Iowa Board of Pharmacy

Iowa E-health FAQs

Debbie Jorgenson — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:47:07 GMT

The Iowa Pharmacy Association and the Iowa Department of Public Health, Office of Health IT, have put together Iowa E-health FAQs regarding electronic prescribing of controlled substances. At this time, there are no prescribing systems or pharmacy systems that have been certified to transmit or receive electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. The FAQs provide information regarding the requirements for a system to be certified for electronic prescribing of controlled substances and includes links to additional information regarding electronic prescribing. This a link to the FAQs has been posted on the Board's FAQ page.

New FAQ

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:02:15 GMT

New question 35 on FAQ:

Do we need to be licensed to ship prescription devices to end users in Iowa?

There is currently no license required for the distribution of prescription medical devices directly to patients pursuant to the order of a qualified prescriber. This includes medical gases and oxygen.

The distribution of prescription medical devices, including medical gases and oxygen, at wholesale to pharmacies, hospitals, prescribers, etc. in Iowa requires a wholesale drug license. The license application form is available on the Board of Pharmacy’s web site at http://www.state.ia.us/ibpe/application forms.html.

Notice of January 22, 2012 Board Outreach Meeting

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:44:26 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. in open session to provide legislative and regulatory updates and hear concerns and suggestions from pharmacy professionals. This is a continuation of the Board's Pharmacy Outreach programs begun in September. The meeting will be held at the downtown Marriott as part of the IPA Educational Expo and will include breakfast.

Notice of January 18-19, 2012 Board Meeting

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:17 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 9 a.m. Administrative hearings are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p .m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 9 a.m. in open session. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The meeting will be held in the shared conference room located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Please note: The Iowa Board of Pharmacy may address agenda items out of sequence to accommodate persons appearing before the Board or to aid in the efficiency of the meeting. Times are subject to change. Please phone the Board office at (515) 281-5944 before January 18 , 2012, to confirm times.

Notice of December 19, 2011 Teleconference

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:43:33 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Monday, December 19, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

FAQs Update

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:44:54 GMT

What is DEA's policy regarding information a pharmacist may add or change on Schedule II prescription?

DEA's policy can be found here. The Board subrule regarding this issue is found at 10.21(5). Pharmacists have a corresponding responsibility with prescribers for the proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and must ensure that prescriptions for controlled substances conform in all essential respects to the law and regulations.

DEA Places Carisoprodol (Soma) into Schedule IV

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:43:32 GMT

Effective January 12, 2012, all drug products containing carisoprodol will be classified as Schedule IV controlled substances, subject to the record-keeping, prescribing, and security requirements of the Controlled Substances Acts for Schedule IV substances. Any pharmacy, prescriber, manufacturer, distributor, or other entity in possession of any quantity of carisoprodol on January 11, 2012, must complete an initial inventory of that supply on or before January 11, 2012. Anyone within Iowa who is in possession of carisoprodol on January 12, 2012, (except a patient who possesses the drug pursuant to a valid prescription) must be registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to possess Schedule IV controlled substances.

Help Finding CE Programs

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:55:46 GMT

A new rule requires pharmacists to obtain two hours of CE in pharmacy law and two hours of CE in medicatino/patient safety. Here is how you can identify these credits:

ACPE course identifiers in pharmacy law for pharmacists will end with "03P."
ACPE course identifiers in medication/patient safety for pharmacists will end with "05P."

To locate courses, check the P.L.A.N. website at https://www.acpe-accredit.org/pharmacists/programs.asp. Click on "Search P.L.A.N. Now" to open the search page. Select your search options and click "Search."

Minutes from September Meeting Posted

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:19:08 GMT

Minutes from the September 13-14, 2011 meeting and Septempber 13, 2011 Outreach Meeting have been posted.

Miscellaneous Updates

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:02:54 GMT

The Board's Rule-Making Docket has been revised and can be found here.

This link will take you to the Department of Public Health's Plan for rulemaking for the next year. The Pharmacy Board's initiatives are found on pages 11 and 12 of the Department's plan.

