TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 2. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS

Chapter 51. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Subchapter D. BARBER SHOPS

22 TAC §51.98

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners proposes amendments to §51.98, concerning State-Mandated Fee for Occupational Licensing Transactions Using the Internet. The proposed amendments are pursuant to Senate Bill 187 and Senate Bill 645, 77th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (now codified as Texas Government Code, §2054.252) and provide that all manicurists, upon renewal, shall pay a $3 fee to TexasOnline Authority in addition to the renewal fee. By rule, barbers already pay a $6 TexasOnline fee.

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D., Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be an increase in revenue to state government of approximately $639 per year as a result of enforcing or administering this amendment (approximately 213 manicurist renewals per year x $3). These amounts will be transferred directly to the TexasOnline Authority. Because the fee would be collected through ongoing administrative procedures, there would be no additional costs to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The proposed amendment has no foreseeable economic implications relating to costs or revenues for local government. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses or micro businesses as a result of implementing the section.

Dr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to ensure that licensed manicurists comply with the licensing requirements of the rules of the board and may be able to do so over the internet. The anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as adopted will be $3 per licensee whether or not the licensee renews his/her manicurist license over the internet.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Mary Feys, Texas State Board of Barber Examiners, 5717 Balcones Dr., Suite 217, Austin, Texas 78731 (1-512-458-0111; 1-888-870-8755; Fax 512-458-4901; e-mail mary.feys@tsbbe.state.tx.us) no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed action is published in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under the requirements of Senate Bill 187 and Senate Bill 645, 77th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (now codified at Texas Government Code §2054.252), the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1601.155 Authority to Set Fees, and 1601.151 General Powers and Duties of the Board which vests the board with the authority to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties, to establish standards of conduct and ethics for all persons licensed or practicing under the provision of the Texas Barber Law, and to regulate the practice and teaching of barbering in keeping with the intent of the Texas Barber Law and to ensure strict compliance with the Texas Barber Law.

No other article or statute is affected by these proposed amendments.

§51.98.State-Mandated Fee for Occupational Licensing Transactions Using the Internet.

As required by Senate Bill 187 and Senate Bill 645, 77th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, each licensee, upon renewal, shall pay the following [ a $6.00 ] State-Mandated Fee for Occupational Licensing Transactions Using the Internet : $6.00 for a barber; $3.00 for a manicurist . This fee is in addition to the renewal fee.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 7, 2003.

TRD-200301621

Douglas A. Beran, PhD.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 458-1091


Part 12. BOARD OF VOCATIONAL NURSE EXAMINERS

Chapter 231. ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §231.1

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes amendment to §231.1(12) definition relating to Direct Supervision providing protection to the public by allowing direct supervision during the period of time the person is completing supervised employment or other criteria for re-licensure.

Terrie L. Hairston, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mrs. Hairston has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Terrie L. Hairston, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purpose of the law.

No other statute, article or code will be affected by this proposal.

§231.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used throughout this manual, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)-(11) (No Change)

(12) Direct Supervision - requires the vocational nurse holding a temporary permit /license to work under the direction of a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, or licensed Physician who is physically present on the same unit and is readily available to provide immediate consultation and assistance.

(13)-(30) (No Change)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 7, 2003.

TRD-200301632

Terrie Hairston, RN, CHE

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


Chapter 235. LICENSING

Subchapter A. APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE

22 TAC §235.18

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes new §235.18 relating to Disabled Candidate reflects change in test service.

Terrie L. Hairston, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mrs. Hairston has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Terrie L. Hairston, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purpose of the law.

No other statute, article or code will be affected by this proposal.

§235.18.Disabled Candidate.

(a) - (b) (No Change)

(c) The request must be submitted with the application for licensure and must include the following:

(1) - (3) (No Change)

(4) candidate's choice of a Pearson's Professional [ Sylvan Technology ] Center location so that the special accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

(d) (No Change)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 7, 2003.

