1. A. General requirements.

   1. (1) A New Mexico licensed pharmacy may employ one or more pharmacists for the purpose of conducting drug utilization reviews in remote practice sites provided that all security requirements are met.
   2. (2) All pharmacists employed to work at a remote DUR practice site must be New Mexico licensed pharmacists.
   3. (3) All remote pharmacist DUR sites will operate under a New Mexico licensed pharmacy and under the authority of its pharmacist-in-charge.
   4. (4) No drug inventory shall be kept at any remote pharmacist DUR site and no dispensing shall take place from a remote DUR site.
   5. (5) The remote pharmacists will not be considered in the computation of the technician to pharmacist ration.
   6. (6) Procedure identifying the pharmacist responsible for each aspect of the prescription preparations.

2. B. Personnel.

   1. (1) The pharmacist-in-charge:

      1. (a) shall provide a written policy and procedure document outlining the operation and security of each remote pharmacist DUR location; the document shall be available at each practice site;
      2. (b) shall keep a continuously updated list of all remote DUR sites to include address, phone number and hours of operation for each site; the record shall be retained as part of the records of the licensed pharmacy;
      3. (c) is responsible for ensuring that the New Mexico licensed pharmacy and each remote pharmacist has entered into a written agreement outlining all conditions and policies governing the operation of the remote site;
      4. (d) shall ensure that all computer equipment used at the remote site is in good working order and complies with all security requirements.

   2. (2) Remote pharmacist:

      1. (a) shall be a New Mexico licensed pharmacist;
      2. (b) shall be trained in the use of all equipment necessary for secure operation of the remote site.

3. C. Operations.

   1. (1) If the remote DUR site is located within a home there must be a designated area in which all of the pharmacist’s work will be performed.
   2. (2) All computer equipment used at the remote DUR sites must be able to establish a secure connection which the site is operating. Remote equipment must be configured so that patient information is not stored at the remote site electronically or in printed form.
   3. (3) Computer equipment may only be used for remote DUR. No other use of equipment will be allowed.
   4. (4) Computer equipment must be locked or shut down whenever the pharmacist is absent.
   5. (5) All remote DUR sites are subject to unannounced inspection by representatives of the New Mexico board of pharmacy during established hours of operation.

4. D. Security.

   1. (1) Remote pharmacist DUR sites shall have adequate security to maintain patient confidentiality.
   2. (2) Must utilize equipment that prevents unauthorized storage or transfer of patient information.
   3. (3) If the remote site is in a home, the equipment must be located in a designated area where patient information cannot be viewed by anyone other than the remote pharmacist.

[16.19.6.26 NMAC - N, 12/15/2008]