2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 4A - North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act.

 

Article 4A.

North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act.

§ 90‑85.2.  Legislative findings.

The General Assembly of North Carolina finds that mandatory licensure of all who engage in the practice of pharmacy is necessary to insure minimum standards of competency and to protect the public from those who might otherwise present a danger to the public health, safety and welfare. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.3.  Definitions.

(a)       "Administer" means the direct application of a drug to the body of a patient by injection, inhalation, ingestion or other means.

(b)       "Board" means the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy.

(b1)     "Clinical pharmacist practitioner" means a licensed pharmacist who meets the guidelines and criteria for such title established by the joint subcommittee of the North Carolina Medical Board and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and is authorized to enter into drug therapy management agreements with physicians in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 90‑18.4.

(c)       "Compounding" means taking two or more ingredients and combining them into a dosage form of a drug, exclusive of compounding by a drug manufacturer, distributor, or packer.

(d)       "Deliver" means the actual, constructive or attempted transfer of a drug, a device, or medical equipment from one person to another.

(e)       "Device" means an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent or other similar or related article including any component part or accessory, whose label or labeling bears the statement "Caution: federal law requires dispensing by or on the order of a physician." The term does not include:

(1)       Devices used in the normal course of treating patients by health care facilities and agencies licensed under Chapter 131E or Article 2 of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes;

(2)       Devices used or provided in the treatment of patients by medical doctors, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and nurses licensed under Chapter 90 of the General Statutes, provided they do not dispense devices used to administer or dispense drugs.

(f)        "Dispense" means preparing and packaging a prescription drug or device in a container and labeling the container with information required by State and federal law. Filling or refilling drug containers with prescription drugs for subsequent use by a patient is "dispensing". Providing quantities of unit dose prescription drugs for subsequent administration is "dispensing".

(g)       "Drug" means:

(1)       Any article recognized as a drug in the United States Pharmacopeia, or in any other drug compendium or any supplement thereto, or an article recognized as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration;

(2)       Any article, other than food or devices, intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in man or other animals;

(3)       Any article, other than food or devices, intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals; and

(4)       Any article intended for use as a component of any articles specified in clause (1), (2) or (3) of this subsection.

(h)       "Emancipated minor" means any person under the age of 18 who is or has been married or who is or has been a parent; or whose parents or guardians have surrendered their rights to the minor's services and earnings as well as their right to custody and control of the minor's person; or who has been emancipated by an appropriate court order.

(i)        "Health care provider" means any licensed health care professional; any agent or employee of any health care institution, health care insurer, health care professional school; or a member of any allied health profession.

(j)        "Label" means a display of written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate or outside container of any drug.

(k)       "Labeling" means preparing and affixing a label to any drug container, exclusive of labeling by a manufacturer, packer or distributor of a nonprescription drug or a commercially packaged prescription drug or device.

(l)        "License" means a license to practice pharmacy including a renewal license issued by the Board.

(l 1)     "Medical equipment" means any of the following items that are intended for use by the consumer in the consumer's place of residence:

(1)       A device.

(2)       Ambulation assistance equipment.

(3)       Mobility equipment.

(4)       Rehabilitation seating.

(5)       Oxygen and respiratory care equipment.

(6)       Rehabilitation environmental control equipment.

(7)       Diagnostic equipment.

(8)       A bed prescribed by a physician to treat or alleviate a medical condition.

The term "medical equipment" does not include (i) medical equipment used or dispensed in the normal course of treating patients by or on behalf of home care agencies, hospitals, and nursing facilities licensed under Chapter 131E of the General Statutes or hospitals or agencies licensed under Article 2 of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes; (ii) medical equipment used or dispensed by professionals licensed under Chapters 90 or 93D of the General Statutes, provided the professional is practicing within the scope of that professional's practice act; (iii) upper and lower extremity prosthetics and related orthotics; or (iv) canes, crutches, walkers, and bathtub grab bars.

(l 2)     "Mobile pharmacy" means a pharmacy that meets all of the following conditions:

(1)       Is either self‑propelled or moveable by another vehicle that is self‑propelled.

(2)       Is operated by a nonprofit corporation.

(3)       Dispenses prescription drugs at no charge or at a reduced charge to persons whose family income is less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level and who do not receive reimbursement for the cost of the dispensed prescription drugs from Medicare, Medicaid, a private insurance company, or a governmental unit.

(m)      "Permit" means a permit to operate a pharmacy, deliver medical equipment, or dispense devices, including a renewal license issued by the Board.

(n)       "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government, or other legal entity.

(o)       "Person in loco parentis" means the person who has assumed parental responsibilities for a child.

(p)       "Pharmacist" means a person licensed under this Article to practice pharmacy.

(q)       "Pharmacy" means any place where prescription drugs are dispensed or compounded.

(q1)     "Pharmacy personnel" means pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

(q2)     "Pharmacy technician" means a person who may, under the supervision of a pharmacist, perform technical functions to assist the pharmacist in preparing and dispensing prescription medications.

(r)        "Practice of pharmacy" means the responsibility for: interpreting and evaluating drug orders, including prescription orders; compounding, dispensing and labeling prescription drugs and devices; properly and safely storing drugs and devices; maintaining proper records; and controlling pharmacy goods and services. A pharmacist may advise and educate patients and health care providers concerning therapeutic values, content, uses and significant problems of drugs and devices; assess, record and report adverse drug and device reactions; take and record patient histories relating to drug and device therapy; monitor, record and report drug therapy and device usage; perform drug utilization reviews; and participate in drug and drug source selection and device and device source selection as provided in G.S. 90‑85.27 through G.S. 90‑85.31. A pharmacist who has received special training may be authorized and permitted to administer drugs pursuant to a specific prescription order in accordance with rules adopted by each of the Boards of Pharmacy, the Board of Nursing, and the North Carolina Medical Board. The rules shall be designed to ensure the safety and health of the patients for whom such drugs are administered. An approved clinical pharmacist practitioner may collaborate with physicians in determining the appropriate health care for a patient, subject to the provisions of G.S. 90‑18.4.

(s)       "Prescription drug" means a drug that under federal law is required, prior to being dispensed or delivered, to be labeled with the following statement:

"Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription."

(t)        "Prescription order" means a written or verbal order for a prescription drug, prescription device, or pharmaceutical service from a person authorized by law to prescribe such drug, device, or service. A prescription order includes an order entered in a chart or other medical record of a patient.