TRD-200301631

Terrie Hairston, RN, CHE

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


Part 15. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY

Chapter 291. PHARMACIES

Subchapter B. COMMUNITY PHARMACY (CLASS A)

22 TAC §291.32

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.32, concerning Personnel. The amendment, if adopted, will clarify the requirements for supervision of pharmacy technicians who enter prescription data into a data processing system.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to clarify the requirements for supervision of pharmacy technicians and permit electronic supervision under certain conditions. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with this section.

Written comments on the amendment may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendment is proposed under §§551.002, 554.051, and 554.053 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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 §554.053 as authorizing the agency to establish rules for the duties of pharmacy technicians in a licensed pharmacy including supervision of technicians.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.32.Personnel.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Pharmacists.

(1) General.

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) Pharmacists shall directly supervise pharmacy technicians who are entering prescription data into the pharmacy's data processing system by one of the following methods.

(i) Physically present supervision. A pharmacist shall be physically present to directly supervise a pharmacy technician who is entering prescription data into the data processing system. If the pharmacist is not physically present due to a temporary absence as specified in §291.33(b)(4) of this subchapter, on return the pharmacist must:

(I) conduct a drug regimen review for the prescriptions data entered during this time period as specified in §291.33(c)(2) of this subchapter; and

(II) verify that prescription data entered during this time period was entered accurately prior to delivery of the prescription to the patient or patient's agent.

(ii) Electronic supervision. A pharmacist may electronically supervise a pharmacy technician who is entering prescription data into the data processing system provided the pharmacist:

(I) is on-site, in the pharmacy where the technician is located;

(II) has immediate access to any original document containing prescription information or other information related to the dispensing of the prescription. Such access may be through imaging technology provided the pharmacist has the ability to review the original, hardcopy documents if needed for clarification; and

(III) verifies the accuracy of the data entered information prior to the release of the information to the system for storage and/or generation of the prescription label.

(E) [ (D) ] All pharmacists while on duty, shall be responsible for complying with all state and federal laws or rules governing the practice of pharmacy.

(F) [ (E) ] A dispensing pharmacist shall ensure that the drug is dispensed and delivered safely, and accurately as prescribed. In addition, if multiple pharmacists participate in the dispensing process, each pharmacist shall ensure the safety and accuracy of the portion of the process the pharmacist is performing. The dispensing process shall include, but not be limited to, drug regimen review and verification of accurate prescription data entry, packaging, preparation, compounding and labeling and performance of the final check of the dispensed prescription.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(d) - (e) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301575

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


22 TAC §291.33, §291.36

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.33, concerning Operational Standards and §291.36, concerning Class A Pharmacies Compounding Sterile Pharmaceuticals (Operational Standards). The amendments, if adopted, will: (1) permit an individual pharmacist employee of a pharmacy to perform a drug regimen review from outside the pharmacy; and (2) clarify library requirements for pharmacies.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rules will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be: (1) improved patient care through the increased availability of timely drug regimen review; and (2) streamlined reference library requirements for pharmacies. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with the sections.

Written comments on the amendments may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendments are proposed under §551.002 and §554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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 statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.33.Operational Standards.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Prescription dispensing and delivery.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Pharmaceutical care services.

(A) Drug regimen review.

(i) For the purpose of promoting therapeutic appropriateness, a pharmacist shall , prior to or at the time of dispensing a prescription drug order, review the patient's medication record. Such review shall at a minimum identify clinically significant:

(I) - (X) (No change.)

(ii) (No change.)

(iii) The drug regimen review may be conducted by remotely accessing the pharmacy's electronic data base from outside the pharmacy by an individual Texas licensed pharmacist employee of the pharmacy, provided the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy of the patient and the security of confidential records.

(B) (No change.)

(3) - (7) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

(e) Library. A reference library shall be maintained which includes the following in hard-copy or electronic format:

(1) (No change.)