Rules Adopted and Filed November 10, 2011

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:01:39 GMT

The following rules were approved for filing and adoption during the November 10, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and will become effective January 18, 2012:

Chapter 6, "General Pharmacy Practice." The amendment clarifies the required placement of a notice informing patients that the pharmacist is required to discuss with the patient any new prescriptions dispensed to the patient. The amendment also defines the instances when patient counseling is required.
Chapter 7, "Hospital Pharmacy Practice." The amendments clarify the definition of a hospital pharmacy to which the chapter applies and clarify the processes and security requirements for a verbal order for the administration of a prescription drug to a patient in a hospital. The proposed amendments also organize subrule 7.8(3) into distinct paragraphs and identify the subject of each of the paragraphs with catchwords.
Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards," Chapter 10, "Controlled Substances," Chapter 21, "Electronic Data in Pharmacy Practice," and Chapter 23, "Long Term Care Pharmacy Practice." The amendments clarify the required elements of a valid prescription regardless of the method used to generate or prepare the prescription or the means of transmission or delivery of the prescription to the dispensing pharmacy. The amendments identify the requirements for a written prescription, for an oral prescription, for a prescription transmitted to a pharmacy via facsimile, and for a prescription that is electronically prepared, signed, and transmitted to the pharmacy. Additional requirements are identified for prescriptions that are electronically prepared but subsequently printed or transmitted to the pharmacy via facsimile, and a clear distinction is made between “electronic transmission” and “facsimile transmission” by defining those terms. Other new and amended definitions in Chapter 21 establish the difference between an “electronically prepared prescription” and an “electronic prescription” and clarify the definition of “electronic signature.” The requirements for electronic prescribing of controlled substances, as established by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are addressed, and appropriate amendments are proposed to authorize the electronic prescribing of controlled substances pursuant to DEA requirements. Record-keeping requirements for electronically prepared prescriptions, electronic prescriptions, and prescriptions transmitted via facsimile are identified. The requirements for identification of the prescriber’s agent who completes the transmission of a prescription to a pharmacy are clarified to include the first and last names and the title of the prescriber’s agent.

The following rule was approved filing and adoption during the November 10, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and will become effective February 1, 2012

New Chapter 24, “Pharmacy Internet Sites." The rules establish the requirements for the Internet sale of prescriptions by pharmacies and for accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a verified Internet pharmacy practice site (VIPPS). The proposed rules identify specific information that must be displayed on a pharmacy Internet site and establish requirements for site registration with the Board. Terms used in the chapter are defined, prescription requirements are identified and responsibilities established, and record-keeping requirements are established. The proposed rules also establish grounds for denial of an application for pharmacy Internet site registration or registration renewal and for disciplinary action and identify appeal processes and sanctions relating to those actions.

Noticed Rules

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:00:26 GMT

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 124.554, the Board of Pharmacy and the Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Council give Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 37, "Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the November 10, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments to Chapter 37 not later than 4:30 p.m. on January 3, 2012. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

2012 Proposed Legislation

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:56:49 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to Iowa Code Chapter 124, Iowa Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and Iowa Code Chapter 124B, Precusor Substances Act.

Notice of November 9-10, 2011 Board Meeting

Debbie Jorgenson — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:04:21 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 9 AM. Administrative hearings are scheduled from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at 9 AM in open session. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

From 6-9 PM on November 10, the Board will hold an Outreach dinner meeting with pharmacists, technicians, and interns, at the Clarion Inn Amana Colonies. The meeting will follow a town-hall format. Attendance is by registration only.

The meeting will be held in the West Amana Room located at the Clarion Inn Amana Colonies and Wasserbahn Waterpark Resort, 2211 U Avenue, Williamsburg, Iowa 52371 (I-80 exit 225). The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy promotes, preserves, and protects the public health, safety, and welfare through the effective regulation of the practice of pharmacy and the licensing of pharmacies, pharmacists, and others engaged in the sale, delivery, or distribution of prescription drugs and devices or other classes of drugs or devices which may be authorized. Iowa Code § 155A.2(1).

Third-party Reviews of Prescriber or Pharmacy EPCS Applications

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:28:55 GMT

DEA approves InfoGard's process to certify systems for electronic prescribing of controlled substances. See http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/e_rx/thirdparty.htm for more information.

New Compliance Officer Territories

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:27:17 GMT

The Board is happy to introduce two new compliance officers to our staff. Mark Mather will be covering the north central counties of the state. Kathy Hall will be covering the northwest portion of the state.

