1. A. “Direct supervision” means that the pharmacist onsite shall observe and direct to a degree sufficient to assure the accurate completion of the activities of the pharmacy technicians and must provide a final check of all aspects of the prepared product and document the final check before dispensing.
2. B. “Indirect supervision” means that the pharmacist offsite shall observe via live surveillance cameras and direct pharmacy activity remotely via remote tele-pharmacy communication technology to a degree sufficient to assure the accurate completion of the activities of the pharmacy technicians and must provide a final check of all aspects of the prepared product and document the final check before dispensing.

3. C. “Pharmacy technician” means a person who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, performs repetitive tasks not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist. This includes assisting in various technical activities associated with the preparation and distribution of medications.

   1. (1) “Certified pharmacy technician” means a pharmacy technician who has completed the training and certification outlined in 16.19.22.9 NMAC, completed a board approved certification exam, is registered by the board of pharmacy and maintains current board approved certification.
   2. (2) “Non-certified pharmacy technician” means a pharmacy technician who is in the process of completing the training and education outlined in 16.19.22.9 NMAC and is registered by the board of pharmacy.
   3. (3) “Remote pharmacy technician” means a certified pharmacy technician who meets the special requirements for indirect supervision at a remote dispensing site as specified in the board of pharmacy tele-pharmacy regulations.
4. D. “Prescription drug” means and human drug required by federal or state law or regulation to be dispensed only by a prescription, including finished dosage forms and active ingredients subject to Section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
5. E. “Professional judgment” means a cognitive process, by a licensed professional, that takes education, experience, current primary literature and current standards of practice into consideration when drawing conclusions and reaching decisions.
6. F. “Stocking” means placing prescription drugs on pharmacy shelf, in bin or dispensing technology system.
7. G. “Supervision” means that the pharmacist shall observe and direct to a sufficient degree to assure the accurate completion of the activities of the pharmacy technicians and must provide a final check of all aspects of the prepared product and document the final check before dispensing.
8. H. “Support personnel” means pharmacy personnel other than pharmacy technicians, which may include clerks, secretary’s and delivery personnel, who under the supervision of a pharmacist, may perform duties associated with the practice of pharmacy, excluding the direct processing and filling of prescriptions, stocking prescription drugs, in sites that do not utilize a barcode verification, electronic verification or similar verification process to ensure correct selection of medication or duties restricted to only a pharmacist, pharmacist intern, or pharmacy technician.
9. I. “Technician training sponsor” means pharmacist-in-charge, pharmacist or designated administrator at a pharmacy technician training program who assumes responsibility for training and duties performed by a non-certified technician.

[16.19.22.7 NMAC - Rp, 16 NMAC 19.22.7, 6/27/2001; A, 11/15/2010; A, 11-27-11; A, 6/29/2013]