PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 2434 PRINTER'S NO. 4165
No. 1946 Session of 1999
INTRODUCED BY ALLEN, LUCYK, HARHART, PERZEL, DeWEESE, PHILLIPS, FAIRCHILD, ARGALL, BAKER, BARRAR, BENNINGHOFF, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, M. COHEN, CORRIGAN, DALLY, DeLUCA, DEMPSEY, FLEAGLE, FRANKEL, GANNON, GEORGE, GIGLIOTTI, HALUSKA, HENNESSEY, HESS, KAISER, LAUGHLIN, LEH, McILHATTAN, MICHLOVIC, PETRARCA, ROBERTS, ROHRER, ROONEY, SATHER, SAYLOR, SCRIMENTI, SEMMEL, SEYFERT, STERN, STEVENSON, TANGRETTI, THOMAS, TIGUE, VAN HORNE, WILT, WOJNAROSKI, YOUNGBLOOD AND FEESE, OCTOBER 12, 1999
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, NOVEMBER 13, 2000
AN ACT 1 Regulating the practice of pharmacy; providing for the powers <-- 2 and duties of the State Board of Pharmacy, for reporting of 3 impaired pharmacists or pharmacist interns and for immunity 4 and for unlawful acts; imposing penalties; establishing the 5 Pharmacy Professional Development Fund; and making repeals. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS 7 Chapter 1. Preliminary Provisions 8 Section 101. Short title. 9 Section 102. Legislative declaration. 10 Section 103. Statement of purpose. 11 Section 104. Definitions. 12 Section 105. Construction of act. 13 Chapter 3. State Board of Pharmacy 14 Section 301. State Board of Pharmacy. 15 Section 302. Membership.
1 Section 303. Qualification. 2 Section 304. Appointment. 3 Section 305. Terms of office. 4 Section 306. Removal. 5 Section 307. Organization. 6 Section 308. Compensation of board members. 7 Section 309. Meetings. 8 Section 310. Executive director. 9 Section 311. Employees. 10 Section 312. Rules and regulations. 11 Section 313. Powers and responsibilities. 12 Section 314. Communication to licensees. 13 Section 315. Annual report. 14 Chapter 5. Pharmacists and Pharmacies 15 Section 501. Declaration. 16 Section 502. Licensing of pharmacists. 17 Section 503. Prerequisites for pharmacist license. 18 Section 504. Examinations. 19 Section 505. Internship. 20 Section 506. Qualifications for reciprocal license transfer. 21 Section 507. Renewal of licenses. 22 Section 508. Continuing pharmacy education. 23 Section 509. Reporting multiple licensure. 24 Section 521. Licensing of pharmacies. 25 Section 522. Renewal of pharmacy permit. 26 Section 523. Permit required for operation. 27 Section 524. Display of ownership information. 28 Section 525. Extraterritorial pharmacy permits. 29 Section 526. Regulatory power over pharmacies. 30 Chapter 7. Enforcement 19990H1946B4165 - 2 -
1 Section 701. Refusal to grant, revocation and suspension of 2 licenses and permits. 3 Section 702. Temporary suspension. 4 Section 703. Automatic suspension. 5 Section 704. Impaired licensee. 6 Section 705. Reinstatement. 7 Section 706. No bar to criminal action. 8 Section 707. Administrative Agency Law. 9 Section 708. Board action. 10 Section 709. Pharmacy permits. 11 Section 710. Return of license or permit. 12 Section 711. Hearings. 13 Section 712. Docket and other records. 14 Chapter 9. Pharmacist Practice 15 Section 901. Practice of pharmacy. 16 Section 902. Pharmacy health care service. 17 Section 903. Drug regimen review. 18 Section 904. Managing drug therapy. 19 Section 905. Pharmacy technicians. 20 Section 906. Prescriptions. 21 Section 907. Emergency refills. 22 Section 908. Impaired pharmacist or pharmacist intern. 23 Chapter 11. Unlawful Activities 24 Section 1101. Unlawful acts. 25 Section 1102. Criminal penalties. 26 Section 1103. Additional civil penalty. 27 Chapter 13. Fiscal Affairs 28 Section 1301. Setting of fees. 29 Section 1302. Pharmacy Professional Development Fund. 30 Section 1303. Annual submissions. 19990H1946B4165 - 3 -
1 Section 1304. Hiring of pharmacy inspectors. 2 Chapter 15. Miscellaneous Provisions 3 Section 1501. Existing board members. 4 Section 1502. Existing rules, regulations and fees. 5 Section 1503. Current licensees. 6 Section 1504. Severability. 7 Section 1505. Repeals. 8 Section 1506. Effective date. 9 AMENDING THE ACT OF SEPTEMBER 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, NO.699), <-- 10 ENTITLED "AN ACT RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE PRACTICE 11 OF PHARMACY, INCLUDING THE SALES, USE AND DISTRIBUTION OF 12 DRUGS AND DEVICES AT RETAIL; AND AMENDING, REVISING, 13 CONSOLIDATING AND REPEALING CERTAIN LAWS RELATING THERETO," 14 FURTHER PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR DRUG 15 THERAPY PROTOCOL. 16 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 17 hereby enacts as follows: 18 CHAPTER 1 <-- 19 PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 20 Section 101. Short title. 21 This act shall be known and may be cited as the Pharmacy 22 Practice Act. 23 Section 102. Legislative declaration. 24 It is decided to be a matter of public interest and concern 25 that the practice of pharmacy merit and receive the confidence 26 of the public. It is further declared that only qualified 27 persons be permitted to engage in the practice of pharmacy in 28 this Commonwealth. 29 Section 103. Statement of purpose. 30 It is the purpose of this act to promote, preserve and 31 protect the public health, safety and welfare by the effective 32 control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy through: 33 (1) The licensure of pharmacists. 19990H1946B4165 - 4 -
1 (2) The licensure of pharmacist interns. 2 (3) The registration of technicians. 3 (4) The licensure, control and regulation of all sites 4 or persons who are required to obtain a license or permit 5 from the board, whether located in or out of this 6 Commonwealth, that deliver, dispense, administer, distribute, 7 manufacture, promote or sell drugs within this Commonwealth. 8 Section 104. Definitions. 9 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall 10 have the meanings given to them in this section unless the 11 context clearly indicates otherwise: 12 "Administer." The direct introduction of or the application 13 of a drug into or on the body of a patient or research subject 14 by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other means. 15 "Beyond-use date." A date determined by a pharmacist and 16 placed on a prescription label at the time of dispensing that is 17 intended to indicate to the patient or caregiver a time beyond 18 which the contents of that prescription are not recommended for 19 use. 20 "Board." The State Board of Pharmacy of the Commonwealth. 21 "Compounding." The preparation, mixing, assembling, 22 packaging or labeling of a drug pursuant to or in anticipation 23 of a valid prescription drug order, including, but not limited 24 to, packaging, intravenous admixture or manual combination of 25 drug ingredients. 26 "Confidential information." Information relevant to a 27 patient's health care which is acquired by the pharmacist 28 incidental to a professional relationship. Confidential 29 information shall be privileged and may be released only to the 30 patient, or to a third party upon the authorization of the 19990H1946B4165 - 5 -
1 patient, or where such release is necessary to protect the 2 patient's health and well-being, or to such other persons or 3 government agencies authorized by law to receive that 4 information. 5 "Controlled substance." A drug designated as such under the 6 provisions of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known 7 as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 8 "Deliver" or "delivery." The actual, constructive or 9 attempted transfer of a drug or device from one person to 10 another, whether or not for consideration. 11 "Device." An instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, 12 contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent or other similar or 13 related article, including any component part or accessory, 14 which is required under Federal or State law to be prescribed by 15 a health practitioner and dispensed by a pharmacist. 16 "Dispense" or "dispensing." The procedure entailing the 17 interpretation of a health practitioner's medical order or a 18 prescription drug order for a drug or device and, pursuant to 19 that order, the proper selection, measuring, labeling and 20 packaging of the drug or device in a proper container for 21 subsequent administration to or use by a patient. 22 "Distribute." The act of delivering a drug or device other 23 than by administering or dispensing. 24 "Drug." 25 (1) An article, including a radioactive substance, 26 recognized as a drug in any official compendium, or 27 supplement thereto, or designated from time to time by the 28 State Board of Pharmacy for use in the diagnosis, cure, 29 mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in humans or 30 animals. 19990H1946B4165 - 6 -
1 (2) An article, other than food, intended to affect the 2 structure or any function of the body of humans or animals. 3 (3) An article intended for use as a component of any 4 article specified in paragraphs (1) and (2), but not 5 including a device or its component parts or accessories. 6 "Drug regimen review." A retrospective, concurrent and 7 prospective review by a pharmacist of a patient's drug-related 8 therapy, including, but not limited to, evaluation of any or all 9 of the following areas: 10 (1) Known allergies. 11 (2) Rational therapy-contraindications. 12 (3) Appropriate dose and route of administration. 13 (4) Appropriate directions for use. 14 (5) Duplicative therapies. 15 (6) Potential misuse or abuse. 16 (7) Drug-drug, drug-food, drug-disease and drug-clinical 17 laboratory test interactions. 18 (8) Adverse drug reactions. 19 (9) Drug utilization review and optimal therapeutic 20 outcomes. 21 "Electronic data transmission." The transmission of 22 information in electronic form or the transmission of the exact 23 visual image of a document by way of electronic equipment. 24 "Emergency refill prescription." A refill of a prescription 25 which is essential to the continuation of therapy for which that 26 refill has not been authorized and for which the pharmacist 27 notifies the prescriber within 72 hours of dispensing that 28 prescription that an emergency refill prescription has been 29 dispensed. 30 "Federal act." The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (52 19990H1946B4165 - 7 -
1 Stat. 1040, 21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.). 2 "Health care provider" or "health practitioner." An 3 individual licensed by the Commonwealth to provide patient care 4 under the authority of a professional practice act, and includes 5 licensed prescribers and health care providers or health 6 practitioners. 7 "Home infusion pharmacy." A pharmacy which compounds 8 solutions for direct administration to a patient in a private 9 residence, long-term care facility, hospice or similar setting 10 by means of parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous 11 or intraspinal infusion. 12 "Immediate supervision." A level of control which assures 13 that a pharmacist has the ultimate responsibility for the 14 accuracy, safety and patient outcome with respect to the actions 15 of pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns and the use of 16 automation in all practice settings. 17 "Impaired professional support group." A peer assistance 18 group whose goals are to direct an impaired colleague into 19 treatment. 20 "Labeling." The process of preparing and affixing a label to 21 a drug container, which label shall include all information 22 required by Federal and State law, rule or regulation. 23 "Licensed prescriber." A physician, dentist, veterinarian, 24 podiatrist or other individual duly authorized and licensed by 25 law to independently prescribe drugs, including prescription 26 drugs. 27 "Long-term care facility." A nursing home, retirement care 28 facility, mental care facility or other facility or institution 29 which provides extended health care to resident patients. 30 "Managing drug therapy." Any of the following processes: 19990H1946B4165 - 8 -
1 (1) Adjusting a drug regimen. 2 (2) Changing the duration of therapy. 3 (3) Adjusting drug strength, frequency of administration 4 or route. 5 (4) Initiation or discontinuation of therapy. 6 (5) Administration of drugs and ordering and performing 7 of laboratory or other diagnostic tests necessary in the 8 management of drug therapy. 9 All pursuant to a written agreement or protocol authorizing the 10 delegation of the management of drug therapy from a licensed 11 prescriber to a pharmacist and pursuant to the licensed 12 prescriber's authority under section 17 of the act of December 13 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 14 1985, which authorize a medical doctor to delegate duties to 15 health care practitioners. 16 "Manufacturer." A person, except a pharmacist compounding in 17 the normal course of professional practice within this 18 Commonwealth, engaged in the commercial production, preparation, 19 propagation, compounding, conversion or processing of a drug, 20 either directly or indirectly, by extraction from substances of 21 natural origin or independently by means of chemical synthesis, 22 or both, and includes any packaging or repackaging of a drug or 23 the labeling or relabeling of the drug container. 24 "Medical order." A lawful order by a specifically identified 25 health practitioner for a specifically identified patient. 26 "Nonprescription drug." A drug which may be sold without 27 prescription and which is labeled for use by the consumer in 28 accordance with the requirements of the laws and rules of the 29 Federal Government and this Commonwealth. 30 "Nonresident pharmacy." A pharmacy located outside this 19990H1946B4165 - 9 -