(u)       "Unit dose medication system" means a system in which each dose of medication is individually packaged in a properly sealed and properly labeled container. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1983, c. 196, ss. 1‑3; 1991, c. 578, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 692, s. 2; 1995, c. 94, s. 24; 1999‑246, s. 1; 1999‑290, ss. 4, 5; 2001‑375, s. 1; 2002‑159, s. 37.)

 

§ 90‑85.4.  North Carolina Pharmaceutical Association.

The North Carolina Pharmaceutical Association, and the persons composing it, shall continue to be a body politic and corporate under the name and style of the North Carolina Pharmaceutical Association, and by that name have the right to sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded, to purchase and hold real estate and grant the same, to have and to use a common seal, and to do any other things and perform any other acts as appertain to bodies corporate and politic not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the State. (1881, c. 355, s. 1; Code, s. 3135; Rev., s. 4471; C.S., s. 6650; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.5.  Objective of Pharmaceutical Association.

The objective of the Association is to unite the pharmacists of this State for mutual aid, encouragement, and improvement; to encourage scientific research, develop pharmaceutical talent and to elevate the standard of professional thought. (1881, c. 355, s. 2; Code, s. 3136; Rev., s. 4472; C.S., s. 6651; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1991, c. 125, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.6.  Board of Pharmacy; creation; membership; qualification of members.

(a)       Creation. – The responsibility for enforcing the provisions of this Article and the laws pertaining to the distribution and use of drugs is vested in the Board. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules for the performance of its duties. The Board shall have all of the duties, powers and authorities specifically granted by and necessary for the enforcement of this Article, as well as any other duties, powers and authorities that may be granted from time to time by other appropriate statutes. The Board may establish a program for the purpose of aiding in the recovery and rehabilitation of pharmacists who have become addicted to controlled substances or alcohol, and the Board may use money collected as fees to fund such a program.

(b)       Membership. – The Board shall consist of six members, one of whom shall be a representative of the public, and the remainder of whom shall be pharmacists.

(c)       Qualifications. – The public member of the Board shall not be a health care provider or the spouse of a health care provider. He shall not be enrolled in a program to prepare him to be a health care provider. The public member of the Board shall be a resident of this State at the time of his appointment and while serving as a Board member. The pharmacist members of the Board shall be residents of this State at the time of their appointment and while serving as Board members. (1905, c. 108, ss. 5‑7, 9; Rev., ss. 4473, 4475; 1907, c. 113, s. 1; C.S., ss. 6652, 6654; 1945, c. 572, s. 1; 1981, c. 717, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1997‑177, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.7.  Board of Pharmacy; selection; vacancies; commission; term; per diem; removal.

(a)       The Board of Pharmacy shall consist of six persons.  Five of the members shall be licensed as pharmacists within this State and shall be elected and commissioned by the Governor as hereinafter provided.  Pharmacist members shall be chosen in an election held as hereinafter provided in which every person licensed to practice pharmacy in North Carolina and residing in North Carolina shall be entitled to vote.  Each pharmacist member of said Board shall be elected for a term of five years and until his successor shall be elected and shall qualify.  Members chosen by election under this section shall be elected upon the expiration of the respective terms of the members of the present Board of Pharmacy.  No pharmacist shall be nominated for membership on said Board, or shall be elected to membership on said Board, unless, at the time of such nomination, and at the time of such election, he is licensed to practice pharmacy in North Carolina.  In case of death, resignation or removal from the State of any pharmacist member of said Board, the pharmacist members of the Board shall elect in his place a pharmacist who meets the criteria set forth in this section to fill the unexpired term.

One member of the Board shall be a person who is not a pharmacist and who represents the interest of the public at large.  The Governor shall appoint this member.

All Board members serving on June 30, 1989, shall be eligible to complete their respective terms.  No member appointed or elected to a term on or after July 1, 1989, shall serve more than two complete consecutive five‑year terms.  The Governor may remove any member appointed by him for good cause shown and may appoint persons to fill unexpired terms of members appointed by him.

It shall be the duty of a member of the Board of Pharmacy, within 10 days after receipt of notification of his appointment and commission, to appear before the clerk of the superior court of the county in which he resides and take and subscribe an oath to properly and faithfully discharge the duties of his office according to law.

(b)       All nominations and elections of pharmacist members of the Board shall be conducted by the Board of Pharmacy, which is hereby constituted a Board of Pharmacy Elections.  Every pharmacist with a current North Carolina license residing in this State shall be eligible to vote in all elections.  The list of pharmacists shall constitute the registration list for elections.  The Board of Pharmacy Elections is authorized to make rules and regulations relative to the conduct of these elections, provided such rules and regulations are not in conflict with the provisions of this section and provided that notice shall be given to all pharmacists residing in North Carolina.  All such rules and regulations shall be adopted subject to the procedures of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes of North Carolina.  From any decision of the Board of Pharmacy Elections relative to the conduct of such elections, appeal may be taken to the courts in the manner otherwise provided by Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.

(c)       All rules, regulations, and bylaws of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, shall continue in effect.

(d)       Notwithstanding G.S. 93B‑5, Board members shall receive as compensation for their services per diem not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day during which they are engaged in the official business of the Board. (1905, c. 108, ss. 5‑7; Rev., s. 4473; C.S., s. 6652; 1981, c. 717, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1983, c. 196, s. 4; 1989, c. 118; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 825.)

 

§ 90‑85.8.  Organization.

The Board shall elect from its members a president, vice‑president, and other officers as it deems necessary. The officers shall serve one‑year terms and until their successors have been elected and qualified. (1905, c. 108, s. 8; Rev., s. 4474; C.S., s. 6653; 1923, c. 82; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.9.  Meetings.

The Board shall meet at least twice annually for the purpose of administering examinations and conducting other business. Four Board members constitute a quorum. The Board shall keep a record  of its proceedings, a register of all licensed persons, and a register of all persons to whom permits have been issued. The Board shall report, in writing, annually to the Governor and the presiding officer of each house of the General Assembly. (1905, c. 108, s. 8; Rev., s. 4474; C.S., s. 6653; 1923, c. 82; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.10.  Employees; Executive Director.

The Board shall employ as Executive Director a pharmacist to serve as a full‑time employee of the Board. The Executive Director  shall serve as secretary and treasurer of the Board and shall perform  administrative functions as authorized by the Board. The Board shall have the authority to employ other personnel as it may deem necessary to carry out the requirements of this Article. (1905, c. 108, s. 9; Rev., s. 4475; 1907, c. 113, s. 1; C.S., s. 6654; 1945, c. 572, s. 1;  1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.11.  Compensation of employees.

The Board shall determine the compensation of its employees. Employees shall be reimbursed for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.11A.  Acquisition of real property; equipment; liability insurance.

