(-b-)
unique identification number of the prescription drug
order;
(-c-)
patient's name;
(-d-)
patient's phone number or the phone number of the person
picking up the prescription; and
(-e-)
signature of the person picking up the prescription.
(III)
Any prescription delivered to a patient when a pharmacist
is not in the pharmacy must meet the requirements described in clause (vi)
of this subparagraph.
(IV)
A Class A pharmacy compounding sterile pharmaceuticals
that delivers prescriptions to patients or their agents on-site shall make
available for use by the public a current or updated edition of the United
States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information, Volume II (Advice to the Patient),
or another source of such information, such as patient information leaflets.
(vi)
In addition to the requirements of clauses (i)-(iv) of
this subparagraph, if a prescription drug order is delivered to the patient
or his or her agent at the patient's residence or other designated location,
the following is applicable.
(I)
The information specified in clause (i) of this subparagraph
shall be delivered with the dispensed prescription in writing.
(II)
If prescriptions are routinely delivered outside the area
covered by the pharmacy's local telephone service, the pharmacy shall provide
a toll-free telephone line which is answered during normal business hours
to enable communication between the patient and a pharmacist.
(III)
The pharmacist shall place on the prescription container
or on a separate sheet delivered with the prescription container in both English
and Spanish the local and if applicable, toll-free telephone number of the
pharmacy and the statement: "Written information about this prescription has
been provided for you. Please read this information before you take the medication.
If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available
during normal business hours to answer these questions at (insert the pharmacy's
local and toll-free telephone numbers)."
(IV)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure that:
(-a-)
the pharmacy maintain and use adequate storage or shipment
containers and shipping processes to ensure drug stability and potency. Such
shipping processes shall include the use of appropriate packaging material
and/or devices to ensure that the drug is maintained at an appropriate temperature
range to maintain the integrity of the medication throughout the delivery
process; and
(-b-)
the pharmacy uses a delivery system which is designed
to assure that the drugs are delivered to the appropriate patient.
(vii)
The provisions of this subparagraph do not apply to patients
in facilities where drugs are administered to patients by a person authorized
to do so by the laws of the state (i.e., nursing homes).
(B)
Prescription containers.
(i)
A drug dispensed pursuant to a prescription drug order
shall be dispensed in an appropriate container as specified on the manufacturer's
container.
(ii)
Prescription containers or closures shall not be re-used.
(C)
Labeling.
(i)
At the time of delivery of the drug, the dispensing container
of a sterile pharmaceutical shall bear a label with at least the following
information:
(I)
name, address and phone number of the pharmacy, including
a phone number which is answered 24 hours a day;
(II)
date dispensed;
(III)
name of prescribing practitioner;
(IV)
name of patient;
(V)
directions for use, including infusion rate and directions
to the patient for the addition of additives, if applicable;
(VI)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(VII)
name and amount of the base solution and of each drug
added unless otherwise directed by the prescribing practitioner;
(VIII)
initials or identification code of the person preparing
the product and the pharmacist who checked and released the final product;
(IX)
expiration date of the preparation based on published
data;
(X)
appropriate ancillary instructions, such as storage instructions
or cautionary statements, including cytotoxic/biohazardous warning labels
where applicable;
(XI)
if the prescription is for a Schedule II-IV controlled
substance, the statement "Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this
drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed";
(XII)
if the pharmacist has selected a generically equivalent
drug pursuant to the provisions of the Act, Chapters 562 and 563, the statement
"Substituted for Brand Prescribed" or "Substituted for 'Brand Name'" where
"Brand Name" is the actual name of the brand name product prescribed; and
(XIII)
the name of the advanced practice nurse or physician
assistant, if the prescription is carried out by an advanced practice nurse
or physician assistant in compliance with Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations
Code.
(ii)
The dispensing container is not required to bear the label
specified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph if:
(I)
the drug is prescribed for administration to an ultimate
user who is institutionalized in a licensed health care facility (e.g., nursing
home, hospice, hospital);
(II)
no more than a 34-day supply or 100 dosage units, whichever
is less, is dispensed at one time;
(III)
the drug is not in the possession of the ultimate user
prior to administration;
(IV)
the pharmacist-in-charge has determined that the institution:
(-a-)
maintains medication administration records which include
adequate directions for use for the drug(s) prescribed;
(-b-)
maintains records of ordering, receipt, and administration
of the drug(s); and
(-c-)
provides for appropriate safeguards for the control and
storage of the drug(s);
(V)
the system employed by the pharmacy in dispensing the prescription
drug order adequately identifies the:
(-a-)
pharmacy by name and address;
(-b-)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(-c-)
name and strength of the drug dispensed;
(-d-)
the name of the patient;
(-e-)
name of the prescribing practitioner; and
(VI)
the system employed by the pharmacy in dispensing the
prescription drug order adequately sets forth the directions for use and cautionary
statements, if any, contained on the prescription drug order or required by
law.
(4)
Pharmaceutical care services.
(A)
The following pharmaceutical care services shall be provided
by pharmacists of the pharmacy.
(i)
Drug utilization review. A systematic ongoing process of
drug utilization review shall be designed, followed, and documented to increase
the probability of desired patient outcomes and decrease the probability of
undesired outcomes from drug therapy.
(ii)
Drug regimen review.
(I)
For the purpose of promoting therapeutic appropriateness,
a pharmacist shall evaluate prescription drug orders and patient medication
records for:
(-a-)
known allergies;
(-b-)
rational therapy--contraindications;
(-c-)
reasonable dose and route of administration;
(-d-)
reasonable directions for use;
(-e-)
duplication of therapy;
(-f-)
drug-drug interactions;
(-g-)
drug-food interactions;
(-h-)
drug-disease interactions;
(-i-)
adverse drug reactions;
(-j-)
proper utilization, including overutilization or underutilization;
and
(-k-)
clinical laboratory or clinical monitoring methods to
monitor and evaluate drug effectiveness, side effects, toxicity, or adverse
effects, and appropriateness to continued use of the drug in its current regimen.
(II)
Upon identifying any clinically significant conditions,
situations, or items listed in subclause (I) of this clause, the pharmacist
shall take appropriate steps to avoid or resolve the problem including consultation
with the prescribing practitioner. The pharmacist shall document such occurrences.
(iii)
Patient care guidelines.
(I)
Primary provider. There shall be a designated physician
primarily responsible for the patient's medical care. There shall be a clear
understanding between the physician, the patient, and the pharmacy of the
responsibilities of each in the areas of the delivery of care, and the monitoring
of the patient. This shall be documented in the patient medication record
(PMR).
(II)
Patient training. The pharmacist-in-charge shall develop
policies that assure that the patient and/or patient's caregiver receives
information regarding drugs and their safe and appropriate use, including
instruction regarding:
(-a-)
appropriate disposition of hazardous solutions and ancillary
supplies;
(-b-)
proper disposition of controlled substances in the home;
(-c-)
self-administration of drugs, where appropriate;
(-d-)
emergency procedures, including how to contact an appropriate
individual in the event of problems or emergencies related to drug therapy;
and
(-e-)
if the patient or patient's caregiver prepares sterile
preparations in the home, the following additional information shall be provided:
(-1-)
safeguards against microbial contamination, including
aseptic techniques for compounding intravenous admixtures and aseptic techniques
for injecting additives to premixed intravenous solutions;
(-2-)
appropriate storage methods, including storage durations
for sterile pharmaceuticals and expirations of self-mixed solutions;
(-3-)
handling and disposition of premixed and self-mixed intravenous
admixtures; and
(-4-)
proper disposition of intravenous admixture compounding
supplies such as syringes, vials, ampules, and intravenous solution containers.
(III)
Pharmacist-patient relationship. It is imperative that
a pharmacist-patient relationship be established and maintained throughout
the patient's course of therapy. This shall be documented in the patient's
medication record (PMR).