1 Commonwealth. 2 "Patient counseling." The process of the communication of 3 information between a pharmacist and a patient, including, but 4 not limited to, both verbal and written information as defined 5 in the rules of the State Board of Pharmacy in order to promote 6 the proper use of any drug and to enhance drug therapy. 7 "Person." An individual, corporation, partnership, 8 association or any other legal entity, including a government. 9 "Pharmacist." A health care provider or practitioner 10 currently licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy to engage in 11 the practice of pharmacy. 12 "Pharmacist intern." An individual licensed by the State 13 Board of Pharmacy to engage in the practice of pharmacy under 14 the immediate supervision of a licensed pharmacist and who makes 15 satisfactory progress toward meeting the requirements for 16 licensure as a pharmacist. 17 "Pharmacy." A place within this Commonwealth which is 18 properly issued a permit by the State Board of Pharmacy where 19 drugs, devices, radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic agents for 20 human or animal consumption are stored, dispensed or compounded, 21 or a place outside this Commonwealth where drugs, devices, 22 radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic agents for human and animal 23 consumption are dispensed to residents of this Commonwealth. The 24 term shall not include the operation of a manufacturer or 25 distributor as defined in the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, 26 No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and 27 Cosmetic Act. Within an institution, the term shall refer to all 28 organized pharmacy service within that institution. 29 "Pharmacy practice site." A place within or outside this 30 Commonwealth where the practice of pharmacy is provided to 19990H1946B4165 - 10 -
1 residents of this Commonwealth. 2 "Pharmacy technician." An individual who is registered with 3 the State Board of Pharmacy and who may assist in the practice 4 of pharmacy under the immediate supervision of a licensed 5 pharmacist. 6 "Practice of pharmacy." The provision of health care 7 services by a pharmacist, including, but not limited to, any of 8 the following: 9 (1) The interpretation, evaluation and implementation of 10 medical orders. 11 (2) The delivery, dispensing or distributing of 12 prescription drugs. 13 (3) Participation in drug and device selection. 14 (4) Drug administration. 15 (5) Drug regimen review. 16 (6) Drug or drug-related research. 17 (7) Compounding. 18 (8) Proper and safe storage of drugs and devices. 19 (9) Managing drug therapy. 20 (10) Maintaining proper records. 21 (11) Patient counseling. 22 "Preceptor." An individual who is currently licensed as a 23 pharmacist by the State Board of Pharmacy, meets the 24 qualifications as a preceptor under the rules of the board, has 25 filed with the board any application or documentation that the 26 board may require and participates in the instructional training 27 of pharmacy interns. 28 "Prescription drug" or "legend drug" or "nonproprietary 29 drug." A drug which is required by any applicable Federal or 30 State law or regulation to be dispensed only pursuant to a 19990H1946B4165 - 11 -
1 prescription drug order or which is restricted to use by health 2 practitioners. 3 "Prescription drug order." A lawful order by a duly licensed 4 health practitioner for drugs, drug-related devices or treatment 5 for a human or animal, including orders issued through an 6 agreement for managing drug therapy. 7 "Protocol." A written document that describes the nature and 8 scope of the drug therapy management to be carried out by the 9 pharmacist or other health practitioner. 10 "Wholesaler." A person within this Commonwealth who legally 11 buys drugs for resale or distribution to persons other than 12 patients or consumers. 13 Section 105. Construction of act. 14 This act shall be liberally construed to carry out these 15 objectives and purposes. 16 CHAPTER 3 17 STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY 18 Section 301. State Board of Pharmacy. 19 the responsibility for enforcement of this act is hereby 20 vested in the State Board of Pharmacy. The board shall have all 21 the powers, duties and authority specifically granted by or 22 necessary for the enforcement of this act, as well as any other 23 powers, duties and authorities that may be granted by law. 24 Section 302. Membership. 25 Beginning with any vacancies existing on the effective date 26 of this act, as terms expire or vacancies occur thereafter, the 27 board shall consist of: 28 (1) The Commissioner of Professional and Occupational 29 Affairs. 30 (2) The Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection in 19990H1946B4165 - 12 -
1 the Office of Attorney General or a designee of the director. 2 (3) Two persons representing the public at large. 3 (4) Seven persons who are licensed to practice pharmacy 4 in this Commonwealth. Of the seven appointees under this 5 paragraph: 6 (i) Two pharmacists shall be appointed from 7 independent retail pharmacies. 8 (ii) Two pharmacists shall be appointed who are 9 employees of retail chain pharmacies which operate five 10 or more pharmacies licensed within this Commonwealth. 11 (iii) One pharmacist shall be appointed from an 12 acute care institutional pharmacy. 13 (iv) One pharmacist shall be appointed who is 14 practicing primarily in long-term care pharmacy that 15 provides services to long-term care facilities 16 (consulting or pharmacy services). 17 (v) One pharmacist shall be appointed from an 18 alternative pharmacy position that represents any other 19 area of pharmacy practice not otherwise represented on 20 the board. 21 Section 303. Qualification. 22 (a) Pharmacist members.--Each pharmacist member of the board 23 shall at the time of appointment: 24 (1) Be a resident of this Commonwealth for not less than 25 one year. 26 (2) Must have been registered as a pharmacist in this 27 Commonwealth for at least five years immediately preceding 28 appointment. 29 (b) Public members.--The public members of the board: 30 (1) Shall have been residents of this Commonwealth for 19990H1946B4165 - 13 -
1 not less than two years at the time of their appointment. 2 (2) Shall have attained the age of majority. 3 (3) Shall not be, nor shall ever have been, a 4 pharmacist, the spouse of a pharmacist or a person who has 5 ever had any material financial interest in the provision of 6 pharmacy services or who has engaged in any activity directly 7 related to the practice of pharmacy. 8 Section 304. Appointment. 9 Nominations for appointment to the board may be made to the 10 Governor by any individual, any professional pharmacy 11 association within this Commonwealth or any other entity. All 12 professional and public members of the board shall be appointed 13 by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority of the 14 members elected to the Senate. 15 Section 305. Terms of office. 16 (a) Regular term.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the 17 terms of each professional member and each public member of the 18 board shall be six years, or until a successor has been 19 appointed and qualified, but not longer than six months beyond 20 the six-year period. In the event that any member shall die or 21 resign or otherwise become disqualified during that member's 22 term, a successor shall be appointed in the same way and with 23 the same qualifications as the original member and shall hold 24 office for the unexpired portion of the term. 25 (b) Terms to be staggered.--The terms of the professional 26 and public members of the board shall be staggered, so that the 27 terms of no more than three members shall expire in any year. 28 Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and 29 qualified as provided in subsection (a). 30 (c) Existing board members.--The present members of the 19990H1946B4165 - 14 -
1 board on the effective date of this act shall serve the balance 2 of their terms. 3 (d) Reappointment.--No professional or public member of the 4 board shall be eligible for appointment to serve more than two 5 consecutive full terms. The completion of the unexpired portion 6 of a full term shall not constitute a full term for purposes of 7 this subsection. Any present board member appointed initially 8 for a term of less than four years shall be eligible to serve 9 for two additional full terms. 10 (e) Vacancies.--A vacancy that occurs in the membership of 11 the board for any reason shall be filled by the Governor in the 12 manner provided for appointment of board members in section 304. 13 Section 306. Removal. 14 (a) Grounds for removal.--A board member may be removed 15 pursuant to the procedure set forth in subsection (b), upon one 16 or more of the following grounds: 17 (1) The refusal or inability for any reason of a board 18 member to perform the duties as a member of the board in an 19 efficient, responsible and professional manner. 20 (2) The misuse of office by a board member to obtain 21 personal, pecuniary or material gain or advantage for that 22 board member or another person through such office. 23 (3) The violation by a board member of the laws 24 governing the practice of pharmacy or the distribution of 25 drugs or devices. 26 (4) The failure of a board member to attend three 27 consecutive board meetings unless the Commissioner of 28 Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon written request 29 from that member, finds that the board member should be 30 excused from a meeting because of illness of the death of a 19990H1946B4165 - 15 -
1 family member, or other valid reason. 2 (5) The failure of a public member to attend two 3 consecutive statutorily mandated training seminars under 4 section 813(e) of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), 5 known as The Administrative Code of 1929, unless the 6 Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon 7 written request from the public member, finds that the public 8 member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or 9 death of a family member, or other valid reason. 10 (b) Procedure.--Removal of a board member shall be in 11 accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice 12 and procedure of Commonwealth agencies). 13 Section 307. Organization. 14 (a) Officers.--The board shall elect from its members a 15 chairperson and any other officers deemed appropriate and 16 necessary to conduct the business of the board. The chairperson 17 shall preside at all meetings of the board and shall be 18 responsible for the performance of all of the duties and 19 functions of the board required or permitted by this act. Each 20 additional officer elected by the board shall perform those 21 duties normally associated with that position and any other 22 duties assigned by the board. 23 (b) Terms of office for officers.--Officers elected by the 24 board shall serve terms of one year commencing with the day of 25 their election and ending upon election of their successors and 26 shall serve no more than two consecutive full terms in each 27 office to which they are elected. 28 Section 308. Compensation of board members. 29 Each board member, except the Commissioner of Professional 30 and Occupational Affairs and the Director of the Bureau of 19990H1946B4165 - 16 -
1 Consumer Protection, shall receive $250 per day when actually 2 attending to the work of the board. Members shall also receive 3 timely reimbursement for reasonable traveling, lodging and other 4 necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties 5 in accordance with Commonwealth regulations. 6 Section 309. Meetings. 7 (a) Regular meetings.--The board shall meet at least once 8 every two months and at any additional times that may be 9 necessary to conduct the business of the board. Any additional 10 meetings may be called by the chairperson or by two-thirds of 11 the members of the board. 12 (b) Place of meeting.--The board shall meet at such place as 13 it may, from time to time, determine. The place for each meeting 14 shall be determined prior to giving notice of that meeting to 15 each member. The place of a meeting may not be changed after 16 notice is given without adequate prior notification to all 17 members of the board. 18 (c) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the board serving 19 in accordance with law shall constitute a quorum for the 20 purposes of conducting the business of the board. Except for 21 temporary and automatic suspensions under this act, a member may 22 not be counted as part of a quorum or vote on any issue unless 23 that member is physically in attendance at the meeting. 24 (d) Open meetings.--All board meetings and hearings shall be 25 open to the public. The board may, in its discretion and 26 according to law, conduct any portion of its meeting in 27 executive session, closed to the public. Executive sessions may 28 not be utilized during hearings or discussion of current 29 regulations or development of regulations. 30 Section 310. Executive director. 19990H1946B4165 - 17 -