(a)       The Board shall have the power to acquire, hold, rent, encumber, alienate, and otherwise deal with real property in the same manner as a private person or corporation, subject only to approval of the Governor and the Council of State. Collateral pledged by the Board for an encumbrance is limited to the assets, income, and revenues of the Board.

(b)       The Board may purchase, rent, or lease equipment and supplies and purchase liability insurance or other insurance to cover the activities of the Board, its operations, or its employees. (2001‑407, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.12.  Executive Director to make investigations and prosecute.

(a)       Upon receiving information concerning a violation of this Article that is a threat to the public safety, health, or welfare, the Executive Director shall promptly conduct an investigation, and if he finds evidence of the violation, he may file a complaint and prosecute the offender in a Board hearing. If the Executive Director receives information concerning a violation of this Article that does not pose a threat to the public safety, health, or welfare, the Executive Director may conduct an investigation, and if he finds evidence of the violation, he may file a complaint and prosecute the offender in a Board hearing.

(b)       In all prosecutions of unlicensed persons for the violation of any of the provisions of this Article, a certificate signed under oath by the Executive Director shall be competent and admissible evidence in any court of this State that the person is not licensed, as required by law. (1905, c. 108, s. 11; Rev., s. 4477; C.S., s. 6656; 1923, c. 74, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 2005‑402, s. 1.2.)

 

§ 90‑85.13.  Approval of schools and colleges of pharmacy.

The Board shall approve schools and colleges of pharmacy upon a finding that students successfully completing the course of study offered by the school or college can reasonably be expected to practice pharmacy safely and properly. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.14.  Practical experience program.

The Board shall issue regulations governing a practical experience program. These regulations shall assure that the person successfully completing the program will have gained practical experience that will enable him to safely and properly practice pharmacy. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.15.  Application and examination for licensure as a pharmacist; prerequisites.

(a)       Any person who desires to be licensed as a pharmacist shall file an application with the Executive Director on the form furnished by the Board, verified under oath, setting forth the applicant's name, age, the place at which and the time that he has spent in the study of pharmacy, and his experience in compounding and dispensing prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist. The applicant shall also appear at a time and place designated by the Board and submit to an examination as to his qualifications for being licensed. The applicant must demonstrate to the Board his physical and mental competency to practice pharmacy.

(b)       On or after July 1, 1982, all applicants shall have received an undergraduate degree from a school of pharmacy approved by the Board. Applicants shall be required to have had up to one year of experience, approved by the Board, under the supervision of a pharmacist and shall pass the required examination offered by the Board. Upon completing these requirements and upon paying the required fee, the applicant shall be licensed.

(c)       The Department of Justice may provide a criminal record check to the Board for a person who has applied for a license through the Board. The Board shall provide to the Department of Justice, along with the request, the fingerprints of the applicant, any additional information required by the Department of Justice, and a form signed by the applicant consenting to the check of the criminal record and to the use of the fingerprints and other identifying information required by the State or national repositories. The applicant's fingerprints shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for a search of the State's criminal history record file, and the State Bureau of Investigation shall forward a set of the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history check. The Board shall keep all information pursuant to this subsection privileged, in accordance with applicable State law and federal guidelines, and the information shall be confidential and shall not be a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.

The Department of Justice may charge each applicant a fee for conducting the checks of criminal history records authorized by this subsection. (1905, c. 108, s. 13; Rev., ss. 4479, 4480; 1915, c. 165; C.S., s. 6658; 1921, c. 52; 1933, c. 206, ss. 1, 2; 1935, c. 181; 1937, c. 94; 1971, c. 481; 1981, c. 717, s. 4; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1983, c. 196, s. 5; 2002‑147, s. 8.)

 

§ 90‑85.15A.  Pharmacy technicians.

(a)       Registration. – A registration program for pharmacy technicians is established for the purposes of identifying those persons who are employed as pharmacy technicians. The Board must maintain a registry of pharmacy technicians that contains the name of each pharmacy technician, the name and location of the pharmacy in which the pharmacy technician works, the pharmacist‑manager who employs the pharmacy technician, and the dates of that employment. The Board must register a pharmacy technician who pays the fee required under G.S. 90‑85.24 and completes a required training program. A pharmacy technician must register with the Board within 30 days after the date the pharmacy technician completes a training program conducted by the pharmacy technician's pharmacist‑manager. The registration must be renewed annually by paying a registration fee.

(b)       Responsibilities of Pharmacist‑Manager. – A pharmacist‑manager may hire a person who has a high school diploma or equivalent or is currently enrolled in a program that awards a high school diploma or equivalent to work as a pharmacy technician. Pursuant to G.S. 90‑85.21, a pharmacist‑manager must notify the Board within 30 days of the date the pharmacy technician began employment. The pharmacist‑manager must provide a training program for a pharmacy technician that includes pharmacy terminology, pharmacy calculations, dispensing systems and labeling requirements, pharmacy laws and regulations, record keeping and documentation, and the proper handling and storage of medications. The requirements of a training program may differ depending upon the type of employment. The training program must be provided and completed within 180 days of the date the pharmacy technician began employment unless the pharmacy technician is registered with the Board. If the pharmacy technician is registered with the Board, then the completion of the training program is optional at the discretion of the pharmacist‑manager.

(c)       Supervision. – A pharmacist may not supervise more than two pharmacy technicians unless the pharmacist‑manager receives written approval from the Board. The Board may not allow a pharmacist to supervise more than two pharmacy technicians unless the additional pharmacy technicians have passed a nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification board exam, or its equivalent, that has been approved by the Board. The Board must respond to a request from a pharmacist‑manager to allow a pharmacist to supervise more than two pharmacy technicians within 60 days of the date it received the request. The Board must respond to the request in one of three ways:

(1)       Approval of the request.

(2)       Approval of the request as amended by the Board.

(3)       Disapproval of the request. A disapproval of a request must include a reasonable explanation of why the request was not approved.

(d)       Disciplinary Action. – The Board may, in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes and rules adopted by the Board, issue a letter of reprimand or suspend, restrict, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew the registration of a pharmacy technician if the pharmacy technician has done one or more of the following:

(1)       Made false representations or withheld material information in connection with registering as a pharmacy technician.

(2)       Been found guilty of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a felony involving the use or distribution of drugs.

(3)       Indulged in the use of drugs to an extent that it renders the pharmacy technician unfit to assist a pharmacist in preparing and dispensing prescription medications.

(4)       Developed a physical or mental disability that renders the pharmacy technician unfit to assist a pharmacist in preparing and dispensing prescription medications.