(IV)
Patient monitoring. The pharmacist-in-charge shall develop
policies to ensure that:
(-a-)
the patient's response to drug therapy is monitored and
conveyed to the appropriate health care provider; and
(-b-)
the first dose of any new drug therapy is administered
in the presence of an individual qualified to monitor for and respond to adverse
drug reactions.
(B)
Other pharmaceutical care services which may be provided
by pharmacists include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i)
managing drug therapy as delegated by a practitioner as
allowed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act;
(ii)
administering immunizations and vaccinations under written
protocol of a physician;
(iii)
managing patient compliance programs;
(iv)
providing preventative health care services; and
(v)
providing case management of patients who are being treated
with high-risk or high-cost drugs, or who are considered "high risk" due to
their age, medical condition, family history, or related concern.
(5)
Equipment and supplies. Class A pharmacies compounding
sterile pharmaceuticals shall have the following equipment and supplies:
(A)
typewriter or comparable equipment;
(B)
refrigerator and, if sterile pharmaceuticals are stored
in the refrigerator, a system or device (i.e., thermometer) to monitor the
temperature daily to ensure that proper storage requirements are met;
(C)
adequate supply of prescription, poison, and other applicable
labels;
(D)
appropriate equipment necessary for the proper preparation
of prescription drug orders;
(E)
metric-apothecary weight and measure conversion charts;
(F)
if the pharmacy compounds prescription drug orders which
require the use of a balance, a Class A prescription balance, or analytical
balance and weights. Such balance shall be properly maintained and inspected
at least every three years by the appropriate authority as prescribed by local,
state, or federal law or regulations.
(G)
appropriate disposal containers for used needles, syringes,
etc., and if applicable, cytotoxic waste from the preparation of chemotherapeutic
agents, and/or biohazardous waste;
(H)
temperature controlled delivery containers;
(I)
infusion devices, if applicable;
(J)
all necessary supplies, including:
(i)
disposable needles, syringes, and other aseptic mixing;
(ii)
disinfectant cleaning solutions;
(iii)
hand washing agents with bacteriocidal action;
(iv)
disposable, lint free towels or wipes;
(v)
appropriate filters and filtration equipment;
(vi)
cytotoxic spill kits, if applicable; and
(vii)
masks, caps, coveralls or gowns with tight cuffs, shoe
covers, and gloves, as applicable.
(6)
Library. A reference library shall be maintained which
includes the following in hard-copy or electronic format:
(A)
current copies of the following:
(i)
Texas Pharmacy Act and rules;
(ii)
Texas Dangerous Drug Act and rules;
(iii)
Texas Controlled Substances Act and rules; and
(iv)
Federal Controlled Substances Act and rules (or official
publication describing the requirements of the Federal Controlled Substances
Act and rules);
(B)
at least one current or updated reference from each of
the following categories:
(i)
patient information (if prescriptions are delivered to
patients or their agents on-site):
(I)
United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information, Volume
II (Advice to the Patient); or
(II)
a reference text or information leaflets which provide
patient information;
(ii)
drug interactions. A reference text on drug interactions,
such as Hansten's and Horn's Drug Interactions;
(iii)
a general information reference text, such as:
(I)
Facts and Comparisons with current supplements;
(II)
United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information, Volume
I (Drug Information for the Healthcare Provider);
(III)
AHFS Drug Information with current supplements;
(IV)
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences; or
(V)
Micromedex;
(iv)
sterile pharmaceuticals. A current or updated reference
text on injectable drug products, such as Handbook on Injectable Drug Products;
(C)
a specialty reference appropriate for the scope of pharmacy
services provided by the pharmacy, e.g., if the pharmacy prepares cytotoxic
drugs, a reference text on the preparation of cytotoxic drugs, such as Procedures
for Handling Cytotoxic Drugs;
(D)
patient education manuals; and
(E)
basic antidote information and the telephone number of
the nearest regional poison control center.
(7)
Drugs.
(A)
Procurement and storage.
(i)
The pharmacist-in-charge shall have the responsibility
for the procurement and storage of drugs, but may receive input from other
appropriate staff relative to such responsibility.
(ii)
Prescription drugs and devices shall be stored within
the prescription department or a locked storage area.
(iii)
All drugs shall be stored at the proper temperature,
as defined by the following terms.
(I)
Cold--Any temperature not exceeding 8 degrees Centigrade
(46 degrees Fahrenheit). A refrigerator is a cold place in which the temperature
is maintained thermostatically between 2 and 8 degrees Centigrade (36 and
46 degrees Fahrenheit). A freezer is a cold place in which the temperature
is maintained thermostatically between -20 and -10 degrees Centigrade (-4
and -14 degrees Fahrenheit).
(II)
Cool--Any temperature between 8 and 15 degrees Centigrade
(46 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit). An article for which storage in a cool place
is directed may, alternatively, be stored in a refrigerator unless otherwise
specified in the labeling.
(III)
Room temperature--The temperature prevailing in a working
area. Controlled room temperature is a temperature thermostatically between
15 and 30 degrees Centigrade (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
(IV)
Warm--Any temperature between 30 and 40 degrees Centigrade
(86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
(V)
Excessive heat--Temperature above 40 degrees Centigrade
(104 degrees Fahrenheit).
(VI)
Protection from freezing where, in addition to the risk
of breakage of the container, freezing subjects a product to loss of strength
or potency, or to destructive alteration of the dosage form, the container
label bears an appropriate instruction to protect the product from freezing.
(B)
Out-of-date and other unusable drugs or devices.
(i)
Any drug or device bearing an expiration date shall not
be dispensed beyond the expiration date of the drug or device.
(ii)
Outdated and other unusable drugs or devices shall be
removed from dispensing stock and shall be quarantined together until such
drugs or devices are disposed of properly.
(C)
Class A Pharmacies may not sell, purchase, trade or possess
prescription drug samples, unless the pharmacy meets all of the following
conditions:
(i)
the pharmacy is owned by a charitable organization described
in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or by a city, state or county government;
(ii)
the pharmacy is a part of a health care entity which provides
health care primarily to indigent or low income patients at no or reduced
cost;
(iii)
the samples are for dispensing or provision at no charge
to patients of such health care entity; and
(iv)
the samples are possessed in compliance with the federal
Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1986.
(8)
Prepackaging of drugs and loading bulk drugs into automated
compounding or counting devices.
(A)
Prepackaging of drugs.
(i)
Drugs may be prepackaged in quantities suitable for internal
distribution only by a pharmacist or by pharmacy technicians under the direction
and direct supervision of a pharmacist.
(ii)
The label of a prepackaged unit shall indicate:
(I)
brand name and strength of the drug; or if no brand name
then the generic name, strength, and name of the manufacturer or distributor;
(II)
facility's unique lot number;
(III)
expiration date based on currently available literature;
and
(IV)
quantity of the drug, if the quantity is greater than
one.
(iii)
Records of prepackaging shall be maintained to show:
(I)
name of the drug, strength, and dosage form;
(II)
facility's unique lot number;
(III)
manufacturer or distributor;
(IV)
manufacturer's lot number;
(V)
expiration date;
(VI)
quantity per prepackaged unit;
(VII)
number of prepackaged units;
(VIII)
date packaged;
(IX)
name, initials, signature, or electronic signature of
the prepacker; and
(X)
signature or electronic signature of the responsible pharmacist.
(iv)
Stock packages, repackaged units, and control records
shall be quarantined together until checked/released by the pharmacist.
(B)
Loading bulk drugs into automated compounding or counting
devices.
(i)
Automated compounding or counting devices may be loaded
with bulk drugs only by a pharmacist or by pharmacy technicians under the
direction and direct supervision of a pharmacist.
(ii)
The label of an automated compounding or counting device
container shall indicate the brand name and strength of the drug; or if no
brand name, then the generic name, strength, and name of the manufacturer
or distributor.