A map showing each compliance officer's territory can be found here.

Noticed Rules

Debbie Jorgenson — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:10:37 GMT

Chapter 6, "General Pharmacy Practice"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 6, “General Pharmacy Practice,” Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was approved at the September 13, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Chapter 7, "Hospital Pharmacy Practice"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 7, “Hospital Pharmacy Practice,” Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the September 13, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Chapter 24, "Pharmacy Internet Sites"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 147.76 and 155A.13B, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to adopt new Chapter 24, “Pharmacy Internet Sites,” Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was approved at the September 13, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments to Chapter 6, Chapter 7, and Chapter 24 not later than 4:30 p.m. on October 25, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

Rules Adopted and Filed

Debbie Jorgenson — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:09:49 GMT

The following rules were approved for filing and adoption during the September 13, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and will become effective November 9, 2011:

Chapter 2, "Pharmacist Licenses." The amendments require that a pharmacist complete no less than two continuing education units (CEUs) in activities dealing with patient or medication safety and that a pharmacist complete no less than two CEUs in activities dealing with pharmacy law.
Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians," and adopt new Chapter 40, "Tech-Check-Tech Programs." The amendments authorize the establishment of a tech-check-tech program in a hospital pharmacy or in a general pharmacy only for dispensing to patients in a residential care facility.
Chapter 4, "Pharmacist-Interns." The amendments add a new subrule that identifies the information required to be provided in or with the application for registration as a pharmacist-intern, renumbers subsequent subrules, and corrects a reference in the definition of “nontraditional internship booklet” to a renumbered subrule.
Chapter 5, "Pharmacy Support Persons." The amendments clarify the authority of a pharmacy support person, under the supervision of a pharmacist, to place a prescription container that has been verified by a pharmacist into a bag or sack for delivery to the patient as part of the sales transaction.
Chapter 11, "Drugs in Emergency Medical Service Programs." The rules define terms used throughout the chapter and establish responsibilities for parties involved in the provision of drugs to emergency medical service (EMS) programs.

Board Meeting Minutes Have Been Posted

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:55:52 GMT

Minutes from the following Board Meetings have been posted:

June 28-29, 2011
July 13, 2011
August 10, 2011
August 29, 2011

Notice of September 13-14, 2011 Board Meeting

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:09:31 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 9 AM in open session. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

At 6 PM the Board will hold an Outreach dinner meeting with pharmacists, technicians, and interns, at the Blank Park Zoo from 6 PM to 9 PM. The meeting will follow a town-hall format. Attendance is by registration only.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 9 AM. Administrative hearings are scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The meeting will be held in the shared conference room located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Notice of August 29, 2011 Teleconference

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:50:43 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Monday, August 29, 2011, at 2 p.m. in closed session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Clarification of DEA's Policy on Schedule II Controlled Substances

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:03:31 GMT

Clarification on the DEA's policy regarding information a pharmacist may provide when it is missing from a prescription for a schedule II controlled substance can be found here. In accordance with DEA regulations, pharmacists have a corresponding responsibility with practitioners for t he proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and must ensure that prescriptions for controlled substances conform in all essential respect to t he law and regulations.

NEW Rules on Purchasing an Existing Pharmacy

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:50:28 GMT

The buyer must notify the pharmacist in charge (PIC) of the purchasing pharmacy at least 30 days prior to the pharmacy closing. See "Purchase of Existing Pharmacy" for more information.

NEW Procedures for Closing/Selling Pharmacy

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:48:13 GMT

At least two weeks prior to closing your pharmacy or executing the sale of your pharmacy, patients with active prescriptions on file with the pharmacy shall be notified by the closing pharmacy, via direct mail or public notice, that each patient has the right to transfer the patient's prescriptions to a pharmacy of the patient's choosing.

Also two weeks prior to closing your pharmacy or executing the sale of your pharmacy, a written notice shall be sent to the Board office and to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Building, Room 937, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The notice shall include, as a minimum, the following: ...(see Procedures for Closing/Selling Pharmacy for more information).

Emergency Filed and Adopted: Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards"

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:55:14 GMT

The following rule was approved for emergency filing and adoption during the August 10, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and became effective August 11, 2011.

Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards." The amendment relates to the responsibilities of the pharmacies when a pharmacy closes. Those responsibilities include notifications by the closing pharmacy to the Board and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at least 30 days prior to the pharmacy closing and the content of those notifications; notifications to the pharmacist in charge of the closing pharmacy at least 40 days prior to the pharmacy closing and including the pharmacist in charge in the notification and closing processes; notification to patients of the pharmacy closing at least 30 days prior to the date of closing and addressing direct communication to patients and the posting of signs or other public notices; notification to the pharmacist in charge of the receiving pharmacy at least 30 days prior to the pharmacy closing; and requiring cancellation or revocation of all authorizations to utilize the DEA’s online controlled substances ordering system (CSOS) on behalf of the closing pharmacy. The amendment also requires that the closing pharmacy ensure the transfer of all patient records to a pharmacy that is held to the same standards of confidentiality as the closing pharmacy and that agrees to act as custodian for the closing pharmacy’s records for the retention periods required under federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

Notice of August 10, 2011 Teleconference

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:25:17 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meetin in open session via teleconference on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 2 p.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m., at which time they will move into closed session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Noticed Rules

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:37:15 GMT

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code Sections 124.301 and 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards," Chapter 10, "Controlled Substances," Chapter 21, "Electronic Data in Pharmacy Practice," and Chapter 23, "Long-Term Care Pharmacy Practice," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was approved at the June 28, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments not later than 4:30 p.m. on August 30, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

Pharmacy Outreach

Debbie Jorgenson — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:45:40 GMT

Outreach Efforts to Iowa Pharmacists and Technicians--Evening Dinner Meetings. The Board is pleased to announce that it is initiating a new program to reach out to all Iowa pharmacists and technicians. As part of this effort, the Board will be holding a series of meetings across the state during the last half of 2011. The purpose of the meetings is to engage Iowa pharmacists and technicians in meaningful dialogue to learn what their concerns are and what they need help with. The Board will also use these meetings as an opportunity to educate pharmacists and technicians about changes in laws and rules, as well as issues that the Board is dealing with. Meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning with dinner and ending with a "town-hall" type meeting. The meetings will focus on and encourage audience participation. Meetings will be held as follows:

Tuesday evening, September 13, 2011, Des Moines--Blank Park Zoo
Thursday evening, October 13, 2011, in Council Bluffs
Thursday evening, November 10, 2011, in Iowa City

The Council Bluffs and Iowa City venues have not yet been selected. There will be no registration fee. However, reservations are required and attendees need to register at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Any pharmacist or technician who wishes to attend one of the meetings should RSVP to rebecca.hall@iowa.gov. E-mails should include the attendee's full name and address, indicate whether the attendee is a pharmacist or a technician, and indicate which meeting he or she wishes to attend. The Board office will confirm all meeting reservations and provide attendees with detailed meeting information. These meetings will be limited to the first 300 persons who register for each location.

Notice of July 13, 2011 Teleconference

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:33:47 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. in open session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Minutes have been posted

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:09:31 GMT

Minutes from the April 26-27,June 1, and June 8, 2011 board meetings have been posted.

Notice of June 28-29, 2011 Meeting

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:26:00 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at 9 a.m. in open session. Administrative hearings are scheduled at 1 p.m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 9 a.m. Administrative hearings are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The meeting will be held in the shared conference room located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Notice of June 8, 2011 Teleconference

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:10:53 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in open session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

10:00 a.m. Call to Order

10:05 a.m. Legislation - Proposed Legislative Amendment H-1734 to HF 697

10:30 a.m. Rules - Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards" regarding time limits on professional responsibility

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 Southwest Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

The chairperson may allow additional time to a given speaker as time allows and in her sole discretion. Public comment is welcomed by the Board, but will be heard only when that item on the agenda is reached and will be limited to five minutes per person.

