Section 518.2070  Pharmacy Service

a)         The freestanding emergency center shall provide a pharmacy or drug and medicine service (service) for the care and treatment of patients.

b)         A pharmacy or drug and medicine service policy and procedure manual shall identify the service and manner of operation.

c)         The service shall be under the direction of a pharmacist employed by the FEC on a full-time, part-time or consulting basis. Responsibilities of the pharmacist must be identified in the policy and procedure manual or other document.

d)         A pharmacy shall be staffed at all times by a pharmacist during open hours.  At all other times, the pharmacy shall be locked.  A pharmacist or pharmaceutical service must be on call when the pharmacy is not open.

e)         When a pharmacist is absent from the FEC, a registered professional nurse may have access to the pharmacy.  The nurse may obtain a single dose, manufacturer's original package, or container of a drug or medication prepackaged under the supervision of a pharmacist, which is necessary to administer to a patient in carrying out treatment and medication orders of a prescriber.  A signed receipt for the drugs and medicines removed shall be left for the pharmacist.

f)          Vending machines for the storage and supply of drugs used in the facility shall be stocked only under the supervision of a pharmacist.  They shall be securely locked, and shall provide a record of what was supplied and to whom. The drugs contained therein may be released from such machines only by a registered professional nurse, physician or pharmacist.

g)         All drugs and medicines shall be stored and dispensed in accordance with applicable State and federal laws and regulations.

h)         Pharmacy Personnel

1)         A pharmacist shall be available or on call at all times.

2)         An adequate number of registered pharmacists and other supportive personnel shall be provided, consistent with the size and activity of the service.

3)         Pharmacy apprentices, when utilized, must be under the direct and personal supervision of a pharmacist.

i)          A pharmacy shall be in an identified area or room that complies with the requirements of the Pharmacy Practice Act of 1987.

j)          Drugs and medicines shall be plainly labeled with the name of the manufacturer, lot and control number, and stored in specifically identified and well-illuminated medicine cabinets, closets, refrigerators, or other locations provided with proper lighting, ventilation and temperature control and fully protected from access by unauthorized persons.