(iii)
Records of loading bulk drugs into an automated compounding
or counting device shall be maintained to show:
(I)
name of the drug, strength, and dosage form;
(II)
manufacturer or distributor;
(III)
manufacturer's lot number;
(IV)
expiration date;
(V)
date of loading;
(VI)
name, initials, signature, or electronic signature of
the person loading the automated compounding or counting device; and
(VII)
signature or electronic signature of the responsible
pharmacist.
(iv)
The automated compounding or counting device shall not
be used until a pharmacist verifies that the system is properly loaded and
affixes his or her signature or electronic signature to the record specified
in clause (iii) of this subparagraph.
(9)
Sterile pharmaceuticals.
(A)
Batch preparation.
(i)
Master work sheet. A master work sheet shall be developed
and approved by a pharmacist for each batch of sterile pharmaceuticals to
be prepared. Once approved, a duplicate of the master work sheet shall be
used as the preparation work sheet from which each batch is prepared and on
which all documentation for that batch occurs. The master work sheet shall
contain at a minimum:
(I)
the formula;
(II)
the components;
(III)
the compounding directions;
(IV)
a sample label;
(V)
evaluation and testing requirements;
(VI)
sterilization method(s);
(VII)
specific equipment used during aseptic preparation (e.g.,
specific automated compounding or counting device); and
(VIII)
storage requirements.
(ii)
Preparation work sheet. The preparation work sheet for
each batch of sterile pharmaceuticals shall document the following:
(I)
identity of all solutions and ingredients and their corresponding
amounts, concentrations, or volumes;
(II)
manufacturer lot number for each component;
(III)
component manufacturer or suitable identifying number;
(IV)
container specifications (e.g., syringe, pump cassette);
(V)
unique lot or control number assigned to batch;
(VI)
expiration date of batch-prepared products;
(VII)
date of preparation;
(VIII)
name, initials, or electronic signature of the person(s)
involved in the preparation;
(IX)
name, initials, or electronic signature of the responsible
pharmacist;
(X)
end-product evaluation and testing specifications, if applicable;
and
(XI)
comparison of actual yield to anticipated yield, when
appropriate.
(iii)
Label. The label of each batch prepared sterile pharmaceutical
shall bear at a minimum:
(I)
the unique lot number assigned to the batch;
(II)
all solution and ingredient names, amounts, strengths,
and concentrations, when applicable;
(III)
quantity;
(IV)
expiration date and time, when applicable;
(V)
appropriate ancillary instructions, such as storage instructions
or cautionary statements, including cytotoxic warning labels where appropriate;
and
(VI)
device-specific instructions, when appropriate.
(B)
Expiration date.
(i)
The expiration date assigned shall be based on currently
available drug stability information and sterility considerations or appropriate
in-house or contract service stability testing.
(ii)
Sources of drug stability information shall include the
following:
(I)
references (e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Handbook on Injectable Drugs);
(II)
manufacturer recommendations; and
(III)
reliable, published research.
(iii)
When interpreting published drug stability information,
the pharmacist shall consider all aspects of the final sterile product being
prepared (e.g., drug reservoir, drug concentration, storage conditions).
(iv)
Methods used for establishing expiration dates shall be
documented.
(C)
Quality control. There shall be a documented, ongoing quality
control program that monitors and evaluates personnel performance, equipment
and facilities. Procedures shall be in place to assure that the pharmacy is
capable of consistently preparing pharmaceuticals which are sterile and stable.
Quality control procedures shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i)
recall procedures;
(ii)
storage and dating;
(iii)
documentation of appropriate functioning of refrigerator,
freezer, and other equipment;
(iv)
documentation of aseptic environmental control device(s)
certification at least every six months and the regular replacement of pre-filters
as necessary; and
(v)
a process to evaluate and confirm the quality of the prepared
pharmaceutical product.
(D)
Quality assurance.
(i)
There shall be a documented, ongoing quality assurance
program for monitoring and evaluating personnel performance and patient outcomes
to assure an efficient drug delivery process, patient safety, and positive
clinical outcomes.
(ii)
There shall be documentation of quality assurance audits
at regular, planned intervals including infection control, sterile technique,
delivery systems/times, order transcription accuracy, drug administration
systems, adverse drug reactions, and drug therapy appropriateness.
(iii)
A plan for corrective action of program of problems identified
by quality assurance audits shall be developed which includes procedures for
documentation of identified problems and action taken.
(iv)
A periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the quality
assurance activities shall be completed and documented.
(e)
Records.
(1)
Maintenance of records.
(A)
Every inventory or other record required to be kept under
this section shall be kept by the pharmacy and be available, for at least
two years from the date of such inventory or record, for inspecting and copying
by the board or its representative, and other authorized local, state, or
federal law enforcement agencies.
(B)
Records of controlled substances listed in Schedules I
and II shall be maintained separately from all other records of the pharmacy.
(C)
Records of controlled substances, other than original prescription
drug orders, listed in Schedules III-V shall be maintained separately or readily
retrievable from all other records of the pharmacy. For purposes of this subsection,
"readily retrievable" means that the controlled substances shall be asterisked,
red-lined, or in some other manner readily identifiable apart from all other
items appearing on the record.
(D)
Records, except when specifically required to be maintained
in original or hard-copy form, may be maintained in an alternative data retention
system, such as a data processing system or direct imaging system provided:
(i)
the records maintained in the alternative system contain
all of the information required on the manual record; and
(ii)
the data processing system is capable of producing a hard
copy of the record upon the request of the board, its representative, or other
authorized local, state, or federal law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
(2)
Prescriptions.
(A)
Professional responsibility.
(i)
Pharmacists shall exercise sound professional judgment
with respect to the accuracy and authenticity of any prescription drug order
they dispense. If the pharmacist questions the accuracy or authenticity of
a prescription drug order, he/she shall verify the order with the practitioner
prior to dispensing.
(ii)
Prior to dispensing a prescription, pharmacists shall
determine, in the exercise of sound professional judgment, that the prescription
is a valid prescription. A pharmacist may not dispense a prescription drug
if the pharmacist knows or should have known that the prescription was issued
on the basis of an Internet-based or telephonic consultation without a valid
patient-practitioner relationship.
(iii)
Clause (ii) of this subparagraph does not prohibit a
pharmacist from dispensing a prescription when a valid patient-practitioner
relationship is not present in an emergency situation (e.g. a practitioner
taking calls for the patient's regular practitioner).
(B)
Written prescription drug orders.
(i)
Practitioner's signature.
(I)
Except as noted in subclause (II) of this clause, written
prescription drug orders shall be:
(-a-)
manually signed by the practitioner; or
(-b-)
electronically signed by the practitioner using a system
which electronically replicates the practitioner's manual signature on the
written prescription, provided that security features of the system require
the practitioner to authorize each use.
(II)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule II controlled substances
shall be issued on an official prescription form as required by the Texas
Controlled Substances Act, §481.075, and be manually signed by the practitioner.
(III)
A practitioner may sign a prescription drug order in
the same manner as he would sign a check or legal document, e.g., J.H. Smith
or John H. Smith.
(IV)
Rubber stamped or otherwise reproduced signatures may
not be used except as authorized in subclause (I) of this clause.
(V)
The prescription drug order may not be signed by a practitioner's
agent but may be prepared by an agent for the signature of a practitioner.
However, the prescribing practitioner is responsible in case the prescription
drug order does not conform in all essential respects to the law and regulations.
(ii)
Required prescription drug order format.
(I)
A pharmacist may not dispense a written prescription drug
order issued in Texas unless it is ordered on a form containing two signature
lines of equal prominence, side by side, at the bottom of the form. Under
either signature line shall be printed clearly the words "product selection
permitted," and under the other signature line shall be printed clearly the
words "dispense as written."
(II)
The two signature line requirement does not apply to the
following types of prescriptions drug orders:
(-a-)
prescription drug orders issued by a practitioner in
a state other than Texas;
(-b-)
prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs issued by
a practitioner in the United Mexican States or the Dominion of Canada; and
(-c-)
prescription drug orders issued by practitioners practicing
in a federal facility provided they are acting in the scope of their employment.
