Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 27.203 - Centralized prescription processing(a)Centralized prescription processing. A central fill pharmacy or central processing center may fulfill a request for the processing, filling or refilling of a prescription from either the originating pharmacy or from the patient or the prescriber and may deliver the processed, filled or refilled prescription to a delivering pharmacy if the following requirements are met: (1) The central fill pharmacy or the central processing center that is to process, fill or refill the prescription has a contract with or has the same owner as the originating pharmacy and the delivering pharmacy. Contractual provisions must include confidentiality of patient information.(2) The prescription container:(i) Is clearly labeled with the information required by Federal and State laws and regulations.(ii) Clearly shows the name, address, telephone number and DEA number of the delivering pharmacy.(3) Pharmacies that either utilize or act as central fill pharmacies or central processing centers shall create operating policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must include an audit trail that records and documents the central prescription process and the individuals accountable at each step in the process for complying with Federal and State laws and regulations including recordkeeping.(4) Pharmacies that engage in centralized prescription processing share a common electronic file.(5) Each pharmacy engaging in centralized prescription processing shall be jointly responsible for properly filling the prescription.(6) The delivering pharmacy is responsible for making the offer to counsel to the patient under § 27.19(e) (relating to prospective drug review and patient counseling).(b)Exemptions. The central processing center is exempt from: (1) The requirement of maintaining an inventory of at least $5,000 worth of nonproprietary drugs and devices under § 27.14(a) (relating to supplies).(2) The minimum size requirements of § 27.16(b)(1) (relating to construction and equipment requirements).(3) The requirement to have a sink used solely for pharmaceutical purposes under § 27.16(b)(5).The provisions of this § 27.203 adopted May 26, 2006, effective 5/27/2006, 36 Pa.B. 2518.