Link to document: http://www.nascsa.org/news/srd5.09.pdf

Return of Previously Dispensed Drugs -

Proposed rule of the State Board of Pharmacy would amend regulations under GAC 480-16-.03 to allow pharmacists and pharmacies to receive previously dispensed prescription drug orders for destruction. A hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2009, in Macon.

Comments are due July 1, 2009. Contact: Randall Vaughn; Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division; (478-207-2440)

Electronic Prescription Monitoring Program - Proposed rule would amend regulations regarding the electronic prescription monitoring program. The proposal would add and revise definitions; add Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances to the prescription monitoring program; and establish provisions regarding the state Prescription Information Library database. Comments are due July 13, 2009. Contact: Tracie Drew; DHS, Bureau of Administrative Rules and Procedures; (217-785-9772)

Pharmacy Licenses - Final rule of the State Board of Pharmacy amends regulations concerning pharmacy license application and required notifications. The rule specifies that pharmacies are required to notify patients when changing locations and requires pharmacies to report the loss of controlled substances and dangerous drugs due to forged prescriptions. The rule also deletes the option of providing a notarized statement to certify the existence of a lease as part of the application for a pharmacy license. The rule is effective June 7, 2009. Contact: Allison Benz; SBP; (512-305-8028)

Controlled Substances Database -

Final rule of the Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, amends regulations to establish data reporting requirements for the Controlled Substance Database Real Time pilot program for pharmacies and pharmacy groups. The rule also provides additional modes of electronic data transfer, including e-mail, compact discs, secured Internet transfer, or file transfer protocol site transfer. The rule is effective April 21, 2009. Contact: Laura Poe; DOC, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing; (801-530-6789)

Practice of Pharmacy/Prescription Drug Donation Program - Emergency rule of the Department of Health Professions, Board of Pharmacy, amends regulations regarding the practice of pharmacy. The rule sets forth criteria for a Prescription Drug Donation Program that accepts unused previously dispensed prescription drugs for redispensing to patients of free clinics. The rule also addresses requirements for pharmacies that want to register as a drug donation site, criteria for drugs eligible for donation, and procedures for collecting donated drugs. In addition, the rule also addresses procedures for transferring and redispensing of donated drugs, disposing of any unused donated drugs, and recordkeeping requirements.

The rule is effective April 10, 2009, and expires April 9, 2010. Contact: Elizabeth Russell; DHP, Board of Pharmacy; (804-367-4456)