(iii)
Preprinted prescription drug order forms. No prescription
drug order form furnished to a practitioner shall contain a preprinted order
for a drug product by brand name, generic name, or manufacturer.
(iv)
Prescription drug orders written by practitioners in another
state.
(I)
Dangerous drug prescription orders. A pharmacist may dispense
a prescription drug order for dangerous drugs issued by practitioners in a
state other than Texas in the same manner as prescription drug orders for
dangerous drugs issued by practitioners in Texas are dispensed.
(II)
Controlled substance prescription drug orders.
(-a-)
A pharmacist may dispense prescription drug order for
controlled substances in Schedule II issued by a practitioner in another state
provided:
(-1-)
the prescription is filled in compliance with a written
plan approved by the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety in
consultation with the Board, which provides the manner in which the dispensing
pharmacy may fill a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance;
(-2-)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription
issued by a person practicing in another state and licensed by another state
as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or podiatrist, who has a current federal
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number, and who may legally
prescribe Schedule II controlled substances in such other state; and
(-3-)
the prescription drug order is not dispensed after the
end of the seventh day after the date on which the prescription is issued.
(-b-)
A pharmacist may dispense prescription drug orders for
controlled substances in Schedule III, IV, or V issued by a practitioner in
another state provided:
(-1-)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription
issued by a person practicing in another state and licensed by another state
as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or podiatrist, who has a current federal
Drug Enforcement Administration registration number, and who may legally prescribe
Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances in such other state;
(-2-)
the prescription drug order is not dispensed or refilled
more than six months from the initial date of issuance and may not be refilled
more than five times; and
(-3-)
if there are no refill instructions on the original written
prescription drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized)
or if all refills authorized on the original written prescription drug order
have been dispensed, a new written prescription drug order is obtained from
the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional quantities
of controlled substances.
(v)
Prescription drug orders written by practitioners in the
United Mexican States or the Dominion of Canada.
(I)
Controlled substance prescription drug orders. A pharmacist
may not dispense a prescription drug order for a Schedule II, III, IV, or
V controlled substance issued by a practitioner licensed in the Dominion of
Canada or the United Mexican States.
(II)
Dangerous drug prescription drug orders. A pharmacist
may dispense a dangerous drug prescription issued by a person licensed in
the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States as a physician, dentist,
veterinarian, or podiatrist provided:
(-a-)
the prescription drug order is an original written prescription;
and
(-b-)
if there are no refill instructions on the original written
prescription drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized)
or if all refills authorized on the original written prescription drug order
have been dispensed, a new written prescription drug order shall be obtained
from the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional quantities
of dangerous drugs.
(vi)
Prescription drug orders carried out or signed by an advanced
practice nurse or physician assistant.
(I)
A pharmacist may dispense a prescription drug order for
a dangerous drug which is carried out or signed by an advanced practice nurse
or physician assistant provided:
(-a-)
the prescription is for a dangerous drug and not for
a controlled substance; and
(-b-)
the advanced practice nurse or physician assistant is
practicing in accordance with Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations Code.
(II)
Each practitioner shall designate in writing the name
of each advanced practice nurse or physician assistant authorized to carry
out or sign a prescription drug order pursuant to Subtitle B, Chapter 157,
Occupations Code. A list of the advanced practice nurses or physician assistants
designated by the practitioner must be maintained in the practitioner's usual
place of business. On request by a pharmacist, a practitioner shall furnish
the pharmacist with a copy of the written authorization for a specific advanced
practice nurse or physician assistant.
(vii)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule II controlled substances.
No Schedule II controlled substance may be dispensed without a written prescription
drug order of a practitioner on an official prescription form as required
by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, §481.075.
(C)
Verbal prescription drug orders.
(i)
A verbal prescription drug order from a practitioner or
a practitioner's designated agent may only be received by a pharmacist or
a pharmacist-intern under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
(ii)
A practitioner shall designate in writing the name of
each agent authorized by the practitioner to communicate prescriptions verbally
for the practitioner. The practitioner shall maintain at the practitioner's
usual place of business a list of the designated agents. The practitioner
shall provide a pharmacist with a copy of the practitioner's written authorization
for a specific agent on the pharmacist's request.
(iii)
If a prescription drug order is transmitted to a pharmacist
verbally, the pharmacist shall note any substitution instructions by the practitioner
or practitioner's agent on the file copy of the prescription drug order. Such
file copy may follow the two-line format indicated in subparagraph (B)(ii)
of this paragraph, or any other format that clearly indicates the substitution
instructions.
(iv)
A pharmacist may not dispense a verbal prescription drug
order for a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in another state unless the practitioner is also registered under
the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
(v)
A pharmacist may not dispense a verbal prescription drug
order for a dangerous drug or a controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States unless the
practitioner is also licensed in Texas.
(D)
Electronic prescription drug orders. For the purpose of
this subparagraph, electronic prescription drug orders shall be considered
the same as verbal prescription drug orders.
(i)
An electronic prescription drug order may be transmitted
by a practitioner or a practitioner's designated agent:
(I)
directly to a pharmacy; or
(II)
through the use of a data communication device provided:
(-a-)
the prescription information is not altered during transmission;
and
(-b-)
confidential patient information is not accessed or maintained
by the operator of the data communication device unless the operator is authorized
to receive the confidential information as specified in paragraph (11) of
this subsection.
(ii)
A practitioner shall designate in writing the name of
each agent authorized by the practitioner to electronically transmit prescriptions
for the practitioner. The practitioner shall maintain at the practitioner's
usual place of business a list of the designated agents. The practitioner
shall provide a pharmacist with a copy of the practitioner's written authorization
for a specific agent on the pharmacist's request.
(iii)
A pharmacist may not dispense an electronic prescription
drug order for a:
(I)
Schedule II controlled substance;
(II)
Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance issued by
a practitioner licensed in another state unless the practitioner is also registered
under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; or
(III)
dangerous drug or controlled substance issued by a practitioner
licensed in the Dominion of Canada or the United Mexican States unless the
practitioner is also licensed in Texas.
(iv)
The practitioner or practitioner's agent shall note any
substitution instructions on the electronic prescription drug order. Such
electronic prescription drug order may follow the two-line format indicated
in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this paragraph or any other format that clearly
indicated the substitution instructions.
(E)
Authorization for generic substitution.
(i)
A pharmacist may dispense a generically equivalent drug
product if:
(I)
the generic product cost the patient less than the prescribed
drug product;
(II)
the patient does not refuse the substitution; and
(III)
the prescribing practitioner authorizes the substitution
of a generically equivalent product; or
(IV)
the practitioner or practitioner's agent does not clearly
indicate that the verbal or electronic prescription drug order shall be dispensed
as ordered.
(ii)
Practitioners shall indicate their dispensing instructions
by signing on either the "Dispense as Written" or "Product Selection Permitted"
line on the prescription drug order. If the practitioner's signature does
not clearly indicate the prescription drug order shall be dispensed as written,
the pharmacist may substitute a generically equivalent drug product.
(iii)
A pharmacist may not substitute on prescription drug
orders identified in subparagraph (B)(iv) and (v) of this paragraph unless
the practitioner has authorized substitution on the prescription drug order.
(iv)
If the practitioner has not authorized substitution on
the written prescription drug order, a pharmacist shall not substitute a generically
equivalent drug product unless:
(I)
the pharmacist obtains verbal or written authorization
from the practitioner (such authorization shall be noted on the original prescription
drug order); or
(II)
the pharmacist obtains written documentation regarding
substitution requirements from the State Board of Pharmacy in the state, other
than Texas, in which the prescription drug order was issued. The following
is applicable concerning this documentation.
(-a-)
The documentation shall state that a pharmacist may substitute
on a prescription drug order issued in such other state unless the practitioner
prohibits substitution on the original prescription drug order.