1 (a) Selection.--The board shall select and employ, with the 2 approval of the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational 3 Affairs, an executive director who shall be a full-time employee 4 and who shall be a pharmacist licensed in this Commonwealth. The 5 executive director shall be paid such compensation as determined 6 by the board to be commensurate with the level of compensation 7 paid other executive directors to professional licensing boards 8 in this Commonwealth. 9 (b) Duties.--The executive director shall have the following 10 duties: 11 (1) To establish guidelines and information, with the 12 concurrence of the board, for training of inspectors within 13 the Department of State who are responsible for inspecting 14 pharmacies. 15 (2) To assist the board in revising and promulgating 16 regulations. 17 (3) To review recorded minutes and proceedings of all 18 board meetings and to be the custodian of such documents. 19 (4) To maintain a record of policies set by the board 20 and to disseminate that information to all board licensees. 21 (5) To perform any other duties the board may request. 22 (c) Assistance.--The executive director shall be provided 23 adequate facilities, staff and pharmacy inspectors to perform 24 the functions listed in this section. 25 Section 311. Employees. 26 The board may, in its discretion, employ persons in addition 27 to the executive director in such other positions or capacities 28 as it deems necessary for the proper conduct of board business 29 and to fulfill the board's responsibilities as defined by this 30 act. 19990H1946B4165 - 18 -
1 Section 312. Rules and regulations. 2 The board shall, within 180 days of the effective date of 3 this act and at times necessary thereafter promulgate, adopt, 4 amend the repeal rules or regulations as deemed necessary by the 5 board for the proper administration and enforcement of this act. 6 Rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with 7 the procedures specified in the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.769, 8 No.240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law, and the 9 act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory 10 Review Act. 11 Section 313. Powers and responsibilities. 12 The board shall have sole responsibility for the control and 13 regulation of the practice of pharmacy in this Commonwealth, 14 including, but not limited to, the following: 15 (1) To determine the nature of examinations for any 16 applicant for a pharmacist license. 17 (2) To determine, inspect and investigate all 18 applications and all applicants for licensure as pharmacists, 19 pharmacies or pharmacy interns or registration as pharmacy 20 technicians and to grant certificates of licensure or 21 registration to all applicants whom it shall judge to be 22 properly qualified. 23 (3) To renew licenses to engage in the practice of 24 pharmacy and to operate a pharmacy. 25 (4) To establish and enforce compliance with 26 professional standards of conduct of pharmacies engaged in 27 the practice of pharmacy. The board shall also have the 28 authority to review prospective and innovative pilot programs 29 in the practice of pharmacy and to make a determination as to 30 whether to approve or disapprove the programs. Approval for 19990H1946B4165 - 19 -
1 such programs, if granted, shall be for a temporary period of 2 time. At the conclusion of the time period, the administrator 3 of such a program shall, upon inspection or upon a 4 presentation to the members of the pharmacy board, 5 demonstrate the results of the pilot program. If the 6 administrator can prove to the board that positive outcomes 7 for the patient or pharmacy were achieved as a result of the 8 program and that patient safety was maintained, then the 9 board shall have the authority to approve the continuance of 10 the program on an indefinite basis. 11 (5) To determine and issue standards for recognition and 12 approval of degree programs of schools and colleges of 13 pharmacy whose graduates shall be eligible for licensure in 14 this Commonwealth and to specify and enforce requirements for 15 practical training, including internship. 16 (6) To enforce the provisions of this act relating to 17 the conduct or competence of pharmacists practicing in this 18 Commonwealth and to suspend, revoke or restrict licenses to 19 engage in the practice of pharmacy. 20 (7) To prepare position descriptions, to employ a 21 minimum of eight pharmacy inspectors or more of such 22 inspectors if the board deems necessary who shall be 23 pharmacists licensed in this Commonwealth. 24 (8) To retain appropriate consultants to assist it for 25 any purpose which it may deem necessary, subject to the 26 limitation that the board may not delegate any of its final 27 decision-making responsibilities to any consultant. 28 (9) To investigate or cause to be investigated all 29 violations of this act and its regulations and to cause 30 prosecutions to be instituted in the courts upon advice from 19990H1946B4165 - 20 -
1 the Office of Attorney General. 2 (10) To inspect any pharmacy licensed by this 3 Commonwealth at reasonable hours for the purpose of 4 determining if any provisions of the laws governing the legal 5 distribution of drugs or devices for the practice of pharmacy 6 are being violated. The board, its officers, inspectors and 7 representatives shall cooperate with all agencies charged 8 with the enforcement of the laws of the United States, of 9 this Commonwealth and of all other states relating to drugs, 10 devices and the practice of pharmacy. 11 (11) To make or order inspections of other places in 12 which drugs or devices are stored, held, compounded, 13 dispensed or sold to a customer and to take and analyze any 14 drugs or devices and to seize and condemn any drugs or 15 devices which are adulterated, misbranded or stored, held, 16 dispensed, distributed or compounded in violation of the 17 provisions of this act or the provisions of the act of April 18 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, 19 Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 20 (12) To establish minimum specifications for the 21 physical facilities, technical equipment, environment, 22 supplies, personnel and procedures for the storage, 23 compounding or dispensing of drugs or devices and for the 24 monitoring of drug therapy. 25 (13) To establish minimum standards for maintaining the 26 integrity and confidentiality of prescription information and 27 other patient care information. 28 (14) To conduct hearings for the revocation or 29 suspension of licenses, permits or registrations for which 30 hearings the board shall have the power to subpoena 19990H1946B4165 - 21 -
1 witnesses. 2 (15) To assist the regularly constituted enforcement 3 agencies of this Commonwealth in enforcing all laws 4 pertaining to drugs, controlled substances and the practice 5 of pharmacy. 6 (16) To have authority to issue subpoenas, upon 7 application of an attorney responsible for representing the 8 Commonwealth in disciplinary matters before the board, for 9 the purpose of investigating alleged violations of the 10 disciplinary provisions administered by the board. 11 (17) To subpoena witnesses, to administer oaths, to 12 examine witnesses and to take such testimony or compel the 13 production of such books, records, papers and documents as it 14 may deem necessary or proper in and pertinent to any 15 proceeding, investigation or hearing held or had by it, 16 subject to the following: 17 (i) Patient records may not be subpoenaed without 18 the consent of the patient or without order of a court of 19 competent jurisdiction on a showing that the records are 20 reasonably necessary for the conduct of the 21 investigation. 22 (ii) The court may impose such limitations on the 23 scope of the subpoena as are necessary to prevent 24 unnecessary intrusion into a patient confidential 25 situation. 26 (18) To apply to Commonwealth Court to enforce its 27 subpoena. 28 (19) In addition to its appropriation from the 29 Commonwealth, to receive and expend funds from parties other 30 than the Commonwealth, subject to the following restrictions: 19990H1946B4165 - 22 -
1 (i) The funds are awarded for the pursuit of a 2 specific objective which the board is authorized to 3 accomplish by this act or which the board is qualified to 4 accomplish by reason of its jurisdiction or professional 5 expertise. 6 (ii) Activities connected with or occasioned by the 7 expenditure of these funds do not interfere with the 8 performance of the board's duties and responsibilities 9 and do not conflict with the exercise of the board's 10 powers as specified by this act. 11 (iii) The funds are kept in a separate special 12 account and periodic reports are made to the Commissioner 13 of Professional and Occupational Affairs concerning the 14 board's receipt and expenditure of the funds. The powers 15 and duties of the board, as enumerated in this 16 subparagraph, shall not be applicable to manufacturers or 17 distributors as defined in The Controlled Substance, 18 Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 19 Section 314. Communication to licensees. 20 The board shall at least every six months and more frequently 21 if necessary convey relevant information concerning this act, 22 rules or regulations promulgated thereunder and the practice of 23 pharmacy to all pharmacists and pharmacies registered in this 24 Commonwealth and any nonresident pharmacies licensed by the 25 board. 26 Section 315. Annual report. 27 The board shall submit annually a report to the Consumer 28 Protection and Professional Licensure Committee of the Senate 29 and the Professional Licensure Committee of the House of 30 Representatives containing a description of the types of 19990H1946B4165 - 23 -
1 complaints received, the status of cases, any board action which 2 has been taken and the length of time from the initial complaint 3 to final board resolution. 4 CHAPTER 5 5 PHARMACISTS AND PHARMACIES 6 Section 501. Declaration. 7 The practice of pharmacy in this Commonwealth is hereby 8 declared to be a health care professional practice in which the 9 pharmacist is considered a health care provider affecting the 10 public health, safety and welfare and is subject to regulation 11 and control in the public interest. 12 Section 502. Licensing of pharmacists. 13 Except as otherwise provided in this act, it shall be 14 unlawful for any individual to engage in the practice of 15 pharmacy within this Commonwealth unless that individual is 16 currently licensed to practice pharmacy pursuant to this act. 17 Section 503. Prerequisites for pharmacist license. 18 (a) Application.--The board may license as a pharmacist any 19 person who has filed an application therefore, subscribed by the 20 person under oath or affirmation, containing such information as 21 the board may by regulation require, and who: 22 (1) Has satisfied the board that the applicant is of 23 good moral and professional character and not unfit or unable 24 to practice pharmacy by reason of the extent or manner of the 25 applicant's use of alcoholic beverages or controlled 26 substances or by reason of a physical or mental disability. 27 (2) Holds an entry-level practice degree in pharmacy 28 granted by a school or college of pharmacy which is 29 accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the board. 30 (3) Has completed an internship or other equivalent 19990H1946B4165 - 24 -
1 program which has been approved by the board or has 2 demonstrated experience in the practice of pharmacy which 3 meets or exceeds the minimum internship requirements of the 4 board. 5 (4) Has satisfactorily passed such examinations as 6 required by the board. 7 (5) Has paid the fee specified by the board for the 8 examination and any related materials and has paid for the 9 issuance of the license. 10 (6) Has not been convicted of any felonious act 11 prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), 12 known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic 13 Act, or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled 14 substance in a court of law of the United States or any other 15 state, territory or country unless all of the following 16 criteria are satisfied: 17 (i) At least ten years have elapsed from the date of 18 conviction. 19 (ii) The applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to 20 the board that the applicant has made significant 21 progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction 22 such that licensure of that applicant should not be 23 expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the 24 health and safety of patients or the public or a 25 substantial risk of further criminal violations. 26 (iii) The applicant otherwise satisfies the 27 qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. 28 (b) Statement of absence of conviction.--An applicant's 29 statement on the application declaring the absence of a 30 conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence 19990H1946B4165 - 25 -
1 of a conviction, unless the board has evidence to the contrary. 2 Section 504. Examinations. 3 (a) Schedule of examinations.--The board shall, at least 4 once each year, examine in the practice of pharmacy all 5 applicants who: 6 (1) Have completed their education requirements. 7 (2) Make application for examination pursuant to 8 regulations promulgated by the board. 9 (3) Shall be otherwise eligible for licensure. 10 (b) Content of examination.--The examination shall be 11 prepared to measure the competence of the applicant to engage in 12 the practice of pharmacy. The board may employ, cooperate with 13 or contract with any organization or consultant or professional 14 testing organization for the preparation, administration and 15 grading of the examination, but the board shall retain the sole 16 discretional responsibility for determining which applicants 17 have successfully passed an examination. 18 (c) Reexamination.--In case of failure at first examination, 19 the applicant shall have within two years the privilege of a 20 second and third examination. In case of failure with the third 21 examination, the applicant shall have the privilege of 22 examination only after satisfactorily completing additional 23 preparation as directed and approved by the board. 24 Section 505. Internship. 25 (a) Requirement.--To ensure proficiency in the practical 26 aspects of pharmacy, the board shall, by regulation, prescribe 27 internship requirements which must be satisfactorily completed 28 prior to the issuance of a pharmacist license. 29 (b) Supervision of intern.--To assure adequate practical 30 instruction, pharmacist internship experience as required under 19990H1946B4165 - 26 -