(5)       Willfully violated any provision of this Article or rules adopted by the Board governing pharmacy technicians.

(e)       Exemption. – This section does not apply to pharmacy students who are enrolled in a school of pharmacy approved by the Board under G.S. 90‑85.13.

(f)        Rule‑Making Authority. – The Board may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. (2001–375, s. 2.)

 

§ 90‑85.16.  Examination.

The license examination shall be given by the Board at least twice each year. The Board shall determine the subject matter of each examination and the place, time and date for administering the examination. The Board shall also determine which persons have passed the examination. The examination shall be designed to determine which applicants can reasonably be expected to safely and properly practice pharmacy. (1905, c. 108, s. 13; Rev., ss. 4479, 4480; 1915, c. 165; C.S., s. 6658; 1921, c. 52; 1933, c. 206, ss. 1, 2; 1935, c. 181; 1937, c. 94; 1971, c. 481; 1981, c. 717, s. 4; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.17.  (Effective until January 1, 2008) License renewal.

In accordance with Board regulations, each license to practice pharmacy shall expire on December 31 and shall be renewed annually by filing with the Board on or after December 1 an application for license renewal furnished by the Board, accompanied by the required fee. It shall be unlawful to practice pharmacy more than 60 days after the expiration date without renewing the license. All licensees shall give the Board notice of a change of mailing address or a change of place of employment within 30 days after the change. The Board may require licensees to obtain up to 10 hours of continuing education from Board‑approved providers as a condition of license renewal. (1905, c. 108, ss. 18, 19, 27; Rev., ss. 3653, 4484; 1911, c. 48; C.S., s. 6662; 1921, c. 68, s. 2; 1947, c. 781; 1953, c. 1051; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.17.  (Effective January 1, 2008) License renewal.

In accordance with Board regulations, each license to practice pharmacy shall expire on December 31 and shall be renewed annually by filing with the Board on or after December 1 an application for license renewal furnished by the Board, accompanied by the required fee. It shall be unlawful to practice pharmacy more than 60 days after the expiration date without renewing the license. All licensees shall give the Board notice of a change of mailing address or a change of place of employment within 30 days after the change. The Board may require licensees to obtain up to 30 hours of continuing education every two years from Board‑approved providers as a condition of license renewal, with a minimum of 10 hours required per year.(2005‑402, s. 4.)

 

§ 90‑85.18.  Approval of continuing education programs.

The Board shall approve providers of continuing education programs upon finding that the provider is competent to and does offer an educational experience designed to enable those who successfully complete the program to more safely and properly practice pharmacy. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.19.  Reinstatement.

Whenever a pharmacist who has not renewed his license for five or more years seeks to renew or reinstate his license, he must appear before the Board and submit evidence that he can safely and properly practice pharmacy. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.20.  Licensure without examination.

(a)       The Board may issue a license to practice pharmacy, without examination, to any person who is licensed as a pharmacist in another jurisdiction if the applicant shall present satisfactory evidence of possessing the same qualifications as are required of licensees in this State, that he was licensed by examination in such other jurisdiction, and that the standard of competence required by such other jurisdiction is substantially equivalent to that of this State at that time. The Board must be satisfied that a candidate for licensure has a satisfactory understanding of the laws governing the practice of pharmacy and distribution of drugs in this State.

(b)       Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 125, s. 2. (1905, c. 108, s. 16; Rev., s. 4482; C.S., s. 6660; 1945, c. 572, s. 2; 1971, c. 468; 1977, c. 598; 1981, c. 717, ss. 6, 7; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1983, c. 196, ss. 6, 7; 1991, c. 125, s. 2.)

 

§ 90‑85.21.  Pharmacy permit.

(a)       In accordance with Board regulations, each pharmacy in North Carolina shall annually register with the Board on a form provided by the Board. The application shall identify the pharmacist‑manager of the pharmacy and all pharmacy personnel employed in the pharmacy. All pharmacist‑managers shall notify the Board of any change in pharmacy personnel within 30 days of the change. In addition to identifying the pharmacist‑manager, a pharmacy may identify a pharmacy permittee's designated agent that the Board shall notify of any investigation of the pharmacy or a pharmacist employed by the pharmacy. The notice shall include the specific reason for the investigation and be given prior to the initiation of any disciplinary proceedings.

(a1)     A mobile pharmacy shall register annually with the Board in the manner prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, and the registration shall be renewed annually. A mobile pharmacy shall be considered a single pharmacy and shall not be required to pay a separate registration fee for each location but shall pay the annual registration fee prescribed in G.S. 90‑85.24. A mobile pharmacy shall provide the Board with the address of every location from which prescription drugs will be dispensed by the mobile pharmacy.

(b)       Each physician who dispenses prescription drugs, for a fee or other charge, shall annually register with the Board on the form provided by the Board, and with the licensing board having jurisdiction over the physician. Such dispensing shall comply in all respects with the relevant laws and regulations that apply to pharmacists governing the distribution of drugs, including packaging, labeling, and record keeping. Authority and responsibility for disciplining physicians who fail to comply with the provisions of this subsection are vested in the licensing board having jurisdiction over the physician. The form provided by the Board under this subsection shall be as follows:

 

Application For Registration

With The Pharmacy Board

As A Dispensing Physician

 

1.                                                                          2.

Name and Address of Dispensing                      Affix Dispensing Label Here

Physician

 

 

 

3. Physician's North Carolina License Number ______________________________

4. Are you currently practicing in a professional association registered with the North Carolina Medical Board?

______ Yes ______ No. If yes, enter the name and registration number of the professional corporation:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

5. I certify that the information is correct and complete.

________________________      _________________

Signature                                            Date

(1927, c. 28, s. 1; 1953, c. 183, s. 2; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1987, c. 687; 1995, c. 94, s. 25; 1999‑246, s. 2; 2001‑375, s. 3; 2005‑427, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.21A.  Applicability to out‑of‑state operations.

(a)       Any pharmacy operating outside the State which ships, mails, or delivers in any manner a dispensed legend drug into this State shall annually register with the Board on a form provided by the Board. In order to satisfy the registration requirements of this subsection, a pharmacy shall certify that the pharmacy employs a pharmacist who is responsible for dispensing, shipping, mailing, or delivering dispensed legend drugs into this State or in a state approved by the Board and has met requirements for licensure equivalent to the requirements for licensure in this State. In order for the pharmacy's certification of the pharmacists to be valid, a pharmacist shall agree in writing, on a form approved by the Board, to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Board, the provisions of this Article, and the rules adopted by the Board. If the Board revokes this certification, the pharmacy shall no longer have authority to dispense, ship, mail, or deliver in any manner a dispensed legend drug into this State.

