NC Board of Pharmacy

DEA Solicits Comments From Pharmacists on Controlled Substance Dispensing to LTC Facility Residents

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:39:08 -0400

DEA SOLICITS COMMENTS FROM PHARMACISTS ON ISSUES RELATED TO THE DISPENSING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TO LONG TERM CARE FACILITY RESIDENTS. The Drug Enforcement Administration has published a request for commentary from pharmacists (and other health care providers) concerning controlled substance dispensing to LTCF residents. As many in the LTCF practice arena are aware, a great deal of angst has been generated among pharmacists by statements made (or allegedly made) by various DEA agents concerning this topic. The DEA’s invitation for comment provides a forum for pharmacists to direct their constructive suggestions and concerns to the agency. Comments are due to the DEA by Monday, August 23, 2010. A copy of DEA’s notice (which includes instructions for submitting comments) is found here: http://www.ncbop.org/pdf/DEALTCJuly2010.pdf.

Update on Technician Rulemaking

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:02:19 -0400

MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010 UPDATE ON TECHNICIAN RULEMAKING. As many pharmacists are aware, the Board proposed and adopted a rule that would allow pharmacy technicians working in an acute-care hospital environment and holding an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology to take on additional duties and provide greater assistance to pharmacists in the areas of unit-dose packaging and certain unit-, cart-, and floor-stocking. The Board adopted the rule at its May 2010 meeting. The North Carolina Rules Review Commission then raised objections to the rule. At its June 17, 2010 meeting, the RRC determined that the Board had overcome all of those objections. Ordinarily, the new rule would take effect. In this instance, however, approximately ten people have written to the RRC expressing objections to the rule and requested legislative review of its terms. Therefore, by operation of state law, the rule – though adopted by the Board and cleared by the RRC – cannot become effective until the North Carolina General Assembly has had a certain number of days in which to introduce a bill to nullify the rule should any legislator desire to do so. MORE INFO: http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/techrulemakingupdate.htm

June 2010 NC Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda Posted

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:36:29 -0400

The agenda for the NC Board of Pharmacy's June 15, 2010 meeting has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA06.10.pdf

Southeastern District NCBOP Election Results

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:33:26 -0400

Congratulations to Joey McLaughlin of Trenton. North Carolina pharmacists elected Mr. McLaughlin to a second five-year term on the Board of Pharmacy. The Board certified the election results at its May 18, 2010 meeting. (More: http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/2010electionSE.htm)

May 2010 Meeting Agenda Posted

Fri, 14 May 2010 10:25:04 -0400

The agenda for the May 18, 2010 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA05.10.pdf

March 2010 Meeting Minutes Posted

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:40:57 -0400

The minutes of the March 2010 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy have been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Minutes03.10.pdf

April 2010 NC Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:53:06 -0400

The agenda for the April 20, 2010 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA04.10.pdf

DEA Issues "Interim Final Rule" on Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:01:02 -0400

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010 DEA ISSUES “INTERIM FINAL RULE” ON ELECTRONIC PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, the DEA issued an “interim final rule” concerning electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. This rule, which will not go into effect until May 24, 2010 at the earliest, is lengthy. Pharmacists should begin reviewing the rule and, particularly, contacting your software and hardware vendors to discuss the security and other requirements that DEA specifies for receipt of electronic controlled substance prescriptions. Board staff has begun a review of the rule and hopes to provide an FAQ on certain aspects in the coming days. In the meantime, the text of the interim final rule may be found here. Note that the document is long (334 pages). Most of the document is devoted to responding to comments DEA received on its proposed rule in 2008.

Prescriptions Presented from Florida Pain Clinics

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:39:50 -0400

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010 PRESCRIPTIONS PRESENTED FROM FLORIDA “PAIN CLINICS”. Board staff has become aware that, once again, waves of patients are presenting prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances written by doctors in “pain clinics” located principally in Florida. Pharmacists are advised that such prescriptions are typically invalid – they are not written for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of medical practice. Pharmacists should use their professional judgment when presented with such prescriptions and should strongly consider notifying local law enforcement when presented with them.

