1. (1) Prescriptions: No drug will be furnished to a consumer unless a legal prescription is available. Prescriptions must be filed in accordance with the requirements under 580-2-17-.09(2), Records.

2. (2) Records:

   1. (a) All prescriptions on file, invoices, and records for controlled substances must be maintained for two years in order to comply with state and federal laws.
   2. (b) Prescriptions for Schedule II items must be kept in a separate prescription file.
   3. (c) All prescriptions for controlled items other than Schedule II items may be kept in a separate file or in the regular file with a red "C" stamped on the bottom right face of each prescription.
   4. (d) Medications dispensed should be recorded.
   5. (e) A consumer profile must be maintained on all consumers participating in the Indigent Drug Program. The consumer profile must contain all information required by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy.

3. (3) Other Requirements:

   1. (a) Reasonable proof of eligibility for the drug program must be established before filling prescriptions. Exception: One-time only for prescriptions from a state institution, crisis stabilization program or for a documented emergency.
   2. (b) A prescription will be limited to five refills, or six months, whichever occurs first, unless the prescribing physician indicates more stringent directions. The quantity issued at any one time will not exceed a thirty-three day supply.
   3. (c) Safety closure vials will be used for all prescription drugs in oral dosage form.
   4. (d) Appropriate "warning labels" will be used with all medications as determined by the pharmacist.
   5. (e) Refills are not permitted unless indicated by the prescribing physician.
   6. (f) Prescriptions for controlled drugs must show the prescriber's DEA number and full address of the consumer. These prescriptions must be initialed by the person filling the prescription. Each refilling of a prescription must be entered on the back of the prescription or on another appropriate document and be initialed by the person filling the prescription. Pharmacies using a computerized pharmacy program must generate daily printouts of each day’s controlled drugs activity. This printout must be verified, dated, and signed by each pharmacist who filled these prescriptions. In addition, the pharmacist must initial each prescription on the printout that he/she filled. These printouts must be maintained in a separate file for a period of two (2) years from the dispensing date. A printout must be generated at least weekly of all new and refill prescription activity of the pharmacy for this period. This information must be kept in a separate binder and retained for two (2) years.
   7. (g) Schedule II items are not to be refilled under any circumstances.
   8. (h) Prescriptions filled in advance for consumers and/or prescriptions filled and not called for must be kept in a secure (locked) place. Access to these prescriptions will be limited to the pharmacist, the Community Mental Health Center Director, and any other person authorized by the Director and agreed upon by the Pharmacist.
   9. (i) If a prescription is unclaimed by a consumer and has not been removed from the facility, the drug should be returned to stock.
4. (4) Medication Delivery to Satellites: A Medication Delivery Record shall be filled out in duplicate for all filled prescriptions delivered to locations outside the central center. The record must be signed by the person responsible for delivery and one signed copy kept by the pharmacist. The duplicate copy must accompany the filled prescriptions, be filled out by the person responsible for the care of the prescriptions, and returned to the pharmacist within 60 days of issue with any unissued medication.

5. (5) Mailing Filled Prescriptions:

   1. (a) Filled prescriptions may be sent by regular mail, if necessary, but this should be minimized.

   2. (b) The following information shall be recorded and maintained in the pharmacy for filled prescriptions which are mailed:

      1. 1. Name and address of patient.
      2. 2. Prescription number(s).
      3. 3. Date mailed.
      4. 4. Initials of person mailing medication.

Author: Division of Mental Illness, DMH/MR

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §22-50-11.

History: Amended: Filed March 30, 1993. Repealed and Replaced: Filed October 28, 1998; effective December 3, 1998.