(-b-)
The pharmacist shall note on the original prescription
drug order the fact that documentation from such other state board of pharmacy
is on file.
(-c-)
Such documentation shall be updated yearly.
(F)
Substitution of dosage form.
(i)
A pharmacist may dispense a dosage form of a drug product
different from that prescribed, such as a tablet instead of a capsule or liquid
instead of tablets, provided:
(I)
the patient consents to the dosage form substitution;
(II)
the pharmacist notifies the practitioner of the dosage
form substitution; and
(III)
the dosage form so dispensed:
(-a-)
contains the identical amount of the active ingredients
as the dosage prescribed for the patient;
(-b-)
is not an enteric-coated or time release product; and
(-c-)
does not alter desired clinical outcomes.
(ii)
Substitution of dosage form may not include the substitution
of a product that has been compounded by the pharmacist unless the pharmacist
contacts the practitioner prior to dispensing and obtains permission to dispense
the compounded product.
(G)
Therapeutic Drug Interchange. A switch to a drug providing
a similar therapeutic response to the one prescribed shall not be made without
prior approval of the prescribing practitioner. This subparagraph does not
apply to generic substitution. For generic substitution, see the requirements
of subparagraphs (E) and (F) of this paragraph.
(i)
The patient shall be notified of the therapeutic drug interchange
prior to, or upon delivery, of the dispensed prescription to the patient.
Such notification shall include:
(I)
a description of the change;
(II)
the reason for the change;
(III)
whom to notify with questions concerning the change;
and
(IV)
instructions for return of the drug if not wanted by the
patient.
(ii)
The pharmacy shall maintain documentation of patient notification
of therapeutic drug interchange which shall include:
(I)
the date of the notification;
(II)
the method of notification;
(III)
a description of the change; and
(IV)
the reason for the change.
(H)
Original prescription drug order records.
(i)
Original prescriptions shall be maintained by the pharmacy
in numerical order and remain legible for a period of two years from the date
of filling or the date of the last refill dispensed.
(ii)
If an original prescription drug order is changed, such
prescription order shall be invalid and of no further force and effect; if
additional drugs are to be dispensed, a new prescription drug order with a
new and separate number is required.
(iii)
Original prescriptions shall be maintained in one of
the following formats:
(I)
in three separate files as follows:
(-a-)
prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedule
II;
(-b-)
prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedule
III-V; and
(-c-)
prescriptions for dangerous drugs and nonprescription
drugs; or
(II)
within a patient medication record system provided that
original prescriptions for controlled substances are maintained separate from
original prescriptions for noncontrolled substances and official prescriptions
for Schedule II controlled substances are maintained separate from all other
original prescriptions.
(iv)
Original prescription records other than prescriptions
for Schedule II controlled substances may be stored on microfilm, microfiche,
or other system which is capable of producing a direct image of the original
prescription record, e.g., digitalized imaging system. If original prescription
records are stored in a direct imaging system, the following is applicable.
(I)
The record of refills recorded on the original prescription
must also be stored in this system.
(II)
The original prescription records must be maintained in
numerical order and as specified in clause (iii) of this subparagraph.
(III)
The pharmacy must provide immediate access to equipment
necessary to render the records easily readable.
(I)
Prescription drug order information.
(i)
All original prescriptions shall bear:
(I)
name of the patient;
(II)
address of the patient, provided, however, a prescription
for a dangerous drug is not required to bear the address of the patient if
such address is readily retrievable on another appropriate, uniformly maintained
pharmacy record, such as medication records;
(III)
name, and if for a controlled substance, the address
and DEA registration number of the practitioner;
(IV)
name and strength of the drug prescribed;
(V)
quantity prescribed;
(VI)
directions for use;
(VII)
intended use for the drug unless the practitioner determines
the furnishing of this information is not in the best interest of the patient;
(VIII)
date of issuance; and
(IX)
if telephoned to the pharmacist by a designated agent,
the full name of the designated agent.
(ii)
All original prescriptions for dangerous drugs carried
out by an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant in accordance with
Subtitle B, Chapter 157, Occupations Code, shall bear:
(I)
name and address of the patient;
(II)
name, address, and telephone number of the practitioner;
(III)
name, address, telephone number, identification number,
and original signature of the advanced practice nurse or physician assistant;
(IV)
name, strength, and quantity of the dangerous drug;
(V)
directions for use;
(VI)
the intended use of the drug, if appropriate;
(VII)
date of issuance; and
(VIII)
number of refills authorized.
(iii)
All original electronic prescription drug orders shall
bear:
(I)
name of the patient;
(II)
address of the patient, provided, however, a prescription
for a dangerous drug is not required to bear the address of the patient if
such address is readily retrievable on another appropriate, uniformly maintained
pharmacy record, such as patient medication records;
(III)
name and strength of the drug prescribed;
(IV)
quantity prescribed;
(V)
directions for use;
(VI)
intended use for the drug unless the practitioner determines
the furnishing of this information is not in the best interest of the patient;
(VII)
date of issuance;
(VIII)
a statement which indicates that the prescription has
been electronically transmitted (e.g., Faxed to or electronically transmitted
to:);
(IX)
name, address, and electronic access number of the pharmacy
to which the prescription was transmitted;
(X)
telephone number of the prescribing practitioner;
(XI)
date the prescription drug order was electronically transmitted
to the pharmacy, if different from the date of issuance of the prescription;
and
(XII)
if transmitted by a designated agent, the full name of
the designated agent.
(iv)
At the time of dispensing, a pharmacist is responsible
for the addition of the following information to the original prescription:
(I)
unique identification number of the prescription drug order;
(II)
initials or identification code of the person who compounded
the sterile pharmaceutical and the pharmacist who checked and released the
product;
(III)
name, quantity, lot number, and expiration date of each
product used in compounding the sterile pharmaceutical; and
(IV)
date of dispensing, if different from the date of issuance.
(J)
Refills.
(i)
Refills may be dispensed only in accordance with the prescriber's
authorization as indicated on the original prescription drug order. Such refills
may be indicated as authorization to refill the prescription drug order a
specified number of times or for a specified period of time period, such as
the duration of therapy.
(ii)
If there are no refill instructions on the original prescription
drug order (which shall be interpreted as no refills authorized) or if all
refills authorized on the original prescription drug order have been dispensed,
authorization from the prescribing practitioner shall be obtained prior to
dispensing any refills.
(iii)
Refills of prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs
or nonprescription drugs shall be dispensed as follows.
(I)
Prescription drug orders for dangerous drugs or nonprescription
drugs may not be refilled after one year from the date of issuance of the
original prescription order.
(II)
If one year has expired from the date of issuance of an
original prescription drug order for a dangerous drug or nonprescription drug,
authorization shall be obtained from the prescribing practitioner prior to
dispensing any additional quantities of the drug.
(iv)
Refills of prescription drug orders for Schedule III-V
controlled substances shall be dispensed as follows.
(I)
Prescription drug orders for Schedule III-V controlled
substances may not be refilled more than five times or after six months from
the date of issuance of the original prescription drug order, whichever occurs
first.
(II)
If a prescription drug order for a Schedule III, IV, or
V controlled substance has been refilled a total of five times or if six months
have expired from the date of issuance of the original prescription drug order,
whichever comes first, a new and separate prescription drug order shall be
obtained from the prescribing practitioner prior to dispensing any additional
quantities of controlled substances.
