A physician who dispenses prescription drugs via an automated
dispensing system or a dispensing system that employs technology may delegate
nonjudgmental dispensing functions to staff assistants in the absence of a
pharmacist or physician provided that the physician utilizes an internal
quality control assurance plan that ensures that the medication dispensed is
the medication that was prescribed. The physician must be physically present to
determine the accuracy and completeness of any medication that is reconstituted
prior to dispensing.
(1) An internal
quality control assurance plan shall include the following elements:
a. The name of the physician responsible for
the plan and testing;
b. Methods
that the dispensing system employs to ensure the accuracy of the patient's name
and medication, dosage, directions and amount of medication
prescribed;
c. Standards that the
physician expects to be met to ensure the accuracy of the dispensing system and
the training and qualifications of staff members assigned to dispense via the
dispensing system;
d. The
procedures utilized to ensure that the physician(s) dispensing via the
automated system provide(s) patients counseling regarding the prescription
drugs being dispensed;
e. Staff
training and qualifications for dispensing via the dispensing system;
f. A list of staff members who meet the
qualifications and who are assigned to dispense via the dispensing
system;
g. A plan for testing the
dispensing system and each staff member assigned to dispense via the dispensing
system;
h. The results of testing
that show compliance with the standards prior to implementation of the
dispensing system and prior to approval of each staff member to dispense via
the dispensing system;
i. A plan
for interval testing of the accuracy of dispensing, at least annually;
and
j. A plan for addressing
inaccuracies, including discontinuing dispensing until the accuracy level can
be reattained.
(2) Those
dispensing systems already in place shall show evidence of a plan and testing
within two months of August 31, 2001.
(3) The internal quality control assurance
plan shall be submitted to the board of medicine upon request.
Notes
Iowa Admin. Code
r. 653-13.4
Rescinded by
IAB
August 10, 2022/Volume XLV, Number 3, effective
9/14/2022
Adopted by
IAB
April 16, 2025/Volume XLVII, Number 21, effective
5/21/2025
