N.M. Admin. Code § 16.19.22.11

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 16.19.22.11 - IMPROPER ACTIVITIES OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

A. The supervising pharmacist and the pharmacist-in-charge are responsible for the actions of pharmacy technicians. Performance of tasks by the pharmacy technician and support personnel outside the limits of the regulations that are authorized by the supervising pharmacist shall constitute unprofessional conduct on the part of the pharmacist and the pharmacist-in-charge.

(1) The following responsibilities require the use of professional judgment and therefore shall be performed only by a pharmacist or pharmacist intern:

(a) receipt of all new verbal prescription orders and reduction to writing;

(b) evaluation and interpretation of the prescription order and any necessary clinical clarification prior to dispensing;

(c) clinical consultation with a patient or his agent regarding a prescription or over-the-counter drug;

(d) evaluation of available clinical data in patient medication record system;

(e) oral communication with the patient or patient's agent of information, as defined in the section under patient counseling, in order to improve therapy by ensuring proper use of drugs and devices;

(f) professional consultation with the prescriber, the prescriber's agent, or any other health care professional or authorized agent regarding a patient and any medical information pertaining to the prescription.

(2) ONLY A PHARMACIST SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:

(a) final check on all aspects of the completed prescription including sterile products and cytotoxic preparations, and assumption of the responsibility for the filled prescription, including, but not limited to, appropriateness of dose, accuracy of drug, strength, labeling, verification of ingredients and proper container;

(b) evaluation of pharmaceuticals for formulary selection within the facility;

(c) supervision of all pharmacy technicians and support personnel activities including preparations, mixing, assembling, packaging, labeling and storage of medication;

(d) ensure the pharmacy technicians and support personnel have been properly trained for the duties they may perform;

(e) any verbal communication with a patient or patient's representative regarding a change in drug therapy or performing therapeutic interchanges (i.e. drugs with similar effects in specific therapeutic categories); this does not apply to substitution of generic equivalents;

(f) any other duty required of a pharmacist by any federal or state law.

B. In accordance with section 61-11-20 NMSA 1978 a pharmacy technicians registration may be revoked, denied, or suspended for grounds stated in section 61-11-20(A).

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.19.22.11

16.19.22.11 NMAC - Rp, 16 NMAC 19.22.11, 06-27-01; A, 11-15-10