Rule 4729:5-9-02.10 | Temporary absence of a pharmacist in an institutional pharmacy.
(A) A pharmacist practicing within an institutional facility may temporarily leave the pharmacy to engage in the practice of pharmacy within the institutional facility without closing the pharmacy and removing staff from the pharmacy if the practicing pharmacist can ensure there are adequate security measures and policies to maintain the security of the drug stock in the pharmacist's absence.
(B) If in the pharmacist's professional judgment they determine, for reasons of security or otherwise, that the pharmacy should close during the pharmacist's absence, then the pharmacist shall close the pharmacy and remove all staff from the pharmacy during the pharmacist's absence.
(C) During the pharmacist's absence, no dangerous drugs shall be dispensed unless the pharmacist has conducted a final association of the drug with a patient and has complied with all other applicable rules prior to dispensing a dangerous drug.
(D) During such times that the pharmacist is temporarily absent from the pharmacy, the pharmacy staff may continue to perform the non-discretionary duties authorized in accordance with Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code and agency 4729 of the Administrative Code. However, any duty performed by any member of the staff shall be reviewed by the pharmacist upon the pharmacist's return to the pharmacy.
(E) The institutional facility shall have written policies and procedures regarding the operation of the pharmacy during the temporary absence of the pharmacist. The policies and procedures shall include the authorized duties of pharmacy staff, the pharmacist's responsibilities for checking all work performed by staff, and the pharmacist's responsibility for maintaining the security and control of the drug stock.
(F) Unless otherwise authorized in agency 4729 of the Administrative Code, this rule does not permit non-pharmacist personnel from having unsupervised access to drug stock when an institutional pharmacy is closed.
Last updated February 1, 2022 at 9:24 AM
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