Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-2-17-.09

Dispensing

This regulation governs dispensing procedures for a pharmacy operating within a community mental health center (CMHC) under the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Operators must ensure prescriptions are on file before dispensing any drug, maintain controlled substance records for two years in compliance with state and federal law, and follow specific requirements for refills, labeling, quantity limits, and secure storage of unclaimed prescriptions. Additional procedures apply for medication delivery to satellite locations and mailing filled prescriptions to clients.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-2-17-.09 - Dispensing 

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(1)
 Prescriptions:
 No drug will be furnished to a client unless a legal prescription is available.
 Prescriptions must be filed in accordance with the requirements under
 Records.

(2)
 Records: 
 
(a)
 All prescriptions on file, invoices, and
 records for controlled substances must be maintained for two years in order to
 comply with state and federal laws.

(b)
 Prescriptions for Schedule II items must
 be kept in a separate file.

(c)
 All
 prescriptions for other controlled items other than Schedule II items may be
 kept in a separate file or in the regular file with a red "C" stamped on the
 bottom right face of each prescription.

(d)
 Medications must be recorded in the
 Client Record on the Medication Chart shown in Part III.

(3)
 Other Requirements: 
 
(a)
 Reasonable proof of eligibility for the
 drug program must be established before filling prescriptions. Exception:
 One-time only for prescriptions from a state institution, crisis stabilization
 program or for a documented emergency.

(b)
 Supply will be limited to five refills,
 or six months, whichever occurs first, unless the prescribing physician
 indicates more stringent directions.

(c)
 Safety closure vials will be used for all
 prescription drugs in oral dosage form.

(d)
 Appropriate "warning labels" will be used
 with all medications as determined by the pharmacist.

(e)
 The quantity issued will not exceed a
 thirty day supply.

(f)
 Refills are
 not permitted unless indicated by the prescribing physician.

(g)
 Prescriptions for controlled drugs
 (Ritalin, Phenobarbital, Librium, Valium, etc.) must show the prescriber's DEA
 number and full address of the patient. These prescriptions must be initialed
 by the person filling the prescription. Each refilling of a prescription must
 be entered on the back of the prescription or on another appropriate document
 and be initialed by the person filling the prescription.

(h)
 Schedule II items are not to be refilled
 under any circumstances.

(i)

 Prescriptions filled in advance for clients and/or prescriptions filled and not
 called for must be kept in a secure (locked) place. Access to these
 prescriptions will be limited to the pharmacist, the Center Director, and any
 other person authorized by the Director.

(j)
 If a prescription is unclaimed by a
 patient and has not been removed from the facility, the drug should be returned
 to stock.

(4)
 Medication
 Delivery to Clients at Satellites: A Medication Delivery Record shall be filled
 out in duplicate for all filled prescriptions delivered to locations outside
 the central center. The record must be signed by the person responsible for
 delivery and one copy kept by the pharmacist. The duplicate copy must accompany
 filled prescriptions, be filled out by the person responsible for the care of
 the prescriptions, and returned to the pharmacist within 60 days of issue with
 any unused medication.

(5)
 Mailing
 Filled Prescriptions:
(a)
 No scheduled drugs
 may be mailed.

(b)
 Other drugs may
 be sent by regular mail, if necessary, but this should be minimized.

(c)
 Prescriptions may be mailed for a period
 of 60 days to clients who are moving to another state, visiting out-of-state
 relatives, or are on vacation.

(d)

 The following information shall be recorded and maintained in the pharmacy for
 filled prescriptions which are mailed:
1.
 Name
 and address of patient.

2.

 Prescription number(s).

3.
 Date
 mailed.

4.
 Initials of person
 mailing medication. 
 
Author:
 Division of Mental Retardation,
 
DMH/MR.

Notes

Ala. Admin. Code
 r. 
580-2-17-.09

Amended: Filed March 30,
 1993.

Statutory Authority:

Code of Ala.
 1975
, §
 
22-50-11
.

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