(b)       Any pharmacy subject to this section shall at all times maintain a valid unexpired license, permit, or registration necessary to conduct such pharmacy in compliance with the laws of the state in which such pharmacy is located. No pharmacy operating outside the State may ship, mail, or deliver in any manner a dispensed legend drug into this State unless such drug is lawfully dispensed by a licensed pharmacist in the state where the pharmacy is located.

(c)       The Board shall be entitled to charge and collect not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for original registration of a pharmacy under this section, and for renewal thereof, not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00), and for reinstatement thereof, not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00).

(d)       The Board may deny a nonresident pharmacy registration upon a determination that the pharmacy has a record of being formally disciplined in its home state for violations that relate to the compounding or dispensing of legend drugs and presents a threat to the public health and safety.

(e)       Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Board may adopt rules to protect the public health and safety that are necessary to implement this section. Notwithstanding G.S. 90‑85.6, the Board shall not adopt rules pertaining to the shipment, mailing, or other manner of delivery of dispensed legend drugs by pharmacies required to register under this section that are more restrictive than federal statutes or regulations governing the delivery of prescription medications by mail or common carrier. A pharmacy required to register under this section shall comply with rules adopted pursuant to this section.

(f)        The Board may deny, revoke, or suspend a nonresident pharmacy registration for failure to comply with any requirement of this section. (1993, c. 455, s. 1; 1998‑212, s. 12.3B(b); 2004‑199, s. 25; 2005‑402, s. 3.)

 

§ 90‑85.21B.  Unlawful practice of pharmacy.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation not licensed or registered under the provisions of this Article to:

(1)       Use in a trade name, sign, letter, or advertisement any term, including "drug", "pharmacy", "prescription drugs", "prescription", "Rx", or "apothecary", that would imply that the person, firm, or corporation is licensed or registered to practice pharmacy in this State.

(2)       Hold himself or herself out to others as a person, firm, or corporation licensed or registered to practice pharmacy in this State. (2003‑284, s. 10.8D.)

 

§ 90‑85.22.  Device and medical equipment permits.

(a)       Devices. – Each place, whether located in this State or out‑of‑state, where devices are dispensed or delivered to the user in this State shall register annually with the Board on a form provided by the Board and obtain a device permit. A business that has a current pharmacy permit does not have to register and obtain a device permit. Records of devices dispensed in pharmacies or other places shall be kept in accordance with rules adopted by the Board.

(b)       Medical Equipment. – Each place, whether located in this State or out‑of‑state, that delivers medical equipment to the user of the equipment in this State shall register annually with the Board on a form provided by the Board and obtain a medical equipment permit. A business that has a current pharmacy permit or a current device permit does not have to register and obtain a medical equipment permit. Medical equipment shall be delivered only in accordance with requirements established by rules adopted by the Board.

(c)       This section shall not apply to either of the following:

(1)       A pharmaceutical manufacturer registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

(2)       A wholly owned subsidiary of a pharmaceutical manufacturer registered with the Food and Drug Administration. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 692, s. 1; 2001‑339, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.23.  License and permit to be displayed.

Every pharmacist‑manager's license, every permit, and every current renewal shall be conspicuously posted in the place of business owned by or employing the person to whom it is issued. The licenses and every last renewal of all other pharmacists employed in the pharmacy must be readily available for inspection by agents of the Board. Failure to display any license or permit and the most recent renewal shall be a violation of this Article and each day that the license or permit or renewal is not displayed shall be a separate and  distinct offense. (1905, c. 108, ss. 18, 26; Rev., ss. 3651, 4485; C.S., s. 6663; 1921, c. 68, s. 3; 1953, c. 1051; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.24.  Fees collectible by Board.

(a)       The Board of Pharmacy shall be entitled to charge and collect not more than the following fees:

(1)       For the examination of an applicant for license as a pharmacist, two hundred dollars ($200.00), plus the cost of the test material;

(2)       For renewing the license as a pharmacist, one hundred thirty‑five dollars ($135.00);

(3)       For reinstatement of a license as a pharmacist, one hundred thirty‑five dollars ($135.00);

(4)       For annual registration of a pharmacy technician, thirty dollars ($30.00);

(5)       For reinstatement of a registration of a pharmacy technician, thirty dollars ($30.00);

(6)       For licenses without examination as provided in G.S. 90‑85.20, original, six hundred dollars ($600.00);

(7)       For original registration of a pharmacy, five hundred dollars ($500.00), and renewal thereof, two hundred dollars ($200.00);

(8)       For reinstatement of the registration of a pharmacy, two hundred dollars ($200.00);

(9)       For annual registration as a dispensing physician under G.S. 90‑85.21(b), seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(10)     For reinstatement of registration as a dispensing physician, seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(11)     For annual registration as a dispensing physician assistant under G.S. 90‑18.1, seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(12)     For reinstatement of registration as a dispensing physician assistant, seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(13)     For annual registration as a dispensing nurse practitioner under G.S. 90‑18.2, seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(14)     For reinstatement of registration as a dispensing nurse practitioner, seventy‑five dollars ($75.00);

(15)     For registration of any change in pharmacist personnel as required under G.S. 90‑85.21(a), thirty‑five dollars ($35.00);

(16)     For a duplicate of any license, permit, or registration issued by the Board, twenty‑five dollars ($25.00);

(17)     For original registration to dispense devices, deliver medical equipment, or both, five hundred dollars ($500.00);

(18)     For renewal of registration to dispense devices, deliver medical equipment, or both, two hundred dollars ($200.00);

(19)     For reinstatement of a registration to dispense devices, deliver medical equipment, or both, two hundred dollars ($200.00).

(b)       All fees under this section shall be paid before any applicant may be admitted to examination or the applicant's name may be placed upon the register of pharmacists or before any license or permit, or any renewal or reinstatement thereof, may be issued by the Board. (1905, c. 108, s. 12; Rev., s. 4478; C.S., s. 6657; 1921, c. 57, s. 3; 1945, c. 572, s. 3; 1953, c. 183, s. 1; 1965, c. 676, s. 1; 1973, c. 1183; 1981, c. 72; c. 717, s. 3; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 2; 1983, c. 196, s. 8; 1987, c. 260; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1039, s. 4; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 692, s. 3; 1997‑231, s. 1; 2001‑375, s. 4; 2005‑402, s. 2.)

 

§ 90‑85.25.  Disasters and emergencies.

