Ala. Admin. Code r. 680-X-2-.22

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 8, May 31, 2024

Section 680-X-2-.22 - Code Of Professional Conduct

(1) Pharmacists and pharmacies are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. The following code provides principles of professional conduct for pharmacists and pharmacies to guide them in their relationship with patients, fellow practitioners, other health professionals and the public.

(2) Violations of any provisions of this rule shall be deemed grounds for disciplinary action whenever the Board shall find a preponderance of evidence to such violations.

(a) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should hold the health and safety of patients to be of first consideration and should render to each patient the full measure of professional ability as an essential health practitioner.

(b) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should never knowingly condone the dispensing, promoting, or distributing of drugs or medical devices, or assist therein, that are not of good quality, that do not meet standards required by law, or that lack therapeutic value for the patient.

(c) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should always strive to perfect and enlarge professional knowledge. A pharmacist and a pharmacy should utilize and make available this knowledge as may be required in accordance with the best professional judgment.

(d) A pharmacist has the duty to observe the law, to uphold the dignity and honor of the profession, and to accept its ethical principles. A pharmacist and a pharmacy should not engage in any activity that will bring discredit to the profession and should expose, without fear or favor, illegal or unethical conduct in the profession.

(e) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should respect the confidential and personal nature of professional records; except where the best interest of the patient requires or the law demands, a pharmacist and a pharmacy should not disclose such information to anyone without proper patient authorization.

(f) A pharmacist should not agree to practice under terms or conditions that interfere with or impair the proper exercise of professional judgment and skill, that cause a deterioration of the quality of professional services, or that require consent to unethical conduct.

(g) A pharmacy shall provide an environment that allows for the proper exercise of professional judgment and skill by pharmacists.

(h) A pharmacy shall not allow an environment that may cause a deterioration of the quality of professional services, or that require unethical conduct, including, but not limited to:

1. Any deviation from safe pharmacy practices

2. Any other conditions or practices which may adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare

(i) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should strive to provide information to patients regarding professional services truthfully, accurately, and fully and should avoid misleading patients regarding the nature, cost or value of these professional services.

(j) A pharmacist and a pharmacy should never offer or participate in the offering a financial award or benefit, not related to competitive retail pricing of any drug, to induce or encourage any individual to transfer a prescription from one pharmacy to another.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 680-X-2-.22

Filed May 30, 1990. Amended: May 9, 2011; effective June 13, 2011. Amended: December 16, 2011; effective January 20, 2012.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLI, Issue No. 01, October 31, 2022, eff. 12/15/2022.

This rule was disapproved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review on July 17, 1990. The full Legislature failed to sustain the suspension by the Joint Committee, (HJR 43), at the 1991 Regular Session. (See Code of Ala. 1975, §§41-22-23, 41-22-24.)

Author: Chris Phung, R.Ph.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-23-92.