Alaska News: Pharmacy Vending Machines

July 7, 2010 9:11 am

Published in the July 2010 Alaska Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

Many pharmacies have had multiple phone calls from patients requesting refills and transfers of prescriptions that were originally dispensed from pharmaceutical vending machines. These vending machines have been popping up around the state in various doctor offices and clinics. These machines are Prescription Medication Dispensers that have a variety of medications prepackaged within. After entry of information from a doctor or agent the patient’s insurance is charged and the prescription is labeled and dispensed like a can of pop.

There has been much question to the validity of these machines. Regulations clearly state a facility or provider cannot legally represent themselves as having a pharmacy or pharmacist based solely on the presence of a pharmaceutical vending machine.

It is also noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) states a physician cannot “refer to him/herself for financial gain.” The use of pharmaceutical vending machines in a physician’s office is an infraction of this SEC regulation.

There are several illegalities resulting from the use of pharmaceutical vending machines and numerous questionable practices related to their use. Clinics and facilities with these devices are to cease and desist from continued statutory violations.