Board of Pharmacy Acts on Telepharmacy Rules
October 29, 2009. The Idaho Board of Pharmacy heard public comment on all newly proposed rules, including the telepharmacy rules, at the meeting on October 28. ISHP members Dorsie Sullenger, Taylor Nielson and Sam Hoagland gave testimony. Sam Hoagland presented the results of the ISHP Telepharmacy Survey (see related story below) and reviewed the ASHP telepharmacy guidelines. Dorsie Sullenger addressed how the telepharmacy rule as written would still limit his ability to use telepharmacy after hours at Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg. Taylor Neilson discussed his plans to use telepharmacy at West Valley RMC in Caldwell, through the HCA system.
At the meeting on October 29, the Board voted to amend the telepharmacy rules to incorporate several of the concepts addressed in the ASHP Guidelines. The exact language will need to be finalized and the Board has a telephone conference meeting set for November 4, to vote on the final language. Once finally adopted, the rules will be posted here.
For further information, the telepharmacy law is here. The (current) telepharmacy rules are here. The ASHP Guidelines are here, with ASHP permission.
ISHP TELEPHARMACY SURVEY RESULTS
October 28, 2009. At the request of the Board of Pharmacy, ISHP posted a telepharmacy survey for ISHP pharmacist members. The survey was prepared by Mike Dickens, Taylor Nielson and Sam Hoagland. It was available for about 10 days, and closed on October 28th. There were 42 responses.
A large majority of responses (75%) indicated that telepharmacy across state lines would improve patient care in those small hospitals that do not have 24/7 pharmacy operations. But overall, responses were mixed about telepharmacy across state lines, with 42% in favor and 32% opposed. Over 50% felt that drug order review and entry should always be done by the local staff pharmacist unless absolutely necessary, with another 17% who felt that telepharmacy across state lines should never be allowed.
To review the survey results, click here.
Meridian Launches Drug Drop-Off Program
Meridian, ID – October 1, 2009. The City of Meridian is offering residents a convenient way to safely dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications. The program, offered through a partnership between the Meridian Mayor’s Anti-Drug Coalition, the Meridian Police Department, and the City of Meridian Wastewater Division, is the first medication drop-off program of its kind in the Treasure Valley. Meridian residents can drop off unused medication, including prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications, as well as liquid medications in leak-proof containers, at the Meridian Police Department, 1401 E. Watertower, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, click here.
PHARMACISTS ON THE H1N1 FRONTLINES
The recent outbreak of H1N1 Influenza has taken the globe by storm and is predicted by the CDC to continue to spread. As front line health care professionals, pharmacists need the most up-to-date information to answer questions on the infection and how to stop its spread and education of patients and the healthcare community on the appropriate use of antivirals. For more information, click here for the ASHP Flu Resource Center.
OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST
For more/archived news of interest, click here.