(a)       In the event of an occurrence which the Governor of the State of North Carolina has declared a disaster or when the Governor has declared a state of emergency, or in the event of an occurrence for which a county or municipality has enacted an ordinance to deal with states of emergency under G.S. 14‑288.12, 14‑288.13, or 14‑288.14, or to protect the public health, safety, or welfare of its citizens under G.S. 160A‑174(a) or G.S. 153A‑121(a), as applicable, the Board may waive the requirements of this Article in order to permit the provision of drugs, devices, and professional services to the public.

(b)       The pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy shall report within 10 days to the Board any disaster, accident, theft, or emergency which may affect the strength, purity, or labeling of drugs and devices in the pharmacy. (1981 Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1998‑212, s. 12.3B(a).)

 

§ 90‑85.26.  Prescription orders preserved.

(a)       Every pharmacist‑manager of a pharmacy shall maintain for at least three years the original of every prescription order and refill compounded or dispensed at the pharmacy except for prescription orders recorded in a patient's medical record. An automated data processing system may be used for the storage and retrieval of refill information for prescriptions pursuant to the regulations of the Board.

(b)       Every pharmacy permittee's designated agent shall maintain documentation of alleged medication errors and incidents described in G.S. 90‑85.47(e)(1) for which the pharmacy permittee has knowledge. (1905, c. 108, s. 21; Rev., s. 4490; C.S., s. 6666; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 2005‑427, s. 2.)

 

§ 90‑85.26A.  Clinical pharmacist practitioners subcommittee.

The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy shall appoint and maintain a subcommittee of the Board consisting of four licensed pharmacists to work jointly with the subcommittee of the North Carolina Medical Board to develop rules to govern the provision of drug therapy management by clinical pharmacist practitioners and to determine reasonable fees to accompany an application for approval or renewal of such approval as provided in G.S. 90‑6. The rules developed by this subcommittee shall govern the performance of acts by clinical pharmacist practitioners and shall become effective when they have been adopted by both Boards. (1999‑290, s. 6.)

 

§ 90‑85.27.  Definitions.

As used in G.S. 90‑85.28 through G.S. 90‑85.31:

(1)       "Equivalent drug product" means a drug product which has the same established name, active ingredient, strength, quantity, and dosage form, and which is therapeutically equivalent to the drug product identified in the prescription;

(2)       "Established name" has the meaning given in section 502(e)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 352(e)(3);

(3)       "Good manufacturing practice" has the meaning given it in Part 211 of Chapter 1 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations;

(4)       "Manufacturer" means the actual manufacturer of the finished dosage form of the drug;

(4a)     "Narrow therapeutic index drugs" means those pharmaceuticals having a narrowly defined range between risk and benefit. Such drugs have less than a twofold difference in the minimum toxic concentration and minimum effective concentration in the blood or are those drug product formulations that exhibit limited or erratic absorption, formulation‑dependent bioavailability, and wide intrapatient pharmacokinetic variability that requires blood‑level monitoring. Drugs identified as having narrow therapeutic indices shall be designated by the North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services upon the advice of the State Health Director, North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, and North Carolina Medical Board, as narrow therapeutic index drugs and shall be subject to the provisions of G.S. 90‑85.28(b1). The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy shall submit the list of narrow therapeutic index drugs to the Codifier of Rules, in a timely fashion for publication in January of each year in the North Carolina Register.

(5)       "Prescriber" means anyone authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to the laws of this State. (1979, c. 1017, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 3; 1983, c. 196, s. 9; 1997‑76, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(b).)

 

§ 90‑85.28.  Selection by pharmacists permissible; prescriber may permit or prohibit selection; price limit on selected drugs.

(a)       A pharmacist dispensing a prescription for a drug product prescribed by its brand name may select any equivalent drug product which meets the following standards:

(1)       The manufacturer's name and the distributor's name, if different from the manufacturer's name, shall appear on the label of the stock package;

(2)       It shall be manufactured in accordance with current good manufacturing practices;

(3)       Effective January 1, 1982, all oral solid dosage forms shall have a logo, or other identification mark, or the product name to identify the manufacturer or distributor;

(4)       The manufacturer shall have adequate provisions for drug recall; and

(5)       The manufacturer shall have adequate provisions for return of outdated drugs, through his distributor or otherwise.

(b)       The pharmacist shall not select an equivalent drug product if the prescriber instructs otherwise by one of the following methods:

(1)       A prescription form shall be preprinted or stamped with two signature lines at the bottom of the form which read:

"____________________                                           ________________

Product Selection Permitted                                          Dispense as Written"

On this form, the prescriber shall communicate his instructions to the pharmacist by signing the appropriate line.

(2)       In the event the preprinted or stamped prescription form specified in (b)(1) is not readily available, the prescriber may handwrite "Dispense as Written" or words or abbreviations of the same meaning on a prescription form.

(3)       When ordering a prescription orally, the prescriber shall specify either that the prescribed drug product be dispensed as written or that product selection is permitted. The pharmacist shall note the instructions on the file copy of the prescription and retain the prescription form for the period prescribed by law.

(b1)     A prescription for a narrow therapeutic index drug shall be refilled using only the same drug product by the same manufacturer that the pharmacist last dispensed under the prescription, unless the prescriber is notified by the pharmacist prior to the dispensing of another manufacturer's product, and the prescriber and the patient give documented consent to the dispensing of the other manufacturer's product. For purposes of this subsection, the term "refilled" shall include a new prescription written at the expiration of a prescription which continues the patient's therapy on a narrow therapeutic index drug.

(c)       The pharmacist shall not select an equivalent drug product unless its price to the purchaser is less than the price of the prescribed drug product. (1979, c. 1017, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 3; 1997‑76, s. 2.)

 

§ 90‑85.29.  Prescription label.

The prescription label of every drug product dispensed shall contain the brand name of any drug product dispensed, or in the absence of a brand name, the established name.  The prescription drug label of every drug product dispensed shall:

(1)       Contain the discard date when dispensed in a container other than the manufacturer's original container.  The discard date shall be the earlier of one year from the date dispensed or the manufacturer's expiration date, whichever is earlier, and

(2)       Not obscure the expiration date and storage statement when the product is dispensed in the manufacturer's original container.

As used in this section, "expiration date" means the expiration date printed on the original manufacturer's container, and "discard date" means the date after which the drug product dispensed in a container other than the original manufacturer's container shall not be used.  Nothing in this section shall impose liability on the dispensing pharmacist or the prescriber for damages related to or caused by a drug product that loses its effectiveness prior to the expiration or disposal date displayed by the pharmacist or prescriber. (1979, c. 1017, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 3; 1993, c. 529, s. 7.5.)