(v)
A pharmacist may exercise his professional judgment in
refilling a prescription drug order for a drug, other than a controlled substance
listed in Schedule II, without the authorization of the prescribing practitioner,
provided:
(I)
failure to refill the prescription might result in an interruption
of a therapeutic regimen or create patient suffering;
(II)
either:
(-a-)
a natural or manmade disaster has occurred which prohibits
the pharmacist from being able to contact the practitioner; or
(-b-)
the pharmacist is unable to contact the practitioner
after a reasonable effort;
(III)
the quantity of prescription drug dispensed does not
exceed a 72-hour supply;
(IV)
the pharmacist informs the patient or the patient's agent
at the time of dispensing that the refill is being provided without such authorization
and that authorization of the practitioner is required for future refills;
(V)
the pharmacist informs the practitioner of the emergency
refill at the earliest reasonable time;
(VI)
the pharmacist maintains a record of the emergency refill
containing the information required to be maintained on a prescription as
specified in this paragraph;
(VII)
the pharmacist affixes a label to the dispensing container
as specified in this paragraph; and
(VIII)
if the prescription was initially filled at another
pharmacy, the pharmacist may exercise his professional judgment in refilling
the prescription provided:
(-a-)
the patient has the prescription container, label, receipt
or other documentation from the other pharmacy which contains the essential
information;
(-b-)
after a reasonable effort, the pharmacist is unable to
contact the other pharmacy to transfer the remaining prescription refills
or there are no refills remaining on the prescription;
(-c-)
the pharmacist, in his professional judgment, determines
that such a request for an emergency refill is appropriate and meets the requirements
of subclauses (I) and (II) of this clause; and
(IX)
the pharmacist complies with the requirements of subclauses
(III)-(V) of this clause.
(3)
Prescription drug order records maintained in a manual
system.
(A)
Original prescriptions. Original prescriptions shall be
maintained in three files as specified in paragraph (2)(H)(iii) of this subsection.
(B)
Refills.
(i)
Each time a prescription drug order is refilled, a record
of such refill shall be made:
(I)
on the back of the prescription by recording the date of
dispensing, the written initials or identification code of the dispensing
pharmacist and the amount dispensed. (If the pharmacist merely initials and
dates the back of the prescription drug order, he or she shall be deemed to
have dispensed a refill for the full face amount of the prescription drug
order); or
(II)
on another appropriate, uniformly maintained, readily
retrievable record, such as patient medication records, which indicates by
patient name the following information:
(-a-)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(-b-)
name, strength, and lot number of each drug product used
in compounding the sterile pharmaceutical;
(-c-)
date of each dispensing;
(-d-)
quantity dispensed at each dispensing;
(-e-)
initials or identification code of person who compounded
the sterile pharmaceutical and the pharmacist who checks and releases the
final product; and
(-f-)
total number of refills for the prescription.
(ii)
If refill records are maintained in accordance with clause
(i)(II) of this subparagraph, refill records for controlled substances in
Schedule III-V shall be maintained separately from refill records of dangerous
drugs and nonprescription drugs.
(C)
Authorization of refills. Practitioner authorization for
additional refills of a prescription drug order shall be noted on the original
prescription, in addition to the documentation of dispensing the refill.
(D)
Transfer of prescription drug order information. For the
purpose of refill or initial dispensing, the transfer of original prescription
drug order information is permissible between pharmacies, subject to the following
requirements.
(i)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, or V is permissible
between pharmacies on a one-time basis.
(ii)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for dangerous drugs is permissible between pharmacies without limitation up
to the number of originally authorized refills.
(iii)
The transfer is communicated directly between pharmacists
and/or pharmacist interns.
(iv)
Both the original and the transferred prescription drug
order are maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill.
(v)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring the prescription
drug order information shall:
(I)
write the word "void" on the face of the invalidated prescription
drug order; and
(II)
record on the reverse of the invalidated prescription
drug order the following information:
(-a-)
the name, address, and, if a controlled substance, the
DEA registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription drug order
is transferred;
(-b-)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information;
(-c-)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information; and
(-d-)
the date of the transfer.
(vi)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving the transferred
prescription drug order information shall:
(I)
write the word "transfer" on the face of the transferred
prescription drug order; and
(II)
record on the transferred prescription drug order the
following information:
(-a-)
original date of issuance and date of dispensing or receipt,
if different from date of issuance;
(-b-)
original prescription number and the number of refills
authorized on the original prescription drug order;
(-c-)
number of valid refills remaining and the date of last
refill, if applicable;
(-d-)
name, address, and, if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy from which such prescription information
is transferred; and
(-e-)
name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information.
(E)
A pharmacist or pharmacist intern may not refuse to transfer
original prescription information to another pharmacist or pharmacist intern
who is acting on behalf of a patient and who is making a request for this
information as specified in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.
(4)
Prescription drug order records maintained in a data processing
system.
(A)
General requirements for records maintained in a data processing
system.
(i)
Compliance with data processing system requirements. If
a pharmacy's data processing system is not in compliance with this subsection,
the pharmacy must maintain a manual recordkeeping system as specified in paragraph
(3) of this subsection.
(ii)
Original prescriptions. Original prescriptions shall be
maintained as specified in paragraph (2)(F)(iii) of this subsection.
(iii)
Requirements for backup systems.
(I)
The pharmacy shall maintain a backup copy of information
stored in the data processing system using disk, tape, or other electronic
backup system and update this backup copy on a regular basis, at least monthly,
to assure that data is not lost due to system failure.
(II)
Data processing systems shall have a workable (electronic)
data retention system which can produce an audit trail of drug usage for the
preceding two years as specified in subparagraph (B)(vii) of this paragraph.
(iv)
Change or discontinuance of a data processing system.
(I)
Records of dispensing. A pharmacy that changes or discontinues
use of a data processing system must:
(-a-)
transfer the records of dispensing to the new data processing
system; or
(-b-)
purge the records of dispensing to a printout which contains
the same information required on the daily printout as specified in subparagraph
(B) of this paragraph. The information on this hard-copy printout shall be
sorted and printed by prescription number and list each dispensing for this
prescription chronologically.
(II)
Other records. A pharmacy that changes or discontinues
use of a data processing system must:
(-a-)
transfer the records to the new data processing system;
or
(-b-)
purge the records to a printout which contains all of
the information required on the original document.
(III)
Maintenance of purged records. Information purged from
a data processing system must be maintained by the pharmacy for two years
from the date of initial entry into the data processing system.
(v)
Loss of data. The pharmacist-in-charge shall report to
the board in writing any significant loss of information from the data processing
system within 10 days of discovery of the loss.
(B)
Records of dispensing.
(i)
Each time a prescription drug order is filled or refilled,
a record of such dispensing shall be entered into the data processing system.
(ii)
The data processing system shall have the capacity to
produce a daily hard-copy printout of all original prescriptions dispensed
and refilled. This hard-copy printout shall contain the following information:
(I)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(II)
date of dispensing;
(III)
patient name;
(IV)
prescribing practitioner's name;
(V)
name and amount of each drug product used in compounding
the sterile pharmaceutical;
(VI)
total quantity dispensed;
(VII)
initials or an identification code of the dispensing
pharmacist; and
(VIII)
if not immediately retrievable via CRT display, the
following shall also be included on the hard-copy printout:
(-a-)
patient's address;
(-b-)
prescribing practitioner's address;
(-c-)
practitioner's DEA registration number, if the prescription
drug order is for a controlled substance;
(-d-)
quantity prescribed, if different from the quantity dispensed;
(-e-)
date of issuance of the prescription drug order, if different
from the date of dispensing; and
(-f-)
total number of refills dispensed to date for that prescription
drug order.
(iii)
The daily hard-copy printout shall be produced within
72 hours of the date on which the prescription drug orders were dispensed
and shall be maintained in a separate file at the pharmacy. Records of controlled
substances shall be readily retrievable from records of noncontrolled substances.
(iv)
Each individual pharmacist who dispenses or refills a
prescription drug order shall verify that the data indicated on the daily
hard-copy printout is correct, by dating and signing such document in the
same manner as signing a check or legal document (e.g., J.H. Smith or John
H. Smith) within seven days from the date of dispensing.
(v)
In lieu of the printout described in clause (ii) of this
subparagraph, the pharmacy shall maintain a log book in which each individual
pharmacist using the data processing system shall sign a statement each day,
attesting to the fact that the information entered into the data processing
system that day has been reviewed by him or her and is correct as entered.
