1. (a) A full-service hospice agency is subject to this section unless the agency provides inpatient care on agency premises. An agency that provides inpatient care on agency premises shall comply with 7 AAC 12.680. A hospice agency that is subject to this section shall develop policies and procedures for the dispensing and administering of drugs and biologicals related to hospice treatment. Whether drugs and biologicals are obtained from a pharmacist or are stocked by the agency, the agency is responsible for ensuring that

   1. (1) drugs and biologicals are provided as needed for its clients for palliative care and the management of the terminal illness and related conditions; and
   2. (2) pharmaceutical services are provided in accordance with the client's plan of care, the agency's written policies and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and municipal statutes, ordinances, and regulations, including AS 08.68, AS 08.80, 12 AAC 44, and 12 AAC 52.

2. (b) Only a physician or advanced practice registered nurse may order medications for the client. If the medication order is verbal,

   1. (1) the physician or advanced practice registered nurse may give the order only to a licensed nurse, pharmacist, or another physician or advanced practice registered nurse; and
   2. (2) the individual receiving the order must record and sign it immediately and have the prescribing physician or advanced practice registered nurse sign it within 21 days after the date of signature.

3. (c) Medication may be administered only by a licensed nurse or, if the attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse has approved, by

   1. (1) the client;
   2. (2) a member of the client's family; or
   3. (3) a caregiver designated by the client.

(Eff. 5/24/2007, Register 182; am 5/14/2021, Register 238; am 5/14/2021, Register 238)