March 2010 NC Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda Posted

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 14:29:51 -0500

March meeting agenda posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA03.10.pdf

ARMED PHARMACY ROBBERY SUSPECT

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 13:55:32 -0500

In recent weeks Iredell County has seen two armed pharmacy robberies. The most recent was Feb 5th at a CVS on Turnersburg Hwy. Read more: http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/armedrobbery.htm

Discussion of Pharmacist to Technician Ratio Matters - March 9, 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:09:27 -0500

At the Board’s monthly meeting yesterday (February 16, 2010), some Board members stated that they have received phone calls and notes of concern regarding pharmacist-to-technician ratio matters. The Board members invite pharmacists or others who have such concerns to attend the Board’s next meeting – Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – and discuss such concerns with the Board.

Election for Southeastern District Board of Pharmacy Seat - April 2010

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:31:34 -0500

In April 2010, the Board of Pharmacy will hold an election for the Southeastern District seat. This seat is presently held by Board President Joey McLaughlin, who is eligible to run for a second term. More info: http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/2010election.htm

January 2010 NC Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda Posted

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:40:07 -0500

The January 2010 NCBOP meeting agenda has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA01.10.pdf

Board Publishes Proposed Rule Concerning Advanced Pharmacy Technician Status In the In-Patient Hospital Setting

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:49:07 -0500

Board Publishes Proposed Rule Concerning Advanced Pharmacy Technician Status In the In-Patient Hospital Setting. This proposed rule is being published for notice and comment. All interested pharmacists are encouraged to provide written comments and/or attend the public hearing. Deadlines and instructions are contained in the document.

Information for Pharmacists on Medicare D

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 14:45:42 -0500

GETTING READY FOR MEDICARE D IN 2010: Information for Pharmacists on Medicare D, provided by Senior PharmAssist & The NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

CDC ANSWERS QUESTIONS REGARDING NON-SAFETY-RELATED VOLUNTARY RECALL OF CERTAIN LOTS OF SANOFI-AVENTIS PEDIATRIC H1N1 VACCINE

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:21:20 -0500

CDC ANSWERS QUESTIONS REGARDING NON-SAFETY-RELATED VOLUNTARY RECALL OF CERTAIN LOTS OF SANOFI-AVENTIS PEDIATRIC H1N1 VACCINE: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/syringes_qa.htm

Notice of Public Hearing - Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 5:00pm

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:11:12 -0500

There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 5:00pm at the NC Board of Pharmacy to discuss the Proposed Rule Implementing SL 2009-458, AN ACT TO DIRECT OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS TO ADOPT RULES TO POSTPONE OR WAIVE CONDITIONS OF LICENSURE FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES.

NCBOP Meeting Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 07:46:17 -0500

There will be a meeting of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 10:00am by conference call to discuss a temporary rule governing the pharmacist administration of seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine.

October Meeting Minutes Posted

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:51:10 -0500

The minutes for the October 27, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy have been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Minutes10.09.pdf

URGENT DRUG RECALL - INVEGA® (Paliperidone) 6 mg Extended-Release Tablets (30 count bottle)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:24:09 -0400

URGENT DRUG RECALL Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, lnc., Titusville, NJ, is notifying all US Direct Purchasers and Retail / lnstitutional Pharmacies of a voluntary recall of the product listed below. No other product marketed by Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, lnc. is impacted. This voluntary recall is being conducted in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. INVEGA® (Paliperidone) 6 mg Extended-Release Tablets (30 count bottle)

CE Opportunity in Durham, November 12 - Medicare D in 2010

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:22:48 -0400

Medicare D in 2010: Practical Help for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Durham, Sponsored by Senior PharmAssist Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009, Time: 5:30 - 8:00 PM

NC Board of Pharmacy October 2009 Meeting Agenda Posted

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:58:23 -0400

The agenda for the October 27, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA10.09.pdf

FDA Authorizes Dispensing of Certain Lots of Tamiflu and Tamiflu Oral Suspension Beyond the Labeled Expiration Date

