Minnesota News: Board Acts on Proposed Rules Package

January 1, 2006 10:54 am

Reprinted from the January 2006 Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

The Board of Pharmacy has been working to update Board rules in many different areas, including definitions, license categories, pharmacy satellites, patient access to pharmacists, closure of a pharmacy, required reference books and equipment, applications for licensure, reciprocal licensure, drug manufacturer or wholesaler licensure, pharmaceutical waste, vending machines, return of drugs and devices, prescription numbers, electronic prescriptions, compounding and dispensing, transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies, prepackaging and labeling, pharmacy compounding practices, beyond-use dates, prescription labeling, labeling of outpatient intravenous admixture drugs, electronic data processing, Schedule III and V controlled substances (CS), registration of CS researchers, CS samples, prescription order communication, hospital pharmacist-in-charge (PIC), patient care, pharmaceutical services policies, policy and procedure manuals, physical requirements, service and filing of papers, variances, registration of medical gas retailers, and continuing pharmaceutical education.

Earlier in 2005, Pharmacy Board Surveyors Michele Mattila and Candice Fleming convened ad hoc committees of practicing pharmacists. After taking the suggestions of the committees into account, Board staff drafted a package of proposed rule changes that was presented to the Board of Pharmacy at its November 2005 meeting. The Board modified some of the language and directed staff to publish a Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules in the State Register. After publication of the notice, members of the public will have a period of time during which they can submit written comments on the proposed rules or written requests that a hearing be held. If 25 or more persons submit a written request for a hearing, a public hearing will be held.

The proposed rule changes are available for viewing on the Board’s Web site. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Board of Pharmacy offices. Interested persons are encouraged to review and provide comment on the proposed rule changes.