 

§ 90‑85.30.  Prescription record.

The pharmacy file copy of every prescription shall include the brand or trade name, if any, or the established name and the manufacturer of the drug product dispensed. (1979, c. 1017, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 3.)

 

§ 90‑85.31.  Prescriber and pharmacist liability not extended.

The selection of an equivalent drug product pursuant to this Article shall impose no greater liability upon the pharmacist for selecting the dispensed drug product or upon the prescriber of the same than would be incurred by either for dispensing the drug product specified in the prescription. (1979, c. 1017, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 3.)

 

§ 90‑85.32.  Rules pertaining to filling, refilling, transfer, and mail or common‑carrier delivery of prescription orders.

(a)       Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board may adopt rules governing the filling, refilling and transfer of prescription orders not inconsistent with other provisions of law regarding the distribution of drugs and devices. The rules shall assure the safe and secure distribution of drugs and devices. Prescriptions marked PRN shall not be refilled more than one year after the date issued by the prescriber unless otherwise specified.

(b)       Notwithstanding G.S. 90‑85.6, the Board shall not adopt rules pertaining to the shipment, mailing, or other manner of delivery of dispensed legend drugs that are more restrictive than federal statutes or regulations governing the delivery of prescription medications by mail or common carrier. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1998‑212, s. 12.3B(c).)

 

§ 90‑85.33.  Unit dose medication systems.

The Board may adopt regulations governing pharmacists providing unit dose medication systems. The regulations shall ensure the safe and proper distribution of drugs in the patient's best health interests. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.34.  Unique pharmacy practice.

Consistent with the provisions of this Article, the Board may regulate unique pharmacy practices including, but not limited to,  nuclear pharmacy and clinical pharmacy, to ensure the best interests of patient health and safety. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.34A.  Public health pharmacy practice.

(a)       A registered nurse in a local health department clinic may dispense prescription drugs and devices, other than controlled substances as defined in G.S. 90‑87, under the following conditions:

(1)       The registered nurse has training acceptable to the Board in the labeling and packaging of prescription drugs and devices;

(2)       Dispensing by the registered nurse shall occur only at a local health department clinic;

(3)       Only prescription drugs and devices contained in a formulary recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services and approved by the Board shall be dispensed;

(4)       The local health department clinic shall obtain a pharmacy permit in accordance with G.S. 90‑85.21;

(5)       Written procedures for the storage, packaging, labeling and delivery of prescription drugs and devices shall be approved by the Board; and

(6)       The pharmacist‑manager, or another pharmacist at his direction, shall review dispensing records at least weekly, provide consultation where appropriate, and be responsible to the Board for all dispensing activity at the local health department clinic.

(b)       This section is applicable only to prescriptions issued on behalf of persons receiving local health department clinic services and issued by an individual authorized by law to prescribe drugs and devices.

(c)       This section does not affect the practice of nurse practitioners pursuant to G.S. 90‑18.2 or of physician assistants pursuant to G.S. 90‑18.1. (1985, c. 359; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.22.)

 

§ 90‑85.35.  Availability of patient records.

Pharmacists employed in health care facilities shall have access to patient records maintained by those facilities when necessary for the pharmacist to provide pharmaceutical services. The pharmacist shall make appropriate entries in patient records. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.36.  Availability of pharmacy records.

(a)       Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) below, written prescription orders on file in a pharmacy or other place where prescriptions are dispensed are not public records and any person having custody of or access to the prescription orders may divulge the contents or provide a copy only to the following persons:

(1)       An adult patient for whom the prescription was issued or a person who is legally appointed guardian of that person;

(2)       An emancipated minor patient for whom the prescription order was issued or a person who is the legally appointed guardian of that patient;

(3)       An unemancipated minor patient for whom the prescription order was issued when the minor's consent is sufficient to authorize treatment of the condition for which the prescription was issued;

(4)       A parent or person in loco parentis of an unemancipated minor patient for whom the prescription order was issued when the minor's consent is not sufficient to authorize treatment for the condition for which the prescription is issued;

(5)       The licensed practitioner who issued the prescription;

(6)       The licensed practitioner who is treating the patient for whom the prescription was issued;

(7)       A pharmacist who is providing pharmacy services to the patient for whom the prescription was issued;

(8)       Anyone who presents a written authorization for the release of pharmacy information signed by the patient or his legal representative;

(9)       Any person authorized by subpoena, court order or statute;

(10)     Any firm, association, partnership, business trust, corporation or company charged by law or by contract with the responsibility of providing for or paying for medical care for the patient for whom the prescription order was issued;

(11)     A member or designated employee of the Board;

(12)     The executor, administrator or spouse of a deceased patient for whom the prescription order was issued;

(13)     Researchers and surveyors who have approval from the Board. The Board shall issue this approval when it determines that there are adequate safeguards to protect the confidentiality of the information contained in the prescription orders and that the researchers or surveyors will not publicly disclose any information that identifies any person; or

(14)     The person owning the pharmacy or his authorized agent.

(b)       A pharmacist may disclose any information to any person only when he reasonably determines that the disclosure is necessary to protect the life or health of any person.

(c)       Records required to be kept by G.S. 90‑93(d) (Schedule V) are not public records and shall be disclosed at the pharmacist's discretion. (1905, c. 108, s. 21; Rev., s. 4490; C.S., s. 6666; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1991, c. 125, s. 3.)

 

§ 90‑85.37.  Embargo.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, whenever an authorized representative of the Board has reasonable cause to believe that any drug or device presents a danger to the public health, he shall affix to the drug or device a notice that the article is suspected of being dangerous to the public health and warning all persons not to remove or dispose of the article. Whenever an authorized representative of the Board has reasonable cause to believe that any drug or device presents a danger to the public health and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it might be disposed of pending a judicial resolution of the matter, he shall seize the article and take it to a safe and secure place. When an article has been embargoed under this section, the Board shall, as soon as practical, file a petition in Orange County District Court for a condemnation order for such article. If the judge determines after hearing, that the article is not dangerous to the public health, the Board shall direct the immediate removal of the tag or other marking, and where appropriate, shall direct that the article be returned to its owner. If the judge finds the article is dangerous to the public health, he shall order its destruction at the owner's expense and under the Board's supervision. If the judge determines that the article is dangerous to the public health, he shall order the owner of the article to pay all court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, storage fees, and all other costs incident to the proceeding. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.38.  Disciplinary authority.

(a)       The Board may, in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, issue a letter of reprimand or suspend, restrict, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew a license to practice pharmacy, or require licensees to successfully complete remedial education if the licensee has done any of the following:

(1)       Made false representations or withheld material information in connection with securing a license or permit.