(2) at least one current or updated reference from each of the following categories:

(A) (No change.)

(B) drug interactions: a reference text on drug interactions, such as Drug Interaction Facts. A separate reference is not required if other references maintained by the pharmacy contain drug interaction information including information needed to determine severity or significance of the interaction and appropriate recommendations or actions to be taken [ Phillip D. Hansten's Drug Interactions ];

(C) a general information reference text, such as:

(i) - (ii) (No change.)

(iii) Clinical Pharmacology;

(iv) [ (iii) ] American Hospital Formulary Service with current supplements; or

(v) [ (iv) ] Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences; and

(3) (No change.)

(f) - (j) (No change.)

§291.36.Class A Pharmacies Compounding Sterile Pharmaceuticals.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Operational standards.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) Pharmaceutical care services.

(A) The following pharmaceutical care services shall be provided by pharmacists of the pharmacy.

(i) (No change.)

(ii) Drug regimen review.

(I) For the purpose of promoting therapeutic appropriateness, a pharmacist shall , prior to or at the time of dispensing, evaluate prescription drug orders and patient medication records for:

(-a-) - (-k-) (No change.)

(II) (No change.)

(III) The drug regimen review may be conducted by remotely accessing the pharmacy's electronic data base from outside the pharmacy by an individual Texas licensed pharmacist employee of the pharmacy, provided the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy of the patient and the security of confidential records.

(iii) (No change.)

(B) (No change.)

(5) (No change.)

(6) Library. A reference library shall be maintained which includes the following in hard-copy or electronic format:

(A) (No change.)

(B) at least one current or updated reference from each of the following categories:

(i) (No change.)

(ii) drug interactions. A reference text on drug interactions, such as Drug Interaction Facts. A separate reference is not required if other references maintained by the pharmacy contain drug interaction information including information needed to determine severity or significance of the interaction and appropriate recommendations or actions to be taken [ Hansten's and Horn's Drug Interactions ];

(iii) a general information reference text, such as:

(I) - (IV) (No change.)

(V) Clinical Pharmacology [ Micromedex ];

(iv) (No change.)

(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 and safe handling of cytotoxic drugs[ , such as Procedures for Handling Cytotoxic Drugs ];

(D) - (E) (No change.)

(7) - (9) (No change.)

(e) - (f) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301576

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


Subchapter C. NUCLEAR PHARMACY (CLASS B)

22 TAC §291.54

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.54, concerning Operational Standards. The amendment, if adopted, will permit an individual pharmacist employee of a pharmacy to perform a drug regimen review from outside the pharmacy.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be improved patient care through the increased availability of timely drug regimen review. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with this section.

Written comments on the amendment may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendment is proposed under §551.002 and §554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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 statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.54.Operational Standards.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Pharmaceutical Care Services.

(1) The following minimum level of pharmaceutical care services shall be provided whenever a therapeutic prescription drug order is dispensed and, when in the professional judgement of the pharmacist dispensing a diagnostic prescription drug order, the services are necessary to protect the patient's health while striving to produce positive patient outcomes. When it is determined that the following services are necessary, the dispensing pharmacist shall assure that efforts are made to gather the information necessary to properly perform the services.

(A) (No change.)

(B) Drug regimen review.

(i) For the purpose of promoting therapeutic appropriateness, an authorized nuclear pharmacist shall , prior to or at the time of dispensing, evaluate therapeutic prescription drug orders and patient medication history for:

(I) - (XI) (No change.)

(ii) (No change.)

(iii) The drug regimen review may be conducted by remotely accessing the pharmacy's electronic data base from outside the pharmacy by an individual Texas licensed pharmacist employee of the pharmacy, provided the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy of the patient and the security of confidential records.

(2) (No change.)

