N.M. Admin. Code § 16.19.6.10

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

Section 16.19.6.10 - MINIMUM STANDARDS

A. The restricted area to be occupied by the prescription department shall be an undivided area of not less than 240 square feet. The floor area shall extend the full length of the prescription compounding counter. This area shall provide for the compounding and dispensing and storage of all dangerous or restricted drugs, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals under proper condition of sanitation, temperature, light, ventilation, segregation and security. No space in this area shall provide for an office, auxiliary store room or public restroom(s).

(1) A private restroom, for exclusive use by the pharmacy staff, may be attached to the restricted area. This restroom does not count as square footage for the restricted area.

(2) An office for the exclusive use by the pharmacy may be attached to the restricted area. No general store accounting functions may be performed in this office. This area will not be considered as square footage for the restricted area.

(3) An auxiliary storage area for the exclusive use of the pharmacy may be attached to the restricted area. No items may be stored in this area that are not directly related to the operations performed in the restricted area. This area will not be considered as square footage for the restricted area.

(4) Each pharmacy shall provide facilities whereby a pharmacist may professionally counsel a patient or a patients' agent and protect the right to privacy and confidentiality.

B. An exception to the minimum space footage requirement may be considered by the board on an individual basis. The board may consider such factors as:

(1) Rural area location with small population.

(2) No pharmacy within the same geographical area.

(3) No prescription area of less than 120 square feet will be acceptable.

(4) All special waivers will be subject to review annually for reconsideration.

C. The prescription compounding counter must provide a minimum of 16 square feet of unobstructed compounding and dispensing space for one pharmacist and a minimum of 24 square feet for two or more pharmacists when on duty concurrently. The counter shall be of adequate height of at least 36 inches, if necessary, five-percent (5%) or at least one work station will comply with the American with Disabilities Act.

D. The restricted floor area shall be unobstructed for a minimum width of thirty inches from the prescription compounding center.

E. The pharmacy restricted area shall be separated from the merchandising area by a barrier of sufficient height and depth to render the dangerous drugs within the pharmacy inaccessible to the reach of any unauthorized person. All windows, doors, and gates to the restricted area shall be equipped with secure locks. The restricted area shall be locked in the absence of a pharmacist on the premises.

F. The restricted area shall contain an adequate sink with hot and cold water.

G. The restricted area shall contain a refrigerator capable of maintaining the adequate temperature.

H. The restricted area of a retail pharmacy established in conjunction with any other business other than a retail drug store, shall be separated from the merchandising area of the other business by a permanent barrier or partition from floor to roof with entry doors that may be securely locked when a pharmacist is not on duty.

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.19.6.10

16.19.6.10 NMAC - Rp, 16 NMAC 19.6.10, 03-30-02; A, 05-14-10