Such log book shall be maintained at the pharmacy employing such a system
for a period of two years after the date of dispensing; provided, however,
that the data processing system can produce the hard-copy printout on demand
by an authorized agent of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Texas Department
of Public Safety, or Drug Enforcement Administration. If no printer is available
on site, the hard-copy printout shall be available within 48 hours with a
certification by the individual providing the printout which states that the
printout is true and correct as of the date of entry and such information
has not been altered, amended, or modified.
(vi)
The pharmacist-in-charge is responsible for the proper
maintenance of such records and responsible that such data processing system
can produce the records outlined in this section and that such system is in
compliance with this subsection.
(vii)
The data processing system shall be capable of producing
a hard-copy printout of an audit trail for all dispensings (original and refill)
of any specified strength and dosage form of a drug (by either brand or generic
name or both) during a specified time period.
(I)
Such audit trail shall contain all of the information required
on the daily printout as set out in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.
(II)
The audit trail required in this subparagraph shall be
supplied by the pharmacy within 48 hours, if requested by an authorized agent
of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Texas Department of Public Safety, or
Drug Enforcement Administration.
(viii)
Failure to provide the records set out in this paragraph,
either on site or within 48 hours for whatever reason, constitutes prima facie
evidence of failure to keep and maintain records.
(ix)
The data processing system shall provide on-line retrieval
(via CRT display or hard-copy printout) of the information set out in clause
(ii) of this subparagraph of:
(I)
the original controlled substance prescription drug orders
currently authorized for refilling; and
(II)
the current refill history for Schedule III, IV, and V
controlled substances for the immediately preceding six-month period.
(x)
In the event that a pharmacy which uses a data processing
system experiences system downtime, the following is applicable:
(I)
an auxiliary procedure shall ensure that refills are authorized
by the original prescription drug order and that the maximum number of refills
has not been exceeded or authorization from the prescribing practitioner shall
be obtained prior to dispensing a refill; and
(II)
all of the appropriate data shall be retained for on-line
data entry as soon as the system is available for use again.
(C)
Authorization of refills. Practitioner authorization for
additional refills of a prescription drug order shall be noted as follows:
(i)
on the hard-copy prescription drug order;
(ii)
on the daily hard-copy printout; or
(iii)
via the CRT display.
(D)
Transfer of prescription drug order information. For the
purpose of refill or initial dispensing, the transfer of original prescription
drug order information is permissible between pharmacies, subject to the following
requirements.
(i)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, or V is permissible
between pharmacies on a one-time basis only. However, pharmacies electronically
sharing a real-time, on-line database may transfer up to the maximum refills
permitted by law and the prescriber's authorization.
(ii)
The transfer of original prescription drug order information
for dangerous drugs is permissible between pharmacies without limitation up
to the number of originally authorized refills.
(iii)
The transfer is communicated directly between pharmacists
and/or pharmacist interns or as authorized in paragraph (3)(D) of this subsection.
(iv)
Both the original and the transferred prescription drug
orders are maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill.
(v)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring the prescription
drug order information shall:
(I)
write the word "void" on the face of the invalidated prescription
drug order; and
(II)
record on the reverse of the invalidated prescription
drug order the following information:
(-a-)
the name, address, and, if a controlled substance, the
DEA registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription is transferred;
(-b-)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information;
(-c-)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information; and
(-d-)
the date of the transfer.
(vi)
The pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving the transferred
prescription drug order information shall:
(I)
write the word "transfer" on the face of the transferred
prescription drug order; and
(II)
record on the transferred prescription drug order the
following information:
(-a-)
original date of issuance and date of dispensing or receipt,
if different from date of issuance;
(-b-)
original prescription number and the number of refills
authorized on the original prescription drug order;
(-c-)
number of valid refills remaining and the date of last
refill, if applicable;
(-d-)
name, address, and, if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy from which such prescription drug order
information is transferred; and
(-e-)
name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern transferring
the prescription drug order information.
(vii)
Prescription drug orders may not be transferred by non-electronic
means during periods of downtime except on consultation with and authorization
by a prescribing practitioner; provided however, during downtime, a hard copy
of a prescription drug order may be made available for informational purposes
only, to the patient, a pharmacist or pharmacist intern, and the prescription
may be read to a pharmacist or pharmacist intern by telephone.
(viii)
The original prescription drug order shall be invalidated
in the data processing system for purposes of filling or refilling, but shall
be maintained in the data processing system for refill history purposes.
(ix)
If the data processing system has the capacity to store
all the information required in clause (v) and (vi) of this subparagraph,
the pharmacist is not required to record this information on the original
or transferred prescription drug order.
(x)
The data processing system shall have a mechanism to prohibit
the transfer or refilling of controlled substance prescription drug orders
which have been previously transferred.
(E)
Electronic transfer of prescription drug order information
between pharmacies. Pharmacies electronically accessing the same prescription
drug order records may electronically transfer prescription information if
the following requirements are met.
(i)
The original prescription is voided and the following information
is documented in the records of the transferring pharmacy;
(I)
the name, address, and if a controlled substance, the DEA
registration number of the pharmacy to which such prescription is transferred;
(II)
the name of the pharmacist or pharmacist intern receiving
the prescription drug order information; and
(III)
the date of the transfer.
(ii)
Pharmacies not owned by the same person may electronically
access the same prescription drug order records, provided the owner or chief
executive officer of each pharmacy signs an agreement allowing access to such
prescription drug order records.
(F)
A pharmacist or pharmacist intern may not refuse to transfer
original prescription information to another pharmacist or pharmacist intern
who is acting on behalf of a patient and who is making a request for this
information as specified in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.
(5)
Limitation to one type of recordkeeping system. When filing
prescription drug order information a pharmacy may use only one of the two
systems described in paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection.
(6)
Policy and procedure manual. A policy and procedure manual
as it relates to the sterile pharmaceuticals shall be maintained at the pharmacy
and be available for inspection. The manual shall include policies and procedures
for:
(A)
pharmaceutical care services;
(B)
handling, storage, and disposal of cytotoxic/biohazardous
drugs and waste;
(C)
disposal of unusable drugs, supplies, and returns;
(D)
security;
(E)
equipment;
(F)
sanitation;
(G)
reference materials;
(H)
drug selection and procurement;
(I)
drug storage;
(J)
drug administration to include infusion devices, drug delivery
systems, and first dose monitoring;
(K)
drug labeling;
(L)
delivery of drugs;
(M)
recordkeeping;
(N)
controlled substances;
(O)
investigational drugs, including the obtaining of protocols
from the principal investigator;
(P)
quality assurance/quality control;
(Q)
duties and education and training of professional and nonprofessional
staff; and
(R)
emergency preparedness plan, to include continuity of patient
and public safety.
(7)
Patient Medication Record (PMR). A PMR shall be maintained
for each patient of the pharmacy. The PMR shall contain at a minimum the following.
(A)
Patient information:
(i)
patient's full name, gender, and date of birth;
(ii)
weight and height;
(iii)
known drug sensitivities and allergies to drugs and/or
food;
(iv)
primary diagnosis and chronic conditions;
(v)
other drugs the patient is receiving;
(vi)
documentation of patient training;
(vii)
pharmacist's comments relevant to the individual's drug
therapy, including any other information unique to the specific patient or
drug.
(B)
Prescription drug order information:
(i)
date of dispensing each sterile pharmaceutical;
(ii)
unique identification number of the prescription;
(iii)
physician's name;
(iv)
name, quantity, and lot number of each product used in
compounding the sterile pharmaceutical;
(v)
quantity dispensed; and
(vi)
directions for use and method of administration, including
infusion rate if applicable.
(C)
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring
a pharmacist to obtain, record, and maintain patient information other than
prescription drug order information when a patient or patient's agent refuses
to provide the necessary information for such patient medication records.
(8)
Distribution of controlled substances to another registrant.