1 this act shall be obtained under the immediate supervision of a 2 pharmacist meeting the requirements established by the board. 3 (c) Examination to obtain pharmacist license.--A pharmacist 4 intern applying for examination shall pay to the board an 5 examination fee established by the board through regulation. 6 Upon passing the required examination and complying with all the 7 rules and regulations of the board and this act, the board shall 8 grant the applicant licensure as a pharmacist and issue a 9 license qualifying the applicant to enter into the practice of 10 pharmacy. This license may not be issued until a fee established 11 by the board through regulation shall be paid to the board. 12 Section 506. Qualifications for reciprocal license transfer. 13 (a) Procedure.--The board may, without examination, license 14 as a pharmacist any individual who, at the time of filing an 15 application for licensure, is licensed as a pharmacist in any 16 other state, territory or possession of the United States 17 provided that that individual shall meet those standards 18 established by the board by regulation and meet all of the 19 following criteria: 20 (1) Produce evidence satisfactory to the board of having 21 had the required secondary and professional education and 22 training, including internship. 23 (2) Be of good character and morals as required of 24 applicants for licensure under this act. 25 (3) At the time of initial licensure as a pharmacist, 26 have all the qualifications necessary to have been eligible 27 for licensure as a pharmacist in this Commonwealth at the 28 time of licensure. 29 (4) Have presented to the board proof of initial 30 licensure by examination and proof that such license is in 19990H1946B4165 - 27 -
1 good standing. 2 (5) Not be eligible for reciprocal license transfer 3 unless the state in which that individual is licensed shall 4 under similar conditions grant reciprocal licensure as a 5 pharmacist without examination to pharmacists duly licensed 6 by examination in this Commonwealth. 7 (b) Fee.--An application under this subsection shall be 8 accompanied by a fee established by the board through regulation 9 for the application and expense of investigation by the board. A 10 fee established by the board through regulation shall be paid 11 for the license and certificate prior to its approval and 12 issuance by the board. 13 Section 507. Renewal of licenses. 14 The board shall provide for, regulate and require all 15 individuals licensed as pharmacists to renew their licenses 16 biennially. The board shall prescribe the form of the renewal 17 application and the information required to be submitted by all 18 applicants, including proof of continuing education. The 19 applicant shall file with the board the renewal application 20 accompanied by a biennial license fee established by the board 21 through regulation. An additional fee established by the board 22 through regulation shall be paid for late licensure renewal of a 23 pharmacist. 24 Section 508. Continuing pharmacy education. 25 (a) General rule.--Continuing pharmacy education as the 26 board may require shall be a prerequisite for licensure renewal. 27 (b) Requirements.--The board shall: 28 (1) Define, by regulation, the requirements for 29 continuing education. 30 (2) Approve programs of continuing education. 19990H1946B4165 - 28 -
1 (3) Adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out 2 and enforce this section, which shall include the methods of 3 determining approved programs and any required fees. 4 Section 509. Reporting multiple licensure. 5 A licensed pharmacist of this Commonwealth who is also 6 licensed to practice pharmacy in any other state, territory or 7 country shall report this information to the board on the 8 biennial registration application. Any disciplinary action in 9 any other state, territory and country shall be reported to the 10 board on the biennial renewal application or within 90 days of 11 final disposition, whichever is sooner. Multiple licensure shall 12 be noted by the board on the pharmacist's record, and such 13 state, territory or country shall be notified by the board of 14 any disciplinary actions taken against said pharmacist in this 15 Commonwealth. 16 Section 521. Licensing of pharmacies. 17 (a) General rule.--The board shall issue a permit to any 18 person to conduct a pharmacy: 19 (1) Who has filed an application to operate a pharmacy. 20 (2) Who has subscribed the application under oath or 21 affirmation. 22 (3) Who provides all information the board may require. 23 (4) Who pays any fee established by the board by 24 regulation. 25 (5) Whose proposed pharmacy complies with all 26 regulations of the board and with all requirements of this 27 act. 28 (b) Additional information.--An applicant for a permit shall 29 provide sufficient evidence to the board that the proposed 30 pharmacy: 19990H1946B4165 - 29 -
1 (1) Has the necessary reference materials, current 2 supplements to these reference materials and the professional 3 equipment, technical equipment and other pharmaceutical 4 equipment which such reference materials, supplements and 5 equipment have been determined by the board as necessary to 6 meet the needs of the practice of pharmacy for the area and 7 type of practice to protect the health and welfare of the 8 citizens of this Commonwealth. 9 (2) Has sufficient physical facilities, including 10 equipment, size, space and sanitation, for adequately 11 providing for the practice of pharmacy, including 12 distributing and dispensing drugs and devices consistent with 13 the protection of the public health, safety and welfare as 14 the board may by regulation establish. 15 (3) Contains a suitable book or file in which shall be 16 preserved, for a period of not less than two years, every 17 prescription compounded or dispensed therein. 18 (4) Will be under the immediate supervision of a 19 pharmacist licensed in this Commonwealth at all times that 20 the pharmacy is open for business. 21 (c) Criminal history and character.-- 22 (1) If the applicant is an individual or partnership, 23 that the individual or copartner, if not a pharmacist, has 24 not previously been found or pleaded guilty or nolo 25 contendere to any crime concerning the practice of pharmacy 26 or involving moral turpitude. 27 (2) If the applicant is an individual or partnership and 28 a pharmacist, that the pharmacist is presently licensed by 29 the board. 30 (3) If the applicant is an association, that no director 19990H1946B4165 - 30 -
1 or officer has been found or pleaded guilty or nolo 2 contendere to said crimes or had a pharmacy or pharmacist's 3 license revoked or renewal refused for cause. 4 (4) If the applicant is a corporation, that no director, 5 officer or person having a beneficial interest of more than 6 10% of the stock has been found guilty or pleaded guilty or 7 nolo contendere to said crimes or had a pharmacy or 8 pharmacist's license revoked or renewal refused for cause. 9 (5) An applicant shall be of good moral and professional 10 character. In determining this qualification, the board may 11 take into consideration, among other things, the conduct and 12 operation of other pharmacies conducted by the applicant. 13 (d) Supervision.--Each pharmacy shall be under the 14 supervision and management of a pharmacist duly licensed in this 15 Commonwealth. 16 (e) Display of license.--A license or permit issued under 17 this act shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the 18 pharmacy for which it is issued. 19 (f) Separate applications for each pharmacy.--Separate 20 applications and permits shall be required for each pharmacy. 21 Each permit shall be issued bearing the name of the pharmacist 22 who will be in charge of that pharmacy as defined by regulation 23 and who will be responsible for all operations involving the 24 practice of pharmacy in that pharmacy. 25 (g) Fees.--An application for a permit to conduct a pharmacy 26 shall be accompanied by an initial registration fee established 27 by the board by regulation. 28 (h) Expiration.--A permit issued under this section, unless 29 sooner revoked or suspended, shall expire on the date set forth 30 on the permit. The board may promulgate regulations authorizing 19990H1946B4165 - 31 -
1 the application by a personal representative of a deceased 2 permittee for an extension of the deceased permittee's permit 3 for a period not to exceed one year from the date of death. 4 Section 522. Renewal of pharmacy permit. 5 The board shall renew a permit for the succeeding biennium, 6 unless the board shall have given ten days' previous notice to 7 the applicant for the permit of objections to the renewal based 8 upon a finding or plea of guilty or nolo contendere by the 9 applicant, its partners or officers, to a violation of any of 10 the laws of the United States or of this Commonwealth relating 11 to the practice of pharmacy or to the enforcement of controlled 12 substances or involving moral turpitude, upon payment of a fee 13 established by the board by regulation for each pharmacy. The 14 application for renewal shall be made on or before September 1 15 of each odd-numbered year. 16 Section 523. Permit required for operation. 17 No person shall operate a pharmacy until that person has been 18 granted a pharmacy permit by the board. 19 Section 524. Display of ownership information. 20 The full name or names of the proprietor, or if a 21 partnership, the partners, or if an association or corporation, 22 the name of the pharmacist manager, must be conspicuously 23 displayed in the pharmacy along with any corporate association 24 or duly registered fictitious name. 25 Section 525. Extraterritorial pharmacy permits. 26 (a) Permit required.--A person, entity, pharmacy or 27 pharmacist located outside of this Commonwealth who ships, 28 mails, distributes, dispenses or delivers prescription drugs or 29 devices to individuals within this Commonwealth shall be 30 required to obtain a pharmacy permit from the board. 19990H1946B4165 - 32 -
1 (b) Waiver.--If the person, entity, pharmacy or pharmacist 2 holds a valid pharmacy permit issued by the state in which that 3 pharmacy is operated, the board may waive any requirements 4 imposed upon pharmacies within this Commonwealth if the waiver 5 of these requirements will not endanger the public health, 6 safety or welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth. 7 (c) Effect of nonlicensure.--If the person or entity does 8 not hold a valid pharmacy permit from the jurisdiction in which 9 the person or entity is operating, then the person or entity 10 shall satisfy all requirements imposed upon pharmacies in this 11 Commonwealth prior to shipping, mailing, dispensing, 12 distributing or delivering prescription drugs or devices within 13 this Commonwealth. 14 (d) Registered agent.-- 15 (1) Each person, entity, pharmacy or pharmacist located 16 outside of this Commonwealth who ships, mails, dispenses, 17 distributes or delivers prescription drugs or devices in this 18 Commonwealth shall designate a registered agent in this 19 Commonwealth for service of process. 20 (2) Any such person, entity, pharmacy or pharmacist who 21 does not so designate a registered agent shall be deemed to 22 have designated the Secretary of State to be its true and 23 lawful attorney, upon whom may be served all legal process in 24 any action or proceeding against such person, entity, 25 pharmacy or pharmacist growing out of or arising from such 26 shipping, mailing, dispensing, distributing or delivery. 27 (3) A copy of any such service of process shall be 28 mailed to such person, entity, pharmacy or pharmacist by the 29 board by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage 30 prepaid, at the address designated on the application for 19990H1946B4165 - 33 -
1 licensure in this Commonwealth. 2 (4) If any such person, entity, pharmacy or pharmacist 3 is not licensed by the board, service on the Secretary of 4 State only shall be sufficient service for legal purposes. 5 Section 526. Regulatory power over pharmacies. 6 The board may promulgate regulations designed to insure 7 methods of operation and conduct which protect the public health 8 and welfare. 9 CHAPTER 7 10 ENFORCEMENT 11 Section 701. Refusal to grant, revocation and suspension of 12 licenses and permits. 13 The board may refuse to grant, refuse to renew, suspend, 14 revoke or restrict the license of any pharmacist or pharmacist 15 intern upon any of the following grounds: 16 (1) Unprofessional conduct as that term is defined by 17 the rules of the board. 18 (2) Unfit to practice pharmacy because of the 19 intemperance in the use of alcoholic beverages, controlled 20 substances or any other substance which impairs the intellect 21 and judgment to such an extent as to impair the performance 22 of professional duties. 23 (3) Unfit or unable to practice pharmacy by reason of a 24 physical or mental disease or disability. In enforcing this 25 paragraph, the board shall, upon probable cause, compel a 26 pharmacist or a pharmacist intern to submit to a mental or 27 physical examination by physicians or psychologists approved 28 by the board. Failure to submit to such examination when 29 directed by the board, unless such failure is due to 30 circumstances beyond the individual's control, shall 19990H1946B4165 - 34 -
