PURPOSE: This rule is being amended pursuant to
Executive Order 17-03 to remove unnecessary/duplicative rule language and to
correct a rule citation.
(1)
Vacuum tube systems are for use in the delivery of drugs to the patient or
his/her agent.
(A) Any drug delivery system
that utilizes a vacuum tube to deliver drugs outside of a licensed pharmacy
must be designed and engineered in such a way as to ensure security of all
drugs and that drugs are delivered correctly and efficiently to the intended
recipient.
(B) Only systems that
are dedicated for the delivery of drugs from a location within a licensed
pharmacy to another location specific for drug delivery and are not connected,
combined or attached to other systems shall be used. Multiple or switchable
stations where the delivery of drugs could occur at more than one destination
outside of the pharmacy are prohibited.
1.
When the pharmacy is closed or there is no pharmacist on duty, the vacuum tube
system must be turned off and no drugs shall be delivered to consumers during
these time periods.
(C)
Any pharmacy, which cannot maintain a direct and identifiable line of sight
with the consumer, must maintain a video camera and audio system to provide for
effective communication between pharmacy personnel and consumers. It must be a
system that will allow for the appropriate exchange of oral as well as written
communications to facilitate patient counseling and other matters involved in
the correct transaction or provision of drugs.
1. Video monitors used for the proper
identification of persons receiving prescription drugs shall be a minimum of
twelve inches (12") wide.
2. Both
the video monitor and the audio system must be in good working order or
operations utilizing the vacuum tube system shall cease until appropriate
corrections or repairs are made to the system(s).
3. Backlighting or other factors that may
inhibit video or audio performance must be taken into account when using such
systems to identify recipients of prescription drugs. Positive identification
of recipients must be made before any drug is delivered.
(2) Any vacuum tube delivery
system already installed in a pharmacy prior to September 1, 1998, will not be
required to comply with this rule; except that, should the vacuum tube delivery
system or any part thereof require replacement, change, or upgrading after
September 1, 1998, the system or any part of the system being replaced, changed
or upgraded shall comply with the minimum standards set forth in this rule.
This exemption does not relieve a pharmacy of its duty to maintain adequate
security measures as required by Chapter 195, RSMo, 19 CSR
30-1, or the rules
of the board; nor does it relieve pharmacists from their duty to provide
patient counseling as required by
20 CSR
2220-2.190.