Ala. Admin. Code r. 540-X-26-.06

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 12, September 30, 2024

Section 540-X-26-.06 - Standards For Physicians

(1) Physicians engaged in an Agreement shall:

(a) Provide professional medical oversight and instruction to the Collaborating Pharmacist;

(b) Establish and maintain a physician-patient relationship with each patient receiving services under the Agreement, with the exception of immunization and opioid antagonists;

(c) Be readily available to the Collaborating Pharmacist through direct telecommunication for consultation, assistance, and direction, or shall make arrangements for a substitute physician to be readily available who is preapproved by the Board of Medical Examiners, who practices in a specialty substantially similar to that of the Collaborating Physician, and who is familiar with these rules;

(d) Collaborate with pharmacist(s) who agree to be readily available to the physician through direct telecommunication for consultation, assistance, and collaboration; and

(e) Contact each patient receiving treatment by a pharmacist for an acute, uncomplicated illness or injury not later than five (5) days following the first day of treatment to discuss follow-up care or refer the patient for care from a physician with whom the patient has a pre-existing relationship.

(2) In the event the Collaborating Physician is not readily available, provisions shall be made for professional medical oversight and direction by a Covering Physician who is readily available, who is pre-approved by the Board of Medical Examiners, and who is familiar with these rules. The Collaborating Physician shall certify to the Board of Medical Examiners at least annually that any approved Covering Physician continues to agree to serve in that capacity and shall inform the Board of Medical Examiners of the termination of a Covering Physician within ten (10) days of the termination.

(3) In the event of an unanticipated, permanent absence of a Collaborating Physician, a previously approved Covering Physician may be designated as a temporary Collaborating Physician for a period of up to sixty (60) days. During the sixty (60) day-time period, a new Agreement designating a new Collaborating Physician should be submitted for approval.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 540-X-26-.06

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIX, Issue No. 11, August 31, 2021, eff. 10/15/2021.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 02, November 30, 2023, eff. 1/14/2024.

Author: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-24-53; Act 2019-368 (Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-23-77).