1 constitute an admission of the allegations against that 2 individual, consequent upon which a default and final order 3 may be entered without the taking of testimony or 4 presentation of evidence. A pharmacist or a pharmacist intern 5 affected under this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals 6 be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that the pharmacist 7 or pharmacist intern can resume a competent practice of 8 pharmacy with reasonable skill and safety to patients. 9 (4) Procured a license through fraud, misrepresentation 10 or deceit. 11 (5) Been found guilty, pleaded guilty, entered a plea of 12 nolo contendere or received probation without verdict, 13 disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated Rehabilitative 14 Disposition in the disposition of one or more of the 15 following: 16 (i) A felony. 17 (ii) An offense involving moral turpitude or gross 18 immorality. 19 (iii) Violation of the pharmacy or drug laws of this 20 Commonwealth or rules and regulations pertaining thereto; 21 or of pharmacy laws, rules and regulations of the Federal 22 Government or of any other state. 23 (6) Violated or knowingly permitted the violation of any 24 provision of this act or regulation of the board. 25 (7) Knowingly allowed, aided or abetted an individual to 26 engage in the practice of pharmacy without a license. 27 (8) Knowingly aided or abetted an individual to assist 28 in the practice of pharmacy without having registered with 29 the board or falsely used the title of pharmacist or 30 pharmacist intern. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall 19990H1946B4165 - 35 -
1 be construed to prohibit pharmacist interns or registered 2 pharmacy technicians from assisting in the practice of 3 pharmacy under the immediate supervision of a licensed 4 pharmacist provided such assistance is consistent with proper 5 pharmacy practices and with board regulations. 6 (9) Willfully deceiving or attempting to deceive the 7 board or its agents with respect to any significant matter 8 under investigation by the board. 9 (10) Advertising of prices for drugs and pharmaceutical 10 services to the public which does not conform with Federal 11 laws or regulations or with the laws or regulations of this 12 Commonwealth or which is untrue, false, misleading or 13 deceptive. 14 (11) Public assertion or implication of professional 15 superiority in the practice of pharmacy. 16 (12) Paying rebates to physicians or other persons or 17 the entering into of any agreement with a medical 18 practitioner or any other person for the payment or 19 acceptance of compensation in any form for the recommending 20 of the professional services of either party. 21 (13) Entering into an agreement with a licensed medical 22 practitioner for the compounding or dispensing of secret 23 formula (coded) prescriptions. 24 (14) Misbranding or adulteration of any drug or device 25 or the sale, distribution or dispensing of any misbranded or 26 adulterated drug or device as defined in the act of April 14, 27 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, 28 Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 29 (15) Displaying or permitting the display of the 30 pharmacist's or pharmacist intern's certificate of licensure 19990H1946B4165 - 36 -
1 or current registration document in a pharmacy of which that 2 pharmacist or pharmacist intern is not the proprietor or is 3 not employed. 4 (16) For any holder of a current pocket registration 5 card to fail, when practicing, to have the card available for 6 inspection by an authorized agent of the board. 7 (17) The acceptance back and redistribution of any 8 unused drug or part thereof as defined by regulations. 9 (18) Accept employment as a pharmacist, or share or 10 receive compensation in any form arising out of or incidental 11 to that pharmacist's professional activities from any person 12 who orders that pharmacist, directly or indirectly, to engage 13 in any aspect of the practice of pharmacy in contravention of 14 any provision of this act or regulation of the board. 15 (19) Had a license to practice pharmacy suspended, 16 revoked or refused or received other disciplinary action by 17 the proper pharmacist licensing authority of another state, 18 territory or country. 19 (20) Acted in such a manner as to present an immediate 20 and clear danger to the public health or safety. 21 (21) Is guilty of incompetence, gross negligence or 22 other malpractice, or the departure from or failure to 23 conform to the standards of acceptable pharmacy practice, in 24 which case actual injury need not be established. 25 (22) Knowing that a pharmacist or pharmacist intern is 26 incapable of engaging in the practice of pharmacy or that a 27 pharmacy technician is incapable of assisting in the practice 28 of pharmacy, with reasonable skill, competence and safety to 29 the public and failing to report any relevant information to 30 the board. 19990H1946B4165 - 37 -
1 (23) Engaging in any conduct which subverts or attempts 2 to subvert any licensing examination or the administration of 3 any licensing exam. 4 (24) Failing to pay the costs assessed in a disciplinary 5 hearing. 6 Section 702. Temporary suspension. 7 (a) Authorization.-- 8 (1) A license duly issued under this act may be 9 temporarily suspended under circumstances as determined by 10 the board to be an immediate and clear danger to the public 11 health and safety. 12 (2) The board shall issue an order to that effect 13 without a hearing, but upon due notice to the licensee 14 concerned at the licensee's last known address, which shall 15 include a written statement of all allegations against the 16 licensee. 17 (3) The case of a temporary suspension pursuant to this 18 section, hearings, appeals from and rulings resulting 19 therefrom need not comply with the provisions of 2 Pa.C.S. § 20 103 (relating to administrative agency law). 21 (b) Commencement of formal proceedings.--The board shall 22 thereupon commence formal action to suspend, revoke or restrict 23 the license of the person concerned, as otherwise provided for 24 in this act. All actions shall be taken promptly and without 25 delay. 26 (c) Preliminary hearing.-- 27 (1) Within 30 days following the issuance of an order 28 temporarily suspending a license, the board shall conduct or 29 cause to be conducted a preliminary hearing to determine that 30 there is a prima facie case supporting the suspension. 19990H1946B4165 - 38 -
1 (2) The licensee whose license has been temporarily 2 suspended may be present at the preliminary hearing and may 3 be represented by counsel, cross-examine witnesses, inspect 4 physical evidence, call witnesses, offer evidence and 5 testimony and make record of the proceedings. 6 (3) If it is determined that there is not a prima face 7 case, the suspended licensee shall be immediately restored. 8 (d) Duration of temporary suspension.--The temporary 9 suspension shall remain in effect until vacated by the board, 10 but in no event longer than 180 days. 11 Section 703. Automatic suspension. 12 (a) Conditions for.--A pharmacist license or a pharmacist 13 intern license issued under this act shall be automatically 14 suspended upon any of the following: 15 (1) The legal commitment to an institution of a licensee 16 or registrant because of mental incompetency from any cause 17 upon filing with the board a certified copy of such 18 commitment. 19 (2) The conviction of a felony under the act of April 20 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, 21 Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or conviction of an offense 22 under the laws of another jurisdiction, which if committed in 23 this Commonwealth would be a felony under The Controlled 24 Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 25 (b) Stay prohibited and restoration.--Automatic suspension 26 under this section shall not be stayed pending any appeal of 27 conviction. Restoration of such license or registration shall be 28 made as provided in this act in the case of revocation or 29 suspension of such license or registration. 30 Section 704. Impaired licensee. 19990H1946B4165 - 39 -
1 (a) Board action.--When an impaired pharmacist or pharmacist 2 intern is subject to disciplinary action, the board may defer 3 and ultimately dismiss any of the types of corrective action set 4 forth in this act for an impaired professional so long as the 5 pharmacist or pharmacist intern is progressing satisfactorily in 6 an approved treatment program and in an impaired professional 7 support group recognized by the board. 8 (b) Information disclosure to board.--If an impaired 9 pharmacist or pharmacist intern enters an approved treatment 10 program and an impaired professional support group, the approved 11 program provider shall, upon request, disclose to a professional 12 consultant appointed and employed by the board as described in 13 section 908, such information the program provider possesses or 14 controls regarding the impaired pharmacist or pharmacist intern 15 in treatment, unless the program provider is prohibited from 16 disclosing such information by an act of the United States, this 17 Commonwealth or another state. 18 (c) Agreement by licensee.--An impaired pharmacist or 19 pharmacist intern who enrolls in an approved treatment program 20 shall enter into either: 21 (1) An agreement with the peer assistance group which 22 will monitor the licensee's progress, monitor compliance with 23 the terms of the agreement and monitor adherence to any 24 limitations on the practice of pharmacy as required by the 25 terms of the agreement so as to protect the public. 26 (2) An agreement with the board under which the 27 pharmacist's or pharmacist intern's license shall be 28 suspended or revoked, and which provides that enforcement of 29 the suspension or revocation shall be stayed for the length 30 of time the impaired pharmacist or pharmacist intern remains 19990H1946B4165 - 40 -
1 in the treatment program and makes satisfactory progress, 2 complies with the terms of the agreement and adheres to any 3 limitations on his or her practice imposed by the board to 4 protect the public. 5 (d) Disqualification from program.--Failure to enter into 6 one of the agreements required by subsection (c) shall 7 disqualify the impaired professional from the impaired 8 pharmacist or pharmacist intern program and shall activate an 9 immediate investigation and disciplinary proceeding by the 10 board. 11 (e) Lack of satisfactory progress.-- 12 (1) If, in the opinion of the professional consultant 13 after consultation with the program provider, the peer 14 assistance group, or both, an impaired pharmacist or 15 pharmacist intern who is enrolled in an approved treatment 16 program or the peer assistance program and has entered into 17 an agreement under subsection (a) has not progressed 18 satisfactorily, the professional consultant shall disclose to 19 the board all information in the consultant's possession 20 regarding said pharmacist or pharmacist intern. 21 (2) After the disclosure, the board shall institute 22 proceedings to determine if the stay of the enforcement of 23 the suspension or revocation of the impaired pharmacist's or 24 pharmacist intern's license shall be vacated if the licensee 25 has executed a board agreement. 26 (3) If the licensee has not executed a board agreement, 27 but has executed an agreement with the peer assistance 28 program, the board shall immediately institute proceedings to 29 determine if the impaired pharmacist's or pharmacist intern's 30 license should be revoked or suspended. 19990H1946B4165 - 41 -
1 Section 705. Reinstatement. 2 (a) Petition.--A person whose license to practice pharmacy 3 in this Commonwealth has been suspended, revoked or restricted 4 pursuant to this act, whether voluntarily or by action of the 5 board, shall have the right, after any statutorily mandated 6 period of time, or, if no statutory limitation exists, at 7 reasonable intervals, to petition the board for reinstatement of 8 such license. 9 (b) Forms.--The petition shall be made in writing and in the 10 form prescribed by the board. 11 (c) Board procedures.--Upon investigation and hearing, the 12 board may, in its discretion, grant or deny the petition, or it 13 may modify its original findings to reflect any circumstances 14 which have changed sufficiently to warrant such modifications. 15 The board, at its discretion, may also require such person to 16 pass an examination for reentry into the practice of pharmacy. 17 (d) No reinstatement for revocation.-- 18 (1) Unless ordered to do so by Commonwealth Court or an 19 appeal therefrom, the board may not reinstate the license of 20 a person to the practice of pharmacy pursuant to this act 21 which license has been revoked. 22 (2) A person whose license has been revoked may apply 23 for reinstatement after a period of five years from the date 24 of revocation, but must meet all of the licensing 25 qualifications of this act for the license applied for, to 26 include the examination requirement. 27 Section 706. No bar to criminal action. 28 Nothing in this act shall be construed as barring criminal 29 prosecutions for violations of this act. 30 Section 707. Administrative Agency Law. 19990H1946B4165 - 42 -
