State Regulation Updates
CONNECTICUT
Return of Drug Products/Correctional Institutions - Final rule of the Department of Consumer Protection adopts regulations to establish guidelines for the repackaging and labeling of drug products returned to pharmacies by correctional institutions. The rule is effective Sept. 10, 2002. Contact: James Fleming at (860) 713-6300.
FLORIDA
Controlled Substances/Prescription Records - Notice announces the intention of the Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy, to amend regulations regarding standards of practice for dispensing controlled substances. The proposal would increase the required time for providing controlled substance prescription records following a request by law enforcement from 24 hours to 72 hours to accommodate weekend requests. Contact: John Taylor at the Board of Pharmacy at (850) 245-4292.
IOWA
Automated Medication Distribution Systems - Final rule of the Board of Pharmacy Examiners regarding automated medication distribution systems. The rule requires a pharmacist or nurse to verify the accuracy of medication doses stocked in dispensing components of automated medication distribution systems under certain circumstances. The rule also requires documentation identifying the individual providing the verification. The rule is effective Dec. 19, 2002. Contact: Terry Witkowski at (515) 281-5944.
Returns of Noncontrolled Substances - Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy Examiners would amend regulations regarding noncontrolled substance returns to correct an inaccurate cross-reference. Comments are due Dec. 3, 2002. Contact: Terry Witkowski at (515) 281-5944.
KENTUCKY
Schedule III Controlled Substances - Final rule of the Cabinet for Health Services, Department for Public Health, amends regulations to revise the list of Schedule III controlled substances to add buprenorphine. The rule is effective Oct. 16, 2002. Contact: Danna Droz at (502) 564-3970.
Schedule IV Controlled Substances - Final rule of the Cabinet for Health Services, Department for Public Health, amends regulations to revise the list of Schedule IV controlled substances to add dichloralphenazone. The rule is effective Oct. 16, 2002. Contact: Danna Droz at (502) 564-3970.
MAINE
Automated Pharmacies - Final rule of the Board of Pharmacy, amends regulations regarding automated pharmacies. The rule specifies operation procedures for automated pharmacy systems; and sets forth standards for electronic systems that collect, control, and maintain transactional drug and patient information. The rule also establishes transmission standards for electronic information, revises provisions concerning unprofessional conduct, and allows technicians to accept original telephone prescriptions orders. In addition, the rule establishes guidelines for registering out-of-state mail order prescription pharmacies. The rule is effective Oct. 22, 2002. Contact: Geraldine Betts at (207) 624-8620.
MICHIGAN
Controlled substances - Proposed rule of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services regarding controlled substances. The proposal would update definitions, revise prescription requirements, and establish guidelines for delivery of controlled substances. The proposal also would set forth electronic systems for monitoring Schedules II-V controlled substances and transmitting data, establish reporting requirements, and provide prescription refill methods. Contact: DCIS Directors Office at (517) 767-6499.
Fax Prescriptions - Final rule of the State Board of Pharmacy amends regulations to revise procedures for faxing prescriptions. The rule also makes editorial corrections. Contact: SBP (775) 322-0691.
Pharmacies - Final rule of the State Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations regarding disciplinary actions. The rule establishes penalties and fines for pharmacists who have violated licensing and operating practices. The rule is effective Oct. 24, 2002. contact: SBP (775) 322-0691.
NEW JERSEY
Implantable Infusion Pumps/Pain Management - Proposed rule of the Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, concerning limitations on prescribing, administering, or dispensing controlled substances. The proposal would allow practitioners to exceed the 30-day supply limitation for Schedule II controlled substances by allowing them to prescribe a 90-day supply for medications delivered through an implantable infusion pump that is used to provide pain management for patients suffering from cancer, intractable pain, or terminal illness. The proposal also would require a practitioner who authorizes a 90-day supply to evaluate and document the patient's continued need for the prescription at least every 30 days. Contact: William Roeder, DLPS, State Board of Medical Examiners at (609) 826-7129.
OKLAHOMA
Physician Assistants/Schedule II drugs - Emergency rule of the State Board of Medical Licensure to update the drug formulary to allow physician assistants to write for Schedule II drugs. The rule is effective Oct. 1, 2002 and expires July 14, 2002, unless superseded by another rule or disapproved by the legislature. Contact: Jan Ewing at (405) 848-6841.
OREGON
Controlled Substances - Proposed rule of the Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations regarding controlled substances. The proposal would clarify refill authority, licensing fees, and delinquent renewal fee deadlines. The proposal also would add two drugs to the Schedule I list of controlled substances. Contact: Gary Schnabel at (503) 731-4032.
WISCONSIN
Schedule IV Controlled Substances - Final rule of the Controlled Substances Board amends regulations to classify dichloralphenazone as a Schedule IV controlled substance to comply with federal standards. The rule, which is adopted with revisions, is effective Nov. 1, 2002. Contact: Pamela Haack at (608) 266-0495.