Noticed Rules Comment Period

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:02:38 GMT

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments to Chapter 11 not later than 4:30 p.m. on June 21, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

* * * * * *

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments to Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 and proposed new Chapter 40 not later than 4:30 p.m. on July 15, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

Noticed Rule

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:56:36 GMT

Notice of Termination Chapter 6, "General Pharmacy Practice"; Chapter 7, "Hospital Pharmacy Practice"; Chapter 15, "Correctional Pharmacy Practice"; and Chapter 16, "Nuclear Pharmacy Practice

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy terminates the rule making initiated by its Notice of Intended Action published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 30, 2010, as ARC 8924B, proposing to amend Chapter 6, “General Pharmacy Practice,” Chapter 7, “Hospital Pharmacy Practice,” Chapter 15, “Correctional Pharmacy Practice,” and Chapter 16, “Nuclear Pharmacy Practice,” Iowa Administrative Code.

The notice of termination was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

* * * * * *

Chapter 11, "Drugs in Emergency Medical Service"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 124.301 and 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy terminates the rule making initiated by its Notice of Intended Action published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 30, 2010, as ARC 8923B. The Notice proposed to rescind Chapter 11, "Drugs in Emergency Medical Service Programs," Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt new Chapter 11 with the same time.

The Board is now filing a new Notice proposint to rescind Chapter 11 and to adopt new Chapter 11, "Drugs in Emergency MedicalServices Programs."

The amendment was aproved at the March 8, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments not later than 4:30 p.m. on June 21, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

* * * * * *

Chapter 2, "Pharmacist Licenses"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76 and 272C.3, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 2, "Pharmacist Licenses," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Amend Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians" and to Adopt New Chapter 40, "Tech-Check-Tech Programs"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76 and 155A.6A, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians," and to adopt new Chapter 40, "Tech-Check-Tech Programs," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Chapter 4, "Pharmacist-Interns"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 4, "Pharmacist-Interns," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Chapter 5, "Pharmacy Support Persons"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 5, "Pharmacy Support Persons," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments not later than 4:30 p.m. on July 15, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

Rules Adopted and Filed

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:06:13 GMT

The following rule amendments were approved and adopted during the March 8, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. They become effective June 22, 2011.

Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians." The amendment identifies the technical functions that may be delegated by a supervising pharmacist to a pharmacy technician trainee or an uncertified pharmacy technician and clarifies that the functions that are identified in Chapter 5 that may be delegated to a pharmacy support person may also be delegated to a pharmacy technician.

The following rule amendments were approved and adopted during he April 26, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. They become effective July 6, 2011.

Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards." The amendments add pharmacy technicians, pharmacy support persons, and pharmacist-interns to those regulated individuals subject to activities identified as unethical conduct and prohibit any purchasing pharmacy or pharmacist from engaging in any activity or agreeing to any provision in a transaction for the sale or transfer of prescription records that would prevent or prohibit prior patient notification of a pending transfer of the patient’s records. New paragraph 8.16(3)“e” provides that a closing pharmacy may transfer prescription and patient records to a pharmacy that agrees to act as the custodian of the transferred records and that is held to the same confidentiality standards as the originating pharmacy. Amendments to subrule 8.35(6) add catchwords to identify the paragraphs and clarify the applicable rule provisions in the event of a change of owner of a pharmacy.

Noticed Rules

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:05:56 GMT

Notice of Termination Chapter 6, "General Pharmacy Practice"; Chapter 7, "Hospital Pharmacy Practice"; Chapter 15, "Correctional Pharmacy Practice"; and Chapter 16, "Nuclear Pharmacy Practice

The notice of termination was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

* * * * * *

Chapter 11, "Drugs in Emergency Medical Service"

The amendment was aproved at the March 8, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

* * * * * *

Chapter 2, "Pharmacist Licenses"

The amendment was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Amend Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians" and to Adopt New Chapter 40, "Tech-Check-Tech Programs"

The amendment was aproved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Chapter 4, "Pharmacist-Interns"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 4, "Pharmacist-Interns," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Chapter 5, "Pharmacy Support Persons"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 5, "Pharmacy Support Persons," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendments were approved at the April 26, 2011, regular meeting of the Board of Pharmacy.

Notice of June 1, 2011 Board Teleconference

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:20:14 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. in open session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 Southwest Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Miscellaneous Updates (Rules Docket / Contact Information)

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:08:13 GMT

An updated Rule Making Docket has been published.

Modifications have been made to the Contact Us page.

Barbara Lee is now responsible for receiving and directing callers to appropriate individuals; verifies license/registration status; receives name, address, or employment changes and provides application forms.
Cassie Lee will be answering questions dealing with CEU, including waivers and non-ACPE providers; verifies license/registration status; receives name, address, or employment changes and provides application forms.