1 A final decision of the board shall be subject to judicial 2 review pursuant to 2 Pa.C.S. § 103 (relating to Administrative 3 Agency Law). 4 Section 708. Board action. 5 When the board finds that the license of a pharmacist or 6 pharmacist intern may be refused, revoked or suspended under the 7 terms of this section, the board may: 8 (1) Deny the application for a license. 9 (2) Administer a public reprimand. 10 (3) Revoke, suspend, limit or otherwise restrict the 11 license as determined by the board. 12 (4) Require the licensee to submit to the care, 13 counseling or treatment of a physician or a psychologist 14 designated by the board or enter into an appropriate 15 treatment program as determined by the board. 16 (5) Suspend enforcement of its findings thereof and 17 place the licensee on probation with the right to vacate the 18 probationary order for noncompliance unless such suspension 19 is otherwise prohibited by this act. 20 Section 709. Pharmacy permits. 21 The board shall refuse, revoke or suspend the permit of any 22 pharmacy upon proof satisfactory to it that any of the following 23 occurred: 24 (1) The permit was procured through fraud, 25 misrepresentation or deceit. 26 (2) The holder of the pharmacy permit or partner or 27 officer thereof has violated any of the provisions of this 28 act, regulations of the board or any provisions of the 29 Federal act, or the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), 30 known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic 19990H1946B4165 - 43 -
1 Act, or has ordered a pharmacist, pharmacist intern or 2 pharmacy technician in the employ of that pharmacy to engage 3 in any aspect of the practice of pharmacy in contravention of 4 any provisions of the aforesaid acts or regulations. 5 (3) The holder of the pharmacy permit sold, dispensed or 6 caused or allowed to be sold or dispensed any controlled 7 substance or nonproprietary drug, except by a licensed 8 pharmacist. 9 (4) Upon the suspension or revocation of a license of a 10 pharmacist or pharmacist intern employed by the pharmacy, it 11 is shown that the illegal acts of the pharmacist or 12 pharmacist intern where within the knowledge of or should 13 have been within the knowledge of the holder of the pharmacy 14 permit, or partner or officer thereof. 15 (5) The holder of the pharmacy permit, after issuance of 16 a permit, fails to continue to comply with all requirements 17 of Subchapter C of Chapter 5. 18 Section 710. Return of license or permit. 19 An individual or entity whose license to practice pharmacy or 20 registration to assist in the practice of pharmacy is revoked, 21 suspended or not renewed shall return the license or 22 registration certificate to the offices of the board within ten 23 days after receipt of notice of such action. 24 Section 711. Hearings. 25 (a) Notice of determination.--Upon refusal of the board to 26 issue a license or permit, written notices of the grounds 27 supporting such decision shall be given the applicant, either 28 personally or by registered or certified mail, return receipt 29 requested, and the board shall accord the applicant the 30 opportunity of a hearing, upon written request received within 19990H1946B4165 - 44 -
1 15 days from the date of giving the written notice. 2 (b) Investigation.--The board may, upon its own motion, and 3 shall, promptly, upon the verified complaint in writing of a 4 person setting forth specifically the wrongful act or acts 5 complained of, investigate any alleged violations of this act by 6 any persons, and shall have the power temporarily to suspend or 7 permanently revoke licenses or permit issued by the board under 8 this act at any time when, after due proceedings as provided, it 9 shall find the holder thereof to have been guilty of any 10 violation of this act or the rules or regulations of the board. 11 (c) Conduct of hearings.--Hearings, appeals and rulings 12 resulting therefrom, unless otherwise provided in this act, 13 shall be in accordance with the provisions of 2 Pa.C.S. § 103 14 (relating to Administrative Agency Law). 15 (d) Presence of board member.--A majority of the board shall 16 designate the member or members to be present at each hearing. 17 Subsequent to each hearing, the notes of testimony shall be 18 transcribed, and a copy of the transcription shall be given to 19 each member of the board who shall review the same prior to 20 voting thereon. All decisions shall be reached by a majority 21 vote of the entire board. The board shall, by regulation, 22 establish and publish procedural rules concerning the conduct of 23 hearings. 24 Section 712. Docket and other records. 25 (a) Duty to maintain.-- 26 (1) The board shall maintain in its office a docket or 27 other record of the rulings and decisions upon all complaints 28 filed with it and all investigations instituted by it. 29 (2) The board shall give immediate written notice of a 30 ruling or decision to the licensee affected thereby and, 19990H1946B4165 - 45 -
1 where the investigation shall have been instituted by 2 complaint filed, to the party or parties by whom the 3 complaint was made. 4 (3) If a ruling or decision may operate to the prejudice 5 or shall injuriously affect the licensee, the board shall 6 also state in the notice the date upon which the ruling shall 7 become effective. 8 (b) Publication.-- 9 (1) If the licensee, at such time, cannot be found, the 10 licensee's whereabouts being unknown, such notice may be 11 given by the board by advertisement inserted in one issue of 12 a newspaper of general circulation published within the 13 county which was designated by the licensee as the licensee's 14 mailing address. 15 (2) When any revocation or suspension shall become 16 final, the board shall publish notice thereof in one issue of 17 one or more newspapers of general circulation published 18 within the county in which the licensee was engaged in the 19 practice of pharmacy at the time of such revocation or 20 suspension. 21 CHAPTER 9 22 PHARMACIST PRACTICE 23 Section 901. Practice of pharmacy. 24 The practice of pharmacy in this Commonwealth is hereby 25 declared a health care professional practice in which the 26 pharmacist is considered a health care provider affecting the 27 public health, safety and welfare and is subject to regulation 28 and control in the public interest. It is declared to be a 29 matter of public interest and concern that the practice of 30 pharmacy, as defined in this act, merit and receive the 19990H1946B4165 - 46 -
1 confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be 2 permitted to engage in the practice of pharmacy in this 3 Commonwealth. 4 Section 902. Pharmacy health care service. 5 The practice of pharmacy is the provision of health care 6 services by a pharmacist, including, but not limited to: 7 (1) The interpretation, evaluation and implementation of 8 medical orders. 9 (2) The delivering, dispensing or distributing of 10 prescription drugs. 11 (3) Participation in drug and device selection. 12 (4) Drug administration. 13 (5) Drug regimen review. 14 (6) Drug or drug-related research. 15 (7) Compounding. 16 (8) Proper and safe storage of drugs and devices. 17 (9) Managing drug therapy. 18 (10) Such acts, services, operations or transactions 19 necessary or incident to the provision of these health care 20 services. 21 Section 903. Drug regimen review. 22 In all practice care settings a pharmacist shall: 23 (1) Perform a drug regimen review prior to dispensing a 24 prescription. 25 (2) Maintain a patient history in compliance with 26 regulations of the board for each patient for whom 27 prescriptions are dispensed. 28 (3) Provide drug information to the patient, caregiver 29 or patient's agent in compliance with regulations of the 30 board. The offer to provide this information shall be made by 19990H1946B4165 - 47 -
1 the pharmacist or the pharmacist's designee. 2 Section 904. Managing drug therapy. 3 (a) Written authorization.--A pharmacist shall be permitted 4 to enter into a written agreement or protocol authorizing the 5 delegation of the management of drug therapy. 6 (b) Licensed prescriber.--The licensed prescriber who is a 7 party to a written agreement or protocol authorizing the 8 delegation of the management of drug therapy shall be in active 9 practice and the delegation shall be within the scope of the 10 licensed prescriber's current practice. 11 (c) Voluntary utilization.--Participation in a written 12 agreement or protocol authorizing the delegation of the 13 management of drug therapy shall be voluntary, and no licensed 14 prescriber, pharmacist or patient shall be required to 15 participate. 16 (d) Insurance protection.--A party to a written agreement or 17 protocol authorizing the delegation of the management of drug 18 therapy shall maintain a minimum agreement and malpractice 19 insurance policy in an amount of not less than $1,000,000. 20 (e) Regulations.--The board shall adopt regulations to 21 assure for the protection of the health and welfare of patients 22 treated pursuant to a written agreement or protocol authorizing 23 the delegation of the management of drug therapy. 24 Section 905. Pharmacy technicians. 25 (a) Use.--A pharmacy technician may be utilized to assist a 26 pharmacist in the preparation of prescriptions and drug orders 27 in compliance with regulations adopted by the board. 28 (b) Training.--A technician may be trained at any licensed 29 pharmacy or trained thorough educational programs provided by 30 colleges, universities, professional associations, private 19990H1946B4165 - 48 -
1 schools or other entities. 2 (c) Registration.--A pharmacy technician must register with 3 the board on a form prescribed by the board and pay a 4 registration fee as determined by the board. 5 (d) Pharmacist supervision.--A pharmacy technician shall 6 work only under the immediate supervision of a licensed 7 pharmacist. 8 (e) Prohibited activities.--A pharmacy technician shall be 9 prohibited from performing those functions requiring the skill 10 and competence of a licensed pharmacist, including, but not 11 limited to: 12 (1) Performing drug regimen reviews. 13 (2) Providing drug information, or patient counseling, 14 or both, to patients or caregivers. 15 (3) Monitoring of drug therapy. 16 (f) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 17 construed to preclude or prevent a pharmacy technician from 18 assisting a pharmacist by making an offer to the patient or 19 caregiver or agent of the patient to have a pharmacist provide 20 drug information, patient counseling or both. 21 Section 906. Prescriptions. 22 (a) Transmission.--Prescriptions and drug orders may be: 23 (1) written by the health practitioner; 24 (2) transmitted by telephone to the pharmacy by the 25 health practitioner or the practitioner's agent; 26 (3) transmitted to the pharmacy by facsimile, provided 27 there is no prohibition in Federal or State law prohibiting 28 facsimile transmission of prescription or drug orders for the 29 specific drug involved; 30 (4) transmitted by electronic data transmission from the 19990H1946B4165 - 49 -
1 health practitioner directly to the pharmacy. 2 (b) Regulations.--The board shall establish regulations 3 governing the use of facsimile or electronic data transmission 4 to assure for the protection of the public health and safety and 5 to provide adequate security to assure confidentiality of the 6 information and data. 7 (c) Transfer between pharmacies.--A prescription may be 8 transferred between pharmacies in this Commonwealth pursuant to 9 the following requirements and any regulations of the board: 10 (1) The prescription is for a drug which is lawfully 11 refillable. 12 (2) The drug is not a Schedule II controlled substance 13 under act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The 14 Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. 15 (3) An original or new prescription is not required from 16 the prescriber by law. 17 (4) The pharmacist transferring the prescription cancels 18 the original prescription in the pharmacist's records and 19 indicates on the prescription records to whom the 20 prescription was transferred, including the name of the 21 pharmacy, the date of the transfer and the name or initials 22 of the transferring pharmacist. 23 (5) The pharmacist receiving the transferred 24 prescription: 25 (i) Notes on the prescription that it is a 26 transferred prescription. 27 (ii) Records all of the following on the 28 prescription records in addition to other information 29 required by law: 30 (A) Date of issuance of original prescription. 19990H1946B4165 - 50 -
1 (B) Date of original filling of prescription and 2 date of last refill. 3 (C) Original number of refills authorized on 4 prescription. 5 (D) Number of valid refills remaining. 6 (iii) Notes the location and file number of the 7 original prescription. 8 (iv) Notes the name of the pharmacy and pharmacist 9 from whom the prescription was transferred. 10 (6) A pharmacist may transfer a prescription to another 11 pharmacist employed by the same corporation without regard to 12 the requirements of this subsection, provided that both 13 pharmacists have access to the same computerized prescription 14 transfer system which contains the prescription refill 15 records and incorporates procedures to prevent unauthorized 16 refills. 17 Section 907. Emergency refills. 18 A pharmacist shall be permitted to provide an emergency 19 refill of a prescription that would otherwise not be legally 20 refillable only if all of the following terms and conditions are 21 satisfied: 22 (1) The pharmacist first attempts to obtain an 23 authorization from the authorized prescriber but cannot 24 contact the prescriber. 25 (2) The drug which is the subject of the refill is 26 essential to the continuation of therapy and, in the 27 pharmacist's professional judgment, the interruption of the 28 therapy might reasonably produce an undesirable health 29 consequence, be detrimental to the patient's welfare or cause 30 physical or mental discomfort. 19990H1946B4165 - 51 -
