Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1140-14-.02 - PERSONNEL

(1) Pharmacist in charge. The practice of pharmacy and the performance of pharmacists and supportive pharmacy personnel associated with any long-term care facility shall be under the direction, supervision and responsibility of the pharmacist in charge. The pharmacist in charge shall also be responsible for the dispensing and storage of prescription and nonprescription drugs used throughout the long-term care facility. Policies and procedures defining the scope of pharmacy practice and the responsibilities of the pharmacists and supportive personnel, and the safe use and management of drugs, devices and related materials shall be established by the pharmacist in charge. The pharmacist in charge or designee shall participate in the long-term care facility's drug policy committees which serve to ensure rational drug use, patient care evaluation processes relating to drug utilization and effectiveness, drug delivery device selection and evaluation systems, and educational activities for the safe and appropriate use of drugs which will assess the quality of services and products provided and document actions taken. Policies and procedures as indicated in this chapter shall be written and shall be made available to the Board.

(2) Pharmacists. The pharmacist in charge shall be supported by a sufficient number of pharmacists to provide appropriate practice of pharmacy for the patients served by the long-term care facility.

(3) Long-term care consultant pharmacist. A long-term care facility may utilize a consultant pharmacist who may or may not be independent of the pharmacy practice site, who shall provide patient care service which includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Providing consultation on matters pertaining to efficient drug distribution systems, proper drug selection, rational and safe drug use, and drug therapy assessment;

(b) Evaluation of a patient's drug therapy to maximize outcome(s), including effective communication with prescribing practitioners and other healthcare professionals;

(c) Service on committees or governing bodies; and

(d) Providing in service educational programs for members of the healthcare team.

(4) Supportive personnel. The pharmacist in charge shall be assisted by a sufficient number of pharmacy technicians, as defined in 1140-02-.02, pharmacy interns, and other supportive personnel as may be required to operate the pharmacy competently, safely, and adequately to meet the needs of the patients served by the long-term care facility.

(5) Supervision. All of the activities associated with the practice of pharmacy and the operations of the pharmacy at a specific long-term care pharmacy practice site shall be supervised by a sufficient number of pharmacists to ensure that all functions and activities are performed competently, safely and without risk of harm to patients.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1140-14-.02

New rule filed November 22, 2016; effective 2/20/2017.

Authority: T.C.A. § 63-10-304.