Contact information on the Board's Frequently Asked Questions page for who to report address changes to and who to contact if you have had drugs lost or stolen has been changed.

Address changes should now be directed by mail, fax, or E-mail to Barbara Lee.
A Breaking and Entering Report needs to be filled out when drugs are stolen or lost at a facility. This form can be obtained by phone (515-281-5944), or E-mail request to Cassie Lee.

Controlled Substance Registration Verifications may be accomplished by telephone (515-281-5944) or E-mail to Barbara Lee@iowa.gov.

Practitioners changing practice locations within Iowa must request modification of an Iowa CSA registration by submitting a written request to the Board via U.S. Postal Service, fax ( 515-281-4609), or E-mail to Barbara Lee@iowa.gov.

New Board Members

Wed, 04 May 2011 16:28:20 GMT

Two new Board members were appointed to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy by Governor Terry Branstad. The new members are LaDonna Gratias, public member, and James Miller, pharmacist member.

Minutes Have Been Posted

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:29:21 GMT

The minutes of the March 8, 2011, meeting and the April 21, 2011, teleconference have been posted.

Notice of April 26-27, 2011 Board meeting

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:23:08 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 9 a.m. in open session.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 9 a.m. in closed session.

The meeting will be held at the Comfort Inn, 6169 Reve Court, Fort Madison, Iowa. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Minutes Have Been Posted

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:29:29 GMT

Minutes from the January 11, February 7, and February 8, 2011, meetings have been posted.

Notice of Board Meeting

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:33:24 GMT

March 8-9 , 2011

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 9 a.m. in open session. Administrative hearings are scheduled at 1 p.m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 9 a.m. A reinstatement hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. This hearing could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondent. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The meeting will be held in the shared conference room located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The tentative meeting agenda can be found here.

Rules Adopted and Filed

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:52:05 GMT

The following rule amendments were approved and adopted during the January 11, 2011, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. They became effective April 13, 2011.

Chapter 2, "Pharmacist Licenses." The amendment provides for an exemption from pharmacist continuing education requirements during any period in which a pharmacist is participating in a pharmacy residency program and requires that a pharmacist wishing such exemption petition the Board as soon as possible following commencement of the residency program and prior to completion of the program.
Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians." The amendments clarify that a certified pharmacy technician must maintain both the Iowa registration and the national technician certification in good standing in order to practice as a certified pharmacy technician in Iowa.
Chapter 7, "Hospital Pharmacy Practice." The amendments clarify the record requirements for identifying a pharmacist who is involved in the visual verification of a drug product or device that has been remotely verified and approved for dispensing when a hospital pharmacy is closed. The amendments further clarify that only a certified pharmacy technician may assist non-pharmacy personnel to locate a needed prescription drug when the pharmacy is closed and when the pharmacist in charge has so authorized the certified pharmacy technician.
Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards." The amendment requires that a log of the initials or unique identification codes identifying by name each pharmacy support person, in addition to pharmacists, pharmacist-interns, and pharmacy technicians, shall be maintained by the pharmacy and be available for inspection or copying for a minimum two years.
Chapter 10, "Controlled Substances." The amendment clarifies the requirement for reducing an oral prescription to a written format, providing that the written format may be a computer-generated print of the information required for the prescription and is not limited to a handwritten format.
Chapter 13, "Sterile Compounding Practices." The amendment provides for an exception for the placement of a compounding aseptic isolator (CAI) within an ISO Class 8 anteroom or ante area when the CAI meets ISO Class 5 atmospheric environment conditions.
Chapter 35, "Contested Cases," and Chapter 36, "Discipline." The amendments correct the name of the Board by deleting the term “Examiners” and correct the title of the executive director, formerly the executive secretary/director. The proposed amendments also eliminate an invalid Iowa Code reference in Item 20. Proposed amendments in Items 4, 11, 18, and 23 clarify the process for delivery of various documents and communications relating to contested cases and disciplinary actions.

Withdrawal of Propoxyphene Products -- Further Education for Healthcare Professionals

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:51:44 GMT

On November 19 , 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended the withdrawal of propoxyphene products from the U.S. market. A guidance statement for prescribers regarding the drug propoxyphene which has been withdrawn from the market can be found here.