1 (3) The drug which is the subject of the refill is not a 2 controlled substance. 3 (4) The pharmacist enters on the back of the 4 prescription or on another appropriate, uniformly maintained 5 and readily retrievable record, the date and quantity of the 6 refill and the pharmacist must verify the prescription. 7 (5) The pharmacist provides no more than a 72-hour 8 emergency supply of the medication in conformity with the 9 prescribed directions for use. 10 (6) Within 72 hours of dispensing the refill, the 11 pharmacist notified the prescriber that an emergency 12 prescription had been dispensed and the quantity of drug 13 provided to the patient. 14 Section 908. Impaired pharmacist or pharmacist intern. 15 (a) Board power.--In addition to the power set forth in 16 section 704, the board, with the approval of the Commissioner of 17 Professional and Occupational Affairs, shall appoint and fix 18 compensation of a professional consultant who is a licensee of 19 the board with education and experience in the identification, 20 treatment and rehabilitation of persons with chemical, physical 21 and mental impairments. The consultant shall be accountable to 22 the board and shall act as a liaison between the board and 23 treatment programs, such as alcohol and drug treatment programs 24 licensed by the Department of Health, psychological counseling 25 and impaired professional support groups approved by the board 26 and which provide services to licensees under this act. 27 (b) Required reporting.--A hospital or health care facility, 28 peer or colleague who has substantial evidence that a pharmacist 29 or pharmacist intern has an active, addictive disease for which 30 the pharmacist or pharmacist intern is not receiving treatment, 19990H1946B4165 - 52 -
1 is diverting a controlled substance for personal use or is 2 mentally or physically incompetent to carry out the duties of 3 the pharmacist's or pharmacist's intern's license or certificate 4 shall make or cause to be made a report to the board, except 5 that any person or facility who acts in a treatment capacity to 6 an impaired pharmacist in an approved treatment program is 7 exempt from the mandatory reporting requirements of this 8 subsection. 9 (c) Immunity.--Any person or facility who reports in good 10 faith and without malice under this section shall be immune from 11 any civil or criminal liability resulting from such report. 12 (d) Penalty.--Failure to provide the report within a 13 reasonable time from receipt of such knowledge of impairment 14 shall subject the person or facility to a fine not to exceed 15 $1,000. The board shall levy the penalty only after affording 16 the accused party the opportunity for a hearing, as provided in 17 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to administrative law and procedure). 18 (e) Report by provider.--An approved program provider who 19 makes disclosure to the board pursuant to the requirements of 20 this act shall not be subject to civil liability for such 21 disclosure or its consequences. 22 CHAPTER 11 23 UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES 24 Section 1101. Unlawful acts. 25 It shall be unlawful for: 26 (1) A person to procure or attempt to procure a license, 27 permit or certificate for that person or for any other person 28 by making or causing to be made any false representations. 29 (2) A person not duly licensed as a pharmacist pursuant 30 to this act to engage in the practice of pharmacy, except a 19990H1946B4165 - 53 -
1 pharmacy intern or such other authorized personnel under the 2 immediate personal supervision of a pharmacist. Nothing in 3 this section shall be construed to prevent a duly licensed 4 medical practitioner from administering any drug to the 5 practitioner's own patients after diagnosis or treatment of 6 the patient or to prevent any person from selling or 7 distributing at retail household remedies or proprietary 8 medicines when the same are offered for sale or sold in the 9 original manufacturer's package which was prepared for sale 10 to consumers. 11 (3) An unlicensed person to operate or conduct or to 12 have charge or to supervise any pharmacy. For a violation of 13 this section, the owner of the pharmacy shall be equally 14 liable as the principal party involved in the violation. 15 (4) A person to represent that person as licensed under 16 this act when in fact that person is not so licensed. 17 (5) A person to knowingly prevent or refuse to permit 18 any member of the board or its duly authorized agents to 19 enter a pharmacy or any other place where drugs or devices 20 are kept, stored, dispensed or distributed to a patient or 21 consumer for the purpose of lawful inspection or other 22 purposes in accordance with this act and regulations pursuant 23 thereto. 24 (6) A person whose license, permit or certification has 25 been revoked, suspended or refused renewal to fail to deliver 26 the license, permit or certificate to the board within ten 27 days after receipt of notice of such action. 28 (7) A person to sell at auction drugs or devices in bulk 29 or in open or unopened packages, unless such sale has been 30 approved in advance by the board and unless such sale shall 19990H1946B4165 - 54 -
1 be under the personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist 2 appointed by the board and whose fee shall be paid by the 3 seller. 4 (8) A person, firm or corporation to use the title 5 "pharmacist," "pharmacist care," "pharmacy care," 6 "pharmaceutical care," "assistant pharmacist," "druggist," 7 "apothecary" or similar terms except a person duly licensed 8 as a pharmacist in this Commonwealth. 9 (9) A person to conduct or transact business under a 10 name which contains as part thereof the words "drug store," 11 "pharmacy," "drugs," "medicine store," "medicines," "drug 12 shop," "apothecary," "pharmaceutical" or any term having a 13 similar meaning, or in any manner by advertisement, display 14 or show globes or otherwise describe or refer to the place of 15 the conducted business or person unless the place is a 16 pharmacy duly issued a permit by the board. 17 (10) A person who buys, sells or causes to be sold or 18 offers for sale any drug or device which bears or which 19 package bears or originally did bear the inscription "sample" 20 or "not for resale" or "for investigational or experimental 21 use only" or other similar words, except where a cost is 22 incurred in the bona fide acquisition of an investigational 23 or experimental drug. 24 (11) A person using to that person's own advantage or 25 revealing to anyone other than the board, its duly authorized 26 representatives or to the courts when relevant to any 27 judicial proceeding under this act, any information acquired 28 under authority of this act or concerning any method or 29 process which is a trade secret. 30 (12) A pharmacist or owner of a pharmacy advertising or 19990H1946B4165 - 55 -
1 promoting prices for drugs and pharmaceutical services to the 2 public which do not conform to Federal and State laws and 3 regulations. 4 (13) A person who knowingly and willfully: 5 (i) forges or counterfeits upon any goods, wares or 6 merchandise the private stamps or labels of any mechanic 7 or manufacturer with intent to defraud the purchasers or 8 manufacturers of any goods, wares or merchandise; 9 (ii) keeps in possession or conceals any goods, 10 wares or merchandise or keeps in control, custody or 11 possession any punch plate, stone or other thing in the 12 likeness of any punch plate or stone designated for the 13 printing or imprinting of the private stamps or labels of 14 any mechanic or manufacturer; or 15 (iii) vends any goods, wares or merchandise having 16 thereon any forged or counterfeited stamps or labels 17 purporting to be the stamps or labels of any mechanic or 18 manufacturer, knowing the same to be forged or 19 counterfeited. 20 (14) A person acting alone or through another person to 21 procure or attempt to procure for himself or another person 22 any drug: 23 (i) By fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or 24 subterfuge. 25 (ii) By the forgery or alteration of a prescription 26 or any written order. 27 (iii) By the concealment of material facts. 28 (iv) By the use of a false statement and a 29 prescription order or report. 30 (15) A person to deliver a prescription medication by 19990H1946B4165 - 56 -
1 mail or otherwise to a patient within this Commonwealth 2 unless the prescription is filled or refilled in a pharmacy 3 licensed by the board. 4 (16) A licensed prescriber to have a proprietary or 5 beneficial interest in a pharmacy sufficient to permit that 6 prescriber to exercise supervision or control over a 7 pharmacist working in the pharmacy in the pharmacist's 8 professional responsibilities and duties. 9 Section 1102. Criminal penalties. 10 A person who violates any of the provisions of section 1101 11 commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced 12 to pay a fine of not more than $5,000, or to imprisonment for 13 not more than one year, or both and for each subsequent offense, 14 shall be sentenced to pay a fine or not more than $15,000, or to 15 imprisonment for not more than three years, or both. 16 Section 1103. Additional civil penalty. 17 In addition to any other civil remedy or criminal penalty 18 provided for in this act, the board may levy a civil penalty of 19 up to $1,000 on any current licensee who violates any provision 20 of this act or on any person who practices pharmacy without 21 being properly licensed to do so under this act. The board shall 22 levy such penalty only after affording the accused party the 23 opportunity for a hearing, as provided in 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to 24 administrative law and procedure). 25 CHAPTER 13 26 FISCAL AFFAIRS 27 Section 1301. Setting of fees. 28 (a) General rule.--All fees required under this act shall be 29 fixed by the board by regulation and shall be subject to the act 30 of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory 19990H1946B4165 - 57 -
1 Review Act. If the revenues raised by fees, fines and civil 2 penalties imposed under this act are not sufficient to meet 3 expenditures over a two-year period, the board shall increase 4 those fees by regulation, so that the projected revenues will 5 meet or exceed projected expenditures. 6 (b) Increase in fees.--If the bureau determines that the 7 fees, fines and civil penalties established by the board under 8 subsection (a) are inadequate to meet the minimum enforcement 9 efforts required by this act, then the bureau, after 10 consultation with the board and subject to the Regulatory Review 11 Act, shall increase the fees by regulation in an amount such 12 that adequate revenues are raised to meet the required 13 enforcement effort. 14 Section 1302. Pharmacy Professional Development Fund. 15 There is hereby established in the State Treasury the 16 Pharmacy Professional Development Fund. All fees, fines and 17 civil penalties imposed in accordance with this act shall be 18 paid into the fund. The funds shall be used by the board for 19 professional development and for enforcement efforts mandated by 20 this act. 21 Section 1303. Annual submissions. 22 (a) Estimate to department.--The board shall submit annually 23 to the Department of State an estimate of the financial 24 requirements of the board for its administrative, investigative, 25 legal and miscellaneous expenses. 26 (b) Report to the General Assembly.--The board shall submit 27 annually to the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the 28 Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, 15 29 days after the Governor has submitted the budget to the General 30 Assembly, a copy of the budget request for the upcoming fiscal 19990H1946B4165 - 58 -
1 year which the board previously submitted to the Department of 2 State. 3 Section 1304. Hiring of pharmacy inspectors. 4 The board shall employ at least eight pharmacy inspectors who 5 shall be licensed pharmacists in this Commonwealth. If the board 6 determines that additional pharmacy inspectors are necessary to 7 protect the health and safety of the citizens of this 8 Commonwealth, the board shall hire such additional inspectors. 9 Pharmacy inspectors shall be under the authority of the board, 10 shall report to the executive director and shall inspect all 11 licensed locations at the direction of the board or executive 12 director. 13 CHAPTER 15 14 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 15 Section 1501. Existing board members. 16 Members of the board appropriately confirmed as of the 17 effective date of this act shall continue to serve as members of 18 the board until their present terms expire or until a successor 19 has been appointed and qualified, but not longer than six months 20 after present terms have expired. 21 Section 1502. Existing rules, regulations and fees. 22 The rules and regulation of the board in effect on the 23 effective date of this act, not inconsistent with this act, 24 shall remain in effect until repealed or amended by the board. 25 Each fee of the board in effect on the effective date of this 26 act, and not inconsistent with this act, shall remain in effect 27 until repealed or amended in accordance with this act. 28 Section 1503. Current licensees. 29 A person who holds a valid license issued by the board on the 30 effective date of this act shall, on and after the effective 19990H1946B4165 - 59 -