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:08:07 -0400

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2009 FDA Authorizes Dispensing of Certain Lots of Tamiflu and Tamiflu Oral Suspension Beyond the Labeled Expiration Date. In response to ongoing shortages of Tamiflu and Tamiflu Oral Suspension, the FDA has authorized dispensing of certain lots of those products beyond their labeled expiration date. More information, including the method to determine whether a lot of the product has been approved for beyond-date dispensing, is found here: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm184770.htm And here: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm154962.htm

2010 Renewal Reminder

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:28:01 -0400

ATTENTION ALL PHARMACISTS, TECHNICIANS, DISPENSING PHYSICIANS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, NURSE PRACTITIONERS, DME PERMIT HOLDERS & PHARMACY PERMIT HOLDERS: The renewal period begins November 1, 2009. If you renew for 2010 you will be required to do so through our secure website using a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. Absolutely NO paper renewals will be accepted, nor will cash, checks, or money orders. IMPORTANT CHANGE IN RENEWAL PROCESS: Beginning November 1, 2009, you will be required to print your own 2010 certificate. 2010 renewal certificates WILL NOT be mailed from the NC Board of Pharmacy office. Certificate printing will be available at the time of renewal; you will be prompted to do so at the end of your online renewal session. An option for printing duplicates will also be available on the Board’s website. Please make arrangements now to comply with this upcoming requirement. Remember, renewal links will not be available until November 1, so please check our homepage - www.ncbop.org - on or after November 1.

Pharmacist administration of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine to patients age 14+

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:50:51 -0400

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 9, 2009, PHARMACISTS WILL HAVE TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER SEASONAL AND H1N1 FLU VACCINE TO PATIENTS AGE 14 AND OLDER. Pursuant to a request from Dr. Jeffrey Engel, State Health Director, the Pharmacy and Medical Boards have passed an emergency amendment to the pharmacist vaccination rule authorizing pharmacists to administer seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccine to patients age 14 and older. The effective date of this amendment is Friday, October 9, 2009. This authority is, at present, temporary, and it is expected that the authorization will extend through July 2010, unless a permanent rulemaking is begun prior to that date. Dr. Engel’s request to the Pharmacy and Medical Boards stated that the North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH) “has concluded . . . that the age restriction contained in the pharmacist vaccination rules will impair DPH’s ability to fulfill its mission to protect the public health and safety of North Carolina’s citizens. Indeed, pediatric patients are among the members of the North Carolina public most susceptible to particularly serious complications from novel H1N1 infection.” DPH intends to “enlist the aid of pharmacist vaccinators across the state to meet this serious, urgent need.”

TEST 10/01/09

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:31:02 -0400

test

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR PHARMACIST COMPOUNDING OF TAMIFLU ORAL SUSPENSION

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:19:53 -0400

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR PHARMACIST COMPOUNDING OF TAMIFLU ORAL SUSPENSION: As health-care providers continue to combat seasonal and H1N1 flu, there have been some reports of shortages of commercially available Tamiflu oral suspension. The following guidance documents – which are based on instructions provided in the Tamiflu package insert -- may be useful for pharmacists who find themselves without access to commercially available Tamiflu oral suspension or in need of preparing patient-specific doses that would be difficult to administer using commercially available Tamiflu oral suspension:http://www.ncbop.org/faqs/Pharmacist/TamifluCompoundingInstructionsSept2009.pdf

New CE Opportunity

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:04:49 -0400

16th Annual Pharmacy Update: New Drugs, Patient Communication, and Pharmacy Law - November 5, 2009 9:45 am - 4:00 pm Reynolda Business Center, Winston Salem

NC Board of Pharmacy Teleconference September 30, 2009 to Discuss Emergency Rule Amendment: Pharmacists' Ability to Administer Influenza Vaccine

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:46:44 -0400

On Wednesday, September 30, at 10 am, the Board of Pharmacy will convene by teleconference to discuss an emergency rule amendment concerning pharmacists’ ability to administer influenza vaccine. Because of the emergent nature of the issue, this item requires discussion immediately and before the Board’s next regularly scheduled monthly meeting on October 27. Members of the public who wish to observe this meeting may come to the Board’s office at 6015 Farrington Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, where the conference call will be broadcast by speaker.

DME Subcommittee Election Results Announced

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:47:57 