247 C.M.R. 9.18 – Patient Counseling

(1) A pharmacist or pharmacist's designee shall offer the counseling services of the pharmacist to each person who receives a prescription medication.
(2) A pharmacist shall ensure his or her designee is appropriately trained to make the offer to counsel.
(3) Counseling shall be made by a pharmacist or a pharmacy intern. A pharmacy technician or other individual may not counsel any patient.
(4) A pharmacist or pharmacy intern shall provide counseling on each new drug therapy and each drug therapy that in the pharmacist's professional judgment is deemed to be significant for the health and safety of the patient.
(5) When counseling a patient, a pharmacist or pharmacy intern shall provide such information which, in the pharmacist's professional judgment, is necessary for the patient to understand the proper use of the patient's prescription which may include the following:
1. (a) name, description, and indication of the medication;
2. (b) dosage form, dosage, route of administration and duration of therapy;
3. (c) special directions and instructions for preparation, administration, and use by the patient;
4. (d) common side and adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications or precautions with legend and non-legend medications and other substances which the pharmacist deems relevant;
5. (e) techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy;
6. (f) proper storage and disposal;
7. (g) prescription refill information; and
8. (h) action to be taken in the event of a missed dose or adverse reaction.
(6) A pharmacy shall have a designated patient consultation area, with signage stating "Patient Consultation Area", designed to provide adequate privacy for confidential visual and auditory patient counseling. The private consultation area shall be accessible by a patient from the outside of the prescription dispensing area without having to traverse a stockroom or the prescription dispensing area.
(7) A pharmacy shall post a sign of not less than 11 inches in height by 14 inches in width in a conspicuous place, adjacent to each area where prescriptions are dispensed, for the purpose of informing customers of their right to counseling by a pharmacist. Said sign shall read, in letters not less than ½ inch in height: "Dear patients, you have the right to know about the proper use of your medication and its effects. If you need more information please ask the pharmacist."
(8) A pharmacy and pharmacist shall ensure counseling is available at all times when a pharmacy is open for business.
(9) A pharmacy and pharmacist shall dispense or recommend a proper measuring device with all liquid medications.
(10) The provisions of 247 CMR 9.18 do not apply to pharmacists while practicing in an inpatient setting, unless otherwise required by law or regulation.