(2)       Been found guilty of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to any felony in connection with the practice of pharmacy or the distribution of drugs.

(3)       Indulged in the use of drugs to an extent that renders the pharmacist unfit to practice pharmacy.

(4)       Made false representations in connection with the practice of pharmacy that endanger or are likely to endanger the health or safety of the public, or that defraud any person.

(5)       Developed a physical or mental disability that renders the pharmacist unfit to practice pharmacy with reasonable skill, competence and safety to the public.

(6)       Failed to comply with the laws governing the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of drugs.

(7)       Failed to comply with any provision of this Article or rules adopted by the Board.

(8)       Engaged in, or aided and abetted an individual to engage in, the practice of pharmacy without a license.

(9)       Been negligent in the practice of pharmacy.

(b)       The Board, in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, may suspend, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew any permit for the same conduct as stated in subsection (a).

(c)       Any license or permit obtained through false representation or withholding of material information shall be void and of no effect. (1905, c. 108, ss. 17, 25; Rev., s. 4483; C.S., s. 6661; 1967, c. 807; 1973, c. 138; 1981, c. 412, s. 4; c. 717, s. 8; c. 747, s. 66; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 2001‑375, s. 5.)

 

§ 90‑85.39.  Injunctive authority.

The Board may apply to any court for an injunction to prevent violations of this Article or of any rules enacted pursuant to it. The court is empowered to grant the injunctions regardless of whether criminal prosecution or other action has been or may be instituted as a result of the violation. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1.)

 

§ 90‑85.40.  Violations.

(a)       It shall be unlawful for any owner or manager of a pharmacy or other place to allow or cause anyone other than a pharmacist to dispense or compound any prescription drug unless that person is a pharmacy technician or a pharmacy student who is enrolled in a school of pharmacy approved by the Board and is working under the supervision of a pharmacist.

(b)       Every person lawfully authorized to compound or dispense prescription drugs shall comply with all the laws and regulations governing the labeling and packaging of such drugs by pharmacists.

(c)       It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed as a pharmacist to compound or dispense any prescription drug, unless that person is a pharmacy technician or a pharmacy student who is enrolled in a school of pharmacy approved by the Board and is working under the supervision of a pharmacist.

(d)       It shall be unlawful for any person to manage any place of business where devices are dispensed or sold at retail without a permit as required by this Article.

(d1)     It is unlawful for a person to own or manage a place of business from which medical equipment is delivered without a permit as required by this Article.

(e)       It shall be unlawful for any person without legal authorization to dispose of an article that has been embargoed under this Article.

(f)        It shall be unlawful to violate any provision of this Article or of any rules or regulations enacted pursuant to it.

(g)       This Article shall not be construed to prohibit any person from performing an act that person is authorized to perform pursuant to North Carolina law. Health care providers who are authorized to prescribe drugs without supervision are authorized to dispense drugs without supervision.

(h)       A violation of this Article shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1905, c. 108, ss. 4, 23, 24; Rev., ss. 3649, 3650, 4487; C.S., ss. 6667, 6668, 6669; 1921, c. 68, ss. 6, 7; Ex. Sess. 1924, c. 116; 1953, c. 1051; 1957, c. 617; 1959, c. 1222; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1188, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 621; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 692, s. 4; 2001‑375, ss. 6, 7.)

 

§ 90‑85.41.  Board agreements with special peer review organizations for impaired pharmacy personnel.

(a)       The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy may, under rules adopted by the Board in compliance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, enter into agreements with special impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organizations. Peer review activities to be covered by such agreements shall include investigation, review and evaluation of records, reports, complaints, litigation, and other information about the practices and practice patterns of pharmacy personnel licensed or registered by the Board, as such matters may relate to impaired pharmacy personnel. Special impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organizations may include a statewide supervisory committee and various regional and local components or subgroups.

(b)       Agreements authorized under this section shall include provisions for the impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organizations to receive relevant information from the Board and other sources, conduct any investigation, review, and evaluation in an expeditious manner, provide assurance of confidentiality of nonpublic information and of the peer review process, make reports of investigations and evaluations to the Board, and to do other related activities for operating and promoting a coordinated and effective peer review process. The agreements shall include provisions assuring basic due process for pharmacy personnel that become involved.

(c)       The impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organizations that enter into agreements with the Board shall establish and maintain a program for impaired pharmacy personnel licensed or registered by the Board for the purpose of identifying, reviewing, and evaluating the ability of those pharmacists to function as pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians to function as pharmacy technicians, and to provide programs for treatment and rehabilitation. The Board may provide funds for the administration of these impaired pharmacy personnel peer review programs. The Board shall adopt rules to apply to the operation of impaired pharmacy personnel peer review programs, with provisions for: (i) definitions of impairment; (ii) guidelines for program elements; (iii) procedures for receipt and use of information of suspected impairment; (iv) procedures for intervention and referral; (v) arrangements for monitoring treatment, rehabilitation, posttreatment support, and performance; (vi) reports of individual cases to the Board; (vii) periodic reporting of statistical information; and (viii) assurance of confidentiality of nonpublic information and of the peer review process.

(d)       Upon investigation and review of a pharmacist licensed by the Board, or a pharmacy technician registered with the Board, or upon receipt of a complaint or other information, an impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organization that enters into a peer review agreement with the Board shall report immediately to the Board detailed information about any pharmacist licensed or pharmacy technician registered by the Board, if:

(1)       The pharmacist or pharmacy technician constitutes an imminent danger to the public or himself or herself.

(2)       The pharmacist or pharmacy technician refuses to cooperate with the program, refuses to submit to treatment, or is still impaired after treatment and exhibits professional incompetence.

(3)       It reasonably appears that there are other grounds for disciplinary action.

(e)       Any confidential patient information and other nonpublic information acquired, created, or used in good faith by an impaired pharmacy personnel peer review organization pursuant to this section shall remain confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena in a civil case. No person participating in good faith in an impaired pharmacy personnel peer review program developed under this section shall be required in a civil case to disclose any information (including opinions, recommendations, or evaluations) acquired or developed solely in the course of participating in the program.

(f)        Impaired pharmacy personnel peer review activities conducted in good faith pursuant to any program developed under this section shall not be grounds for civil action under the laws of this State, and the activities are deemed to be State directed and sanctioned and shall constitute "State action" for the purposes of application of antitrust laws. (1999‑81, s. 1; 2001‑375, s. 8.)

 

§ 90-85.42. Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

§ 90-85.43. Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

§ 90-85.44. Reserved for future codification purposes.