(e) - (i) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301577

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


Subchapter D. INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACY (CLASS C)

22 TAC §291.74

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.74, concerning Operational Standards. The amendment, if adopted, will: (1) permit an individual pharmacist employee of a pharmacy to perform a drug regimen review from outside the pharmacy; and (2) clarify library requirements for pharmacies.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be: (1) improved patient care through the increased availability of timely drug regimen review; and (2) streamlined reference library requirements for pharmacies. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with this section.

Written comments on the amendment may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendment is proposed under §551.002 and §554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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 statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.74.Operational Standards.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Library. A reference library shall be maintained which includes the following in hard-copy or electronic format:

(1) (No change.)

(2) at least one current or updated reference from each of the following categories:

(A) drug interactions. A reference text on drug interactions, such as Drug Interaction Facts. A separate reference is not required if other references maintained by the pharmacy contain drug interaction information including information needed to determine severity or significance of the interaction and appropriate recommendations or actions to be taken [ Hansten's and Horn's Drug Interactions ];

(B) a general information reference text, such as:

(i) - (iv) (No change.)

(v) Clinical Pharmacology [ Micromedex ];

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(5) if the pharmacy compounds sterile pharmaceuticals, specialty references appropriate for the scope of services provided by the pharmacy, e.g., if the pharmacy prepares cytotoxic drugs, a reference [ text ] on the preparation and safe handling of cytotoxic drugs[ , such as Procedures for Handling Cytotoxic Drugs ];

(6) (No change.)

(e) - (f) (No change.)

(g) Pharmaceutical care services.

(1) The pharmacist-in-charge shall assure that at least the following pharmaceutical care services are provided to patients of the facility.

(A) (No change.)

(B) Drug regimen review.

(i) - (iii) (No change.)

(iv) The drug regimen review may be conducted by remotely accessing the pharmacy's electronic data base from outside the pharmacy by an individual Texas licensed pharmacist employee of the pharmacy, provided the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy of the patient and the security of confidential records.

(C) - (D) (No change.)

(2) (No change.)

(h) - (j) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301578

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


Subchapter F. NON-RESIDENT PHARMACY (CLASS E)

22 TAC §291.104

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.104, concerning Operational Standards. The amendment, if adopted, will clarify that pharmacists in Class E (Non-resident) Pharmacies must: (1) exercise sound professional judgment when dispensing a prescription; and (2) determine that the prescription is a valid prescription that was issued on the basis of a valid patient-practitioner relationship.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be increased patient safety by clarifying that prescriptions may be dispensed only if issued pursuant to a valid patient-practitioner relationship. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with this section.

Written comments on the amendment may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendment is proposed under §551.002 and §554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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(a) as authorizing the agency to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The Board interprets §554.051(b) as authorizing the agency to make a rule concerning the operation of a licensed pharmacy located in this state applicable to a pharmacy licensed by the board that is located in another state, if the board determines the rule is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of this state.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.104.Operational Standards.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Prescription dispensing and delivery.

(1) General.

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) All 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.

(E) 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.

(F) Subparagraph (E) 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) - (3) (No change.)

(c) - (f) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301579

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


Chapter 295. PHARMACISTS

22 TAC §295.8

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §295.8, concerning Continuing Education Requirements. The amendment, if adopted, will allow continuing education credit for courses which are part of an advanced pharmacy degree program.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to increase the availability of quality continuing education programs for pharmacists. There is no fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses or to other entities who are required to comply with this section.

Written comments on the amendment may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 8, 2003.

The amendment is proposed under §§551.002, 554.051, and 559.052 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, 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 §559.052 as authorizing to approve continuing education programs which will be accepted for renewal of a license to practice pharmacy.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551 - 566 and 568 - 569, Texas Occupations Code.

§295.8.Continuing Education Requirements.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Approved Programs.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Courses which are part of a professional degree program or an advanced pharmacy degree program offered by [ in ] a college of pharmacy which has a [ the ] professional degree program [ of which has been ] accredited by ACPE.

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(3) - (6) (No change.)

(f) - (g) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 5, 2003.

TRD-200301580

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 20, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028