Minutes Have Been Posted

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:45:33 GMT

Minutes from the January 14, 2011 teleconference have been posted online.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:36:00 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 2 p.m. in open session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The complete up-to-date agenda can be found here.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:53:47 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Monday, February 7, 2011, at 2 p.m. in open session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Prescription Monitoring Program Annual Report to the Governor and Iowa Legislature

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:11:24 GMT

The 2011 Annual Report to the Governor and Iowa Legislature is now available.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:06:13 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Friday, January 14, 2011, a 2 p.m. in closed session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Minutes Have Been Posted

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:43:36 GMT

Minutes from the January 14, 2011 teleconference have been posted online.

Notice of Board Meeting

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:21:44 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, a 9 a.m. in open session. Administrative hearings are scheduled at 1 and 3 p.m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 9 a.m. Administrative hearings are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. These hearings could be in open or closed session, depending on the decision of the Respondents. The Board will go into closed session as necessary.

The meeting will be held in the shared conference room located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The complete up-to-date agenda can be found here.

Noticed Rules

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:05:08 GMT

Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 3, "Pharmacy Technicians," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was aproved at the November 24, 2010, teleconference meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Any interested person may present written comments, data, views, and arguments on the proposed amendments not later than 4:30 p.m. on January 24, 2011. Such written materials may be sent to Terry Witkowski, Executive Officer, Board of Pharmacy Examiners, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688; by E-mail to terry.witkowski@iowa.gov; or via facsimile to (515) 281-4609.

Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards"

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 147.76, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 8, "Universal Practice Standards," Iowa Administrative Code.

The amendment was aproved at the November 24, 2010, teleconference meeting of the Board of Pharmcy.

Rules Adopted and Filed

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:54:09 GMT

The following rule amendments were approved and adopted during the September 28, 2010, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. They became effective December 8, 2010.

Chapter 13, "Sterile Compounding Practices." The amendments clarify the definition of "beyond-use date" for a sterile compounded product and clarify the approved storage periods for high-risk compounded preparations.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Debbie Jorgenson — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:12:16 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference call on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in closed session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Verifications

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:24:20 GMT

Licensing and registration data is once again available online for your use in verifying licenses and registrations. Thank you for your patience over the previous month.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Debbie Jorgenson — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:23:42 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet in open session via teleconference call on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. to approximately 2:35 p.m., at which time they will move into closed session. The Board will meet in closed session from approximately 2:35 p.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.

The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The complete up-to-date agenda can be found here.

Please note: The Iowa Board of Pharmacy may address agenda items out of sequence to accommodate persons appearing before the Board or to aid in the efficiency of the meeting. Public comment is welcomed by the Board, but will be heard only when the item on the agenda is reached and will be limited to five minutes per person. The chairperson may allow additional time to a given speaker as time allows and in his sole discretion. (Times are subject to change. Please phone the Board office at (515) 281-5944 before November 24, 2010, to confirm times.)

Verifications

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:40:04 GMT

We will be unable to process online verifications for approximately the next 30 days. Please fax your requests to 515-281-4609 or call Diana or Barb at 515-281-5944 for verifications. Thank you for your patience.

Notice of Board Teleconference

Debbie Jorgenson — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:24:09 GMT

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. in closed session. An in-person meeting is impractical due to travel distances of members of the Board, the limited agenda, and the need for immediate action. The call will originate from the Board office located at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. Eighth Street, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Verifications

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:49:51 GMT

We will be unable to process online verifications for approximately the next 30 days. Please submit your requests by E-mail to diana.pirillo@ibpe.state.ia.us. We will respond to your request as soon as possible. Thank you for yor patience.

Minutes of the September 28, 2010 meeting have been posted

Debbie Jorgenson — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:19:25 GMT

Minutes from the September 28, 20 10, meeting of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy have been approved and posted online at http://www.state.ia.us/ibpe/pdf/2010_09_28minutes.pdf.

Iowa Board of Pharmacy Mailing List

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:18:42 GMT

Subscribe to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy mailing list to receive updates on Iowa laws and regulations impacting pharmacy in the state of Iowa. See the "Miscellaneous" column for the subscription form, available on all main pages of the Board's web si te.