A pharmacy may distribute controlled substances to a practitioner, another
pharmacy or other registrant, without being registered to distribute, under
the following conditions.
(A)
The registrant to whom the controlled substance is to be
distributed is registered under the Controlled Substances Act to dispense
that controlled substance.
(B)
The total number of dosage units of controlled substances
distributed by a pharmacy may not exceed 5.0% of all controlled substances
dispensed and distributed by the pharmacy during each calendar year in which
the pharmacy is registered; if during the same calendar year it does exceed
5.0%, the pharmacy is required to obtain an additional registration to distribute
controlled substances.
(C)
If the distribution is for a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled
substance, a record shall be maintained which indicates:
(i)
the actual date of distribution;
(ii)
the name, strength, and quantity of controlled substances
distributed;
(iii)
the name, address, and DEA registration number of the
distributing pharmacy; and
(iv)
the name, address, and DEA registration number of the
pharmacy, practitioner, or other registrant to whom the controlled substances
are distributed.
(D)
If the distribution is for a Schedule I or II controlled
substance, the following is applicable.
(i)
The pharmacy, practitioner or other registrant who is receiving
the controlled substances shall issue copy 1 and copy 2 of a DEA order form
(DEA 222) to the distributing pharmacy.
(ii)
The distributing pharmacy shall:
(I)
complete the area on the DEA order form (DEA 222) titled
TO BE FILLED IN BY SUPPLIER;
(II)
maintain copy 1 of the DEA order form (DEA 222) at the
pharmacy for two years; and
(III)
forward copy 2 of the DEA order form (DEA 222) to the
divisional office of the Drug Enforcement Administration at the close of the
month during which the order is filled.
(9)
Other records. Other records to be maintained by a pharmacy:
(A)
a permanent log of the initials or identification codes
which will identify each dispensing pharmacist by name (the initials or identification
code shall be unique to ensure that each pharmacist can be identified, i.e.,
identical initials or identification codes shall not be used);
(B)
copy 3 of DEA order form (DEA 222) which has been properly
dated, initialed, and filed, and all copies of each unaccepted or defective
order form and any attached statements or other documents;
(C)
a hard copy of the power of attorney to sign DEA 222 order
forms (if applicable);
(D)
suppliers' invoices of dangerous drugs and controlled substances;
pharmacists or other responsible individuals shall verify that the controlled
drugs listed on the invoices were actually received by clearly recording their
initials and the actual date of receipt of the controlled substances;
(E)
suppliers' credit memos for controlled substances and dangerous
drugs;
(F)
a hard copy of inventories required by §291.17 of
this title (relating to Inventory Requirements);
(G)
hard-copy reports of surrender or destruction of controlled
substances and/or dangerous drugs to an appropriate state or federal agency;
(H)
records of distribution of controlled substances and/or
dangerous drugs to other pharmacies, practitioners, or registrants; and
(I)
a hard copy of any notification required by the Texas Pharmacy
Act or these sections, including, but not limited to, the following:
(i)
reports of theft or significant loss of controlled substances
to DEA, DPS, and the board;
(ii)
notifications of a change in pharmacist-in-charge of a
pharmacy; and
(iii)
reports of a fire or other disaster which may affect
the strength, purity, or labeling of drugs, medications, devices, or other
materials used in the diagnosis or treatment of injury, illness, and disease.
(10)
Permission to maintain central records. Any pharmacy that
uses a centralized recordkeeping system for invoices and financial data shall
comply with the following procedures.
(A)
Controlled substance records. Invoices and financial data
for controlled substances may be maintained at a central location provided
the following conditions are met.
(i)
Prior to the initiation of central recordkeeping, the pharmacy
submits written notification by registered or certified mail to the divisional
director of the Drug Enforcement Administration as required by the Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 21, §1304.04(a), and submits a copy of this
written notification to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Unless the registrant
is informed by the divisional director of the Drug Enforcement Administration
that permission to keep central records is denied, the pharmacy may maintain
central records commencing 14 days after receipt of notification by the divisional
director.
(ii)
The pharmacy maintains a copy of the notification required
in clause (i) of this subparagraph.
(iii)
The records to be maintained at the central record location
shall not include executed DEA order forms, prescription drug orders, or controlled
substance inventories, which shall be maintained at the pharmacy.
(B)
Dangerous drug records. Invoices and financial data for
dangerous drugs may be maintained at a central location.
(C)
Access to records. If the records are kept on microfilm,
computer media, or in any form requiring special equipment to render the records
easily readable, the pharmacy shall provide access to such equipment with
the records.
(D)
Delivery of records. The pharmacy agrees to deliver all
or any part of such records to the pharmacy location within two business days
of written request of a board agent or any other authorized official.
(E)
Ownership of pharmacy records. For purposes of these sections,
a pharmacy licensed under the Act is the only entity which may legally own
and maintain prescription drug records.
(11)
Confidentiality.
(A)
A pharmacist shall provide adequate security of prescription
drug order and patient medication records to prevent indiscriminate or unauthorized
access to confidential health information. If prescription drug orders, requests
for refill authorization, or other confidential health information are not
transmitted directly between a pharmacy and a physician but are transmitted
through a data communication device, confidential health information may not
be accessed or maintained by the operator of the data communication device
unless specifically authorized to obtain the confidential information by this
subsection.
(B)
Confidential records are privileged and may be released
only to:
(i)
the patient or the patient's agent;
(ii)
a practitioner or another pharmacist if, in the pharmacist's
professional judgement, the release is necessary to protect the patient's
health and well being;
(iii)
the board or to a person or another state or federal
agency authorized by law to receive the confidential record;
(iv)
a law enforcement agency engaged in investigation of a
suspected violation of Chapter 481 or 483, Health and Safety Code, or the
Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. Section
801 et seq.);
(v)
a person employed by a state agency that licenses a practitioner,
if the person is performing the person's official duties; or
(vi)
an insurance carrier or other third party payor authorized
by a patient to receive such information.
(f)
Triplicate prescription requirements. The Texas State Board
of Pharmacy adopts by reference the rules promulgated by the Texas Department
of Public Safety, which are set forth in Subchapter F of 37 TAC §§13.101
- 13.113 concerning triplicate prescriptions.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 31, 2001.
TRD-200103048
Gay Dodson, R.Ph
Executive Director/Secretary
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Effective date: June 20, 2001
Proposal publication date: March 23, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028
22 TAC §291.74
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy adopts amendments to §291.74,
concerning Operational Standards. These amendments are adopted without changes
to the proposed text as published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the
The adopted amendments permit an automated medication order checking device
under certain conditions.
No comments were received.
The amendments are adopted under §§551.002, 554.051,
and 554.005 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code). The Board interprets §551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect
the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of
pharmacy. The Board interprets §554.051 as authorizing the agency to
adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The
Board interprets §554.005 as authorizing the agency to regulate the delivery
or distribution of prescription drugs as they relate to the practice of pharmacy.
The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 31, 2001.
TRD-200103047
Gay Dodson, R. Ph.
Executive Director/Secretary
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Effective date: June 20, 2001
Proposal publication date: March 23, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028
22 TAC §291.93
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy adopts amendments to §291.93,
concerning Operational Standards. These amendments are adopted without changes
to the proposed text as published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the
The adopted amendments make corrections to references concerning the pharmacy
license period which has changed from one to two years.
No comments were received.
The amendments are adopted under sections 551.002, and 554.051
of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code). The
Board interprets section 551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect the
public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy.
The Board interprets section 554.051 as authorizing the agency to adopt rules
for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act.
The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations
Code.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 31, 2001.
TRD-200103046
Gay Dodson, R.Ph.
Executive Director/Secretary
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Effective date: June 20, 2001
Proposal publication date: March 23, 2001
For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028
Part 15.
TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
Chapter 291.
PHARMACIES
Subchapter D. INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACY (CLASS C)
Subchapter E. CLINIC PHARMACY (CLASS D)
Chapter 295.
PHARMACISTS