SB 976 - Current law permits a licensed intern pharmacist to practice pharmacy under the direct supervision of a pharmacist licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. Under this act, an intern pharmacist working at a remote dispensing site pharmacy may be remotely supervised by a pharmacist working at a supervising pharmacy. (Section 338.035)
Under this act, "remote dispensing site pharmacy" shall mean any location in the State of Missouri where the practice of pharmacy occurs, that is licensed as a pharmacy to dispense prescription drugs, and is staffed by one or more qualified pharmacy technicians or intern pharmacists who are supervised by a pharmacist at a supervising pharmacy through a continuous, real-time audio and video link.
The Board of Pharmacy shall issue a license to a remote dispensing site pharmacy that is jointly owned by a supervising pharmacy and maintains a policy and procedures manual, which includes certain elements set forth in the act. The remote dispensing site pharmacy shall be under the supervision and control of a pharmacist in charge employed by the supervising pharmacy. Such pharmacist shall not be required to be immediately, physically present to supervise any activities at the remote dispensing site pharmacy, but shall designate a pharmacist to make monthly visits to the remote dispensing site pharmacist to ensure compliance with this act. A pharmacist shall not be designated or act as the pharmacist in charge for more than two remote dispensing site pharmacies at one time.
A pharmacist at the supervising pharmacy shall verify each prescription before such prescription leaves the remote dispensing site pharmacy. Verification of prescriptions shall occur as set forth in the act.
Unless a pharmacist employed by the supervising pharmacy is available on site at the remote dispensing site pharmacy, patient consultations shall be provided via a HIPAA-compliant video and audio link prior to any drug or medical device being dispensed. Such system shall retain the initials or unique identifier of the pharmacist performing the consultation. The pharmacist shall have access to all relevant patient information maintained by the supervising pharmacy.
A remote dispensing site pharmacy shall be located at least 10 miles from an existing retail pharmacy unless such pharmacy is part of a community mental health center, federally qualified health center, hospital, rural health clinic, or outpatient clinical setting, or if the remote dispensing site pharmacy is located in a city with a population of five thousand or more persons, or if the applicant with the proposed remote dispensing site pharmacy demonstrates that the pharmacy will promote public health.
A remote dispensing site pharmacy shall be staffed by a pharmacist for at least 8 hours per month who shall have certain responsibilities set forth in the act.
If the average number of prescriptions dispensed per day by the remote dispensing site pharmacy exceeds 150, over a 90-day period, such remote pharmacy shall apply to the Board for licensure as a class A, B, or C pharmacy within 10 days.
Unless otherwise approved by the Board, the supervising pharmacy shall be located in Missouri and within 50 miles of a remote dispensing site pharmacy to ensure sufficient support and to ensure that necessary personnel or supplies may be delivered within a reasonable period of time.
This act prohibits the Board from restricting the practice of pharmacy at a remote dispensing site pharmacy.
(Section 338.212)
This act adds "remote dispensing site pharmacy" as a Class Q pharmacy.
(Section 338.220)
This act is substantially similar to TAT/SS/SCS/HCS/HB 1682 (2020) and HB 2422 (2020).
JOSIE BUTLER