1 date of this act, be deemed to be licensed by the board as 2 provided for in this act. 3 Section 1504. Severability. 4 The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of 5 this act or its application to any person or circumstance is 6 held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions 7 or applications of this act which can be given effect without 8 the invalid provision or application. 9 Section 1505. Repeals. 10 (a) Absolute.--The following acts and parts of acts are 11 repealed: 12 Act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699), known as the 13 Pharmacy Act. 14 (b) Inconsistent.--The act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, 15 No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, is repealed 16 insofar as it is inconsistent with this act. 17 (c) General.--All other acts and parts of acts are repealed 18 insofar as they are inconsistent with this act. 19 Section 1506. Effective date. 20 This act shall take effect January 1, 2000 or immediately, 21 whichever occurs later. 22 SECTION 1. SECTION 2(11) OF THE ACT OF SEPTEMBER 27, 1961 <-- 23 (P.L.1700, NO.699), KNOWN AS THE PHARMACY ACT, AMENDED DECEMBER 24 20, 1985 (P.L.433, NO.111), IS AMENDED AND THE SECTION IS 25 AMENDED BY ADDING CLAUSES TO READ: 26 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.--AS USED IN THIS ACT: 27 * * * 28 (11) "PRACTICE OF PHARMACY" MEANS THE [PRACTICE OF THAT 29 PROFESSION CONCERNED WITH THE ART AND SCIENCE OF THE EVALUATION 30 OF PRESCRIPTION ORDERS AND THE PREPARING, COMPOUNDING AND 19990H1946B4165 - 60 -
1 DISPENSING OF DRUGS AND DEVICES, WHETHER DISPENSED ON THE 2 PRESCRIPTION OF A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OR LEGALLY DISPENSED OR 3 PROVIDED TO A CONSUMER, AND SHALL INCLUDE THE PROPER AND SAFE 4 STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS, THE MAINTENANCE OF PROPER 5 RECORDS, THE PARTICIPATION IN DRUG SELECTION AND DRUG 6 UTILIZATION REVIEWS, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RELATING 7 INFORMATION AS REQUIRED CONCERNING SUCH DRUGS AND MEDICINES AND 8 THEIR THERAPEUTIC VALUES AND USES IN THE TREATMENT AND 9 PREVENTION OF DISEASE:] PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES BY A 10 PHARMACIST, WHICH INCLUDES THE INTERPRETATION, EVALUATION AND 11 IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDICAL ORDERS OR PRESCRIPTION DRUG ORDERS; 12 THE DELIVERY, DISPENSING OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS; 13 PARTICIPATION IN DRUG AND DEVICE SELECTION; DRUG ADMINISTRATION; 14 DRUG REGIMEN REVIEW; DRUG OR DRUG-RELATED RESEARCH; COMPOUNDING; 15 PROPER AND SAFE STORAGE OF DRUGS AND DEVICES; MANAGING DRUG 16 THERAPY IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING; MAINTAINING PROPER RECORDS; 17 PATIENT COUNSELING; AND SUCH ACTS, SERVICES, OPERATIONS OR 18 TRANSACTIONS NECESSARY OR INCIDENT TO THE PROVISION OF THESE 19 HEALTH CARE SERVICES. [PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT] THE "PRACTICE OF 20 PHARMACY" SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE OPERATIONS OF A MANUFACTURER OR 21 DISTRIBUTOR AS DEFINED IN "THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DRUG, 22 DEVICE AND COSMETIC ACT." 23 * * * 24 (14) "MANAGING DRUG THERAPY" MEANS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING 25 PROCESSES WHICH SHALL BE PERFORMED IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING 26 ONLY: ADJUSTING A DRUG REGIMEN; ADJUSTING DRUG STRENGTH, 27 FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION OR ROUTE; ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS; 28 AND ORDERING AND PERFORMING OF LABORATORY OR OTHER DIAGNOSTIC 29 TESTS NECESSARY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY. MANAGING DRUG 30 THERAPY SHALL BE PERFORMED PURSUANT TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR 19990H1946B4165 - 61 -
1 PROTOCOL AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.1 OF THIS ACT, AUTHORIZING 2 THE DELEGATION OF MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY FROM A LICENSED 3 PHYSICIAN TO A PHARMACIST, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE 4 ACT OF DECEMBER 20, 1985 (P.L.457, NO.112), KNOWN AS THE 5 "MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT OF 1985," WHICH AUTHORIZES A MEDICAL 6 DOCTOR TO DELEGATE DUTIES TO HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS, AND 7 SECTION 3 OF THE ACT OF OCTOBER 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, NO.261), 8 KNOWN AS THE "OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT," WHICH 9 AUTHORIZES SERVICES AND ACTS RENDERED BY ALLIED MEDICAL PERSONS 10 UNDER THE SUPERVISION, DIRECTION OR CONTROL OF A LICENSED 11 PHYSICIAN. 12 (15) "INSTITUTION" MEANS AN EXTENDED CARE FACILITY, NURSING 13 HOME, NURSING CARE FACILITY, CONVALESCENT HOME, RESIDENT CARE 14 FACILITY, HOSPITAL OR ANY OTHER PLACE WHICH OFFERS MEDICAL 15 TREATMENT TO PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE FOOD, BOARD AND OVERNIGHT 16 SLEEPING FACILITIES AND CARE. 17 (16) "DRUG ADMINISTRATION" MEANS THE DIRECT INTRODUCTION OF 18 OR THE APPLICATION OF A DRUG INTO OR ON THE BODY OF A PATIENT BY 19 INJECTION, INHALATION, INGESTION OR ANY OTHER MEANS, AND WHERE 20 REQUIRED BY LAW, SHALL OCCUR ONLY PURSUANT TO A MEDICAL ORDER. 21 (17) "MEDICAL ORDER" MEANS A LAWFUL ORDER BY A SPECIFICALLY 22 IDENTIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER FOR A SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED 23 PATIENT. 24 (18) "PHYSICIAN" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL LICENSED UNDER THE LAWS 25 OF THIS COMMONWEALTH TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND 26 SURGERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE ACT OF 27 DECEMBER 20, 1985 (P.L.457, NO.112), KNOWN AS THE "MEDICAL 28 PRACTICE ACT OF 1985," OR IN THE PRACTICE OF OSTEOPATHIC 29 MEDICINE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE ACT OF OCTOBER 5, 1978 30 (P.L.1109, NO.261), KNOWN AS THE "OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL PRACTICE 19990H1946B4165 - 62 -
1 ACT." 2 (19) "PROTOCOL" MEANS A WRITTEN DOCUMENT THAT DESCRIBES THE 3 NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE DRUG THERAPY MANAGEMENT TO BE CARRIED 4 OUT BY THE PHARMACIST. 5 SECTION 2. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING SECTIONS TO READ: 6 SECTION 9.1. DRUG THERAPY PROTOCOLS.--(A) A PHARMACIST 7 SHALL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR PROTOCOL 8 WITH A LICENSED PHYSICIAN AUTHORIZING THE DELEGATION OF THE 9 MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING. 10 (B) THE LICENSED PHYSICIAN WHO IS A PARTY TO A WRITTEN 11 AGREEMENT OR PROTOCOL AUTHORIZING THE DELEGATION OF THE 12 MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY SHALL BE IN ACTIVE PRACTICE AND THE 13 DELEGATION SHALL BE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE LICENSED PHYSICIAN'S 14 CURRENT PRACTICE. 15 (C) PARTICIPATION IN A WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR PROTOCOL 16 AUTHORIZING THE DELEGATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY 17 SHALL BE VOLUNTARY, AND NO LICENSED PHYSICIAN SHALL BE REQUIRED 18 TO PARTICIPATE. 19 (D) (1) A PHARMACIST WHO IS A PARTY TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT 20 OR PROTOCOL AUTHORIZING THE DELEGATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DRUG 21 THERAPY SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE 22 BOARD, PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE IN THE MINIMUM 23 AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000). THE PROFESSIONAL 24 LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT AS LONG AS 25 THAT PHARMACIST IS A PARTY TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR PROTOCOL 26 AUTHORIZING THE DELEGATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DRUG THERAPY. 27 FAILURE TO MAINTAIN INSURANCE COVERAGE AS REQUIRED UNDER THIS 28 SUBSECTION SHALL BE ACTIONABLE UNDER SECTION 5 OF THIS ACT. 29 (2) THE BOARD SHALL ACCEPT FROM PHARMACISTS AS SATISFACTORY 30 EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE COVERAGE UNDER THIS SUBSECTION, ANY AND 19990H1946B4165 - 63 -
1 ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: SELF-INSURANCE, PERSONALLY PURCHASED 2 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY 3 INSURANCE COVERAGE PROVIDED BY THE PHARMACIST'S EMPLOYER OR ANY 4 SIMILAR TYPE OF COVERAGE. 5 (3) THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT, BY REGULATION, STANDARDS AND 6 PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER FOR SELF- 7 INSURANCE. IN THE ABSENCE OF THESE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES, THE 8 BOARD, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, SHALL 9 ESTABLISH STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES BY REGULATION FOR SELF- 10 INSURANCE UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. 11 (E) WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS 12 SECTION, THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING THE 13 PARAMETERS OF WRITTEN AGREEMENTS OR PROTOCOLS AUTHORIZED BY THIS 14 SECTION. SUCH PARAMETERS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, 15 THE REQUIREMENT THAT WRITTEN AGREEMENTS OR PROTOCOLS: 16 (1) BE IN WRITING. 17 (2) REQUIRE THAT DRUG THERAPY REGIMENS BE INITIATED BY A 18 LICENSED PHYSICIAN FOR PATIENTS REFERRED TO A PHARMACIST FOR 19 DRUG THERAPY. 20 (3) PROVIDE FOR NOTIFICATION OF THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST 21 BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN TO EACH REFERRED PATIENT WHOSE DRUG 22 THERAPY MANAGEMENT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE AGREEMENT. 23 (4) BE AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS: 24 (I) AT THE PRACTICE SITE OF ANY LICENSED PHYSICIAN WHO IS A 25 PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT. 26 (II) AT THE PRACTICE SITE OF ANY LICENSED PHARMACIST WHO IS 27 A PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT. 28 (III) TO ANY PATIENT WHOSE DRUG THERAPY MANAGEMENT IS 29 AFFECTED BY THE AGREEMENT. 30 (IV) UPON REQUEST, TO INVESTIGATORS OF THE STATE BOARD OF 19990H1946B4165 - 64 -
1 MEDICINE, THE STATE BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND THE STATE 2 BOARD OF PHARMACY. 3 (5) IDENTIFY, BY NAME, EACH LICENSED PHYSICIAN AND EACH 4 LICENSED PHARMACIST WHO ARE PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT. 5 (6) BE SIGNED AND DATED BY EACH LICENSED PHYSICIAN. 6 (7) SPECIFY THE FUNCTIONS AND TASKS WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF 7 THE DELEGATION. 8 (8) PROVIDE FOR EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT WHEN ANY LICENSED 9 PHYSICIAN OR LICENSED PHARMACIST MAY BE TEMPORARILY ABSENT FROM 10 A PRACTICE SETTING OR TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN 11 ITS EXECUTION. 12 (9) ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE TIME FRAME, NOT TO EXCEED 13 SEVENTY-TWO HOURS, WITHIN WHICH THE LICENSED PHARMACIST MUST 14 NOTIFY THE LICENSED PHYSICIAN OF ANY CHANGES IN DOSE, DURATION 15 OR FREQUENCY OF MEDICATION PRESCRIBED. 16 (10) BE FILED WITH THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY AND THE STATE 17 BOARD OF MEDICINE AND/OR THE STATE BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC 18 MEDICINE. 19 (11) REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED TWO YEARS 20 UPON THE CONCLUSION OF WHICH, OR SOONER, THE PARTIES SHALL 21 REVIEW THE AGREEMENT AND MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO ITS RENEWAL, 22 NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS OR TERMINATION. 23 (12) ALLOW FOR TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT AT THE REQUEST 24 OF ANY PARTY TO IT AT ANY TIME. 25 (F) MANAGING DRUG THERAPY WITHIN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING 26 MAY OCCUR WITHOUT THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBSECTION (E) PROVIDED IT 27 IS PURSUANT TO A MEDICAL ORDER BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN FOR 28 MANAGING DRUG THERAPY PROTOCOL OR GUIDELINE APPROVED BY THE 29 MEDICAL STAFF OF THE INSTITUTION. 30 SECTION 9.2. AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS, 19990H1946B4165 - 65 -
1 BIOLOGICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS.--(A) WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS FROM 2 THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, THE BOARD SHALL BY 3 REGULATION ESTABLISH EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS AND 4 PRACTICE GUIDELINES PURSUANT TO WHICH PHARMACISTS SHALL BE 5 AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS, BIOLOGICALS AND 6 IMMUNIZATIONS TO PERSONS WHO ARE MORE THAN EIGHTEEN YEARS OF 7 AGE. SUCH STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE 8 LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: 9 (1) SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF AN ACADEMIC AND PRACTICAL 10 CURRICULUM APPROVED BY THE BOARD THAT INCLUDES THE CURRENT 11 GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE 12 CONTROL AND PREVENTION IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE OF THE 13 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, THE 14 AMERICAN COUNCIL ON PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION OR A SIMILAR HEALTH 15 AUTHORITY OR PROFESSIONAL BODY, AND INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED 16 TO, DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY, VACCINE CHARACTERISTICS, INJECTION 17 TECHNIQUE, EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO ADVERSE EVENTS AND RELATED 18 TOPICS. 19 (2) MAINTENANCE OF A CURRENT CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION 20 (CPR) CERTIFICATE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BOARD. 21 (3) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS, 22 BIOLOGICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A DEFINITIVE 23 SET OF TREATMENT GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY A PHYSICIAN AND 24 APPROVED BY THE BOARD. 25 (4) THAT A MINIMUM OF TWO HOURS OF THE THIRTY-HOUR 26 REQUIREMENT FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LICENSE RENEWAL BE 27 DEDICATED TO THIS AREA OF PRACTICE. 28 (B) A PHARMACIST'S AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER INJECTABLE 29 MEDICATIONS, BIOLOGICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS SHALL NOT BE 30 DELEGATED TO ANY OTHER PERSON. 19990H1946B4165 - 66 -
1 SECTION 3. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS. I2L63DMS/19990H1946B4165 - 67 -