Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Directives from Special Called Board Meeting March 25, 2020
Prescriptions for chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, or azithromycin
Prescriptions for chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, or azithromycin may not be dispensed or distributed unless all the following apply:
- the prescription or medication order bears a written diagnosis from the prescriber consistent with the evidence for its use
- the prescription or medication order is limited to no more than a ten (10) day supply, unless the patient was previously established on the medication prior to the effective date of this rule
- no refills may be permitted unless a new prescription or medication order is furnished with established written diagnosis and indication for continuation
The Board of Pharmacy shall have the authority to set limitations on any medications for the use in treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Clean and Sanitary Conditions
Kentucky law requires that “all pharmacies shall comply with all sanitation laws and administrative regulations” inclusive of, but not limited to provision of “adequate facilities, separate and distinct from toilets and washrooms, shall be provided for maintaining clean and sanitary conditions” in accordance with 201 KAR 2:090 and 201 KAR 2:180.
“Sanitary” conditions include those sufficient to minimize risk of transmission of a communicable disease within a pharmacy, in accordance with nationally published standards such as the CDC and OSHA. Violation of any provision of these administrative regulations constitutes unethical or unprofessional conduct in accordance with KRS 315.121.
The Board strongly supports efforts by pharmacies and pharmacists to adjust work flows and processes within a pharmacy to reduce the risk of person-to-person coronavirus transmission. Such efforts might include, but are not limited to:
- not physically handling patient identifications at the point of dispensing;
- not requiring a physical signature for pick-up of a prescription;
- increasing use of prescription delivery, drive-thru, and curb services;
- limiting the number of patients physically entering a pharmacy;
- encouraging patients to wait in their vehicles;
- encouraging the use of an appointment system for patients to conduct business;
- placing physical barriers inside the pharmacy and drive thru;
- encouraging employees to wear PPE and how often to change PPE;
- adhering to consistent store cleaning regimens.
The Board emphasizes that the pharmacist-in-charge is the person authorized by law to ensure compliance with our pharmacy practice standards. Improper interference with a pharmacist-in-charge carrying out these duties and responsibilities subjects a pharmacy permit holder to potential disciplinary action, up to and including revocation
. Likewise, a person licensed by, or registered with, the Board who improperly interferes with a pharmacist-in-charge carrying out these duties and responsibilities, is subject to potential disciplinary action, up to and including revocation. Pharmacist professional judgement is encouraged and depended on during these times of crisis to mitigate the possibilities for both employee and customer COVID-19 exposure. Permit holders shall cooperate with their PIC’s and staff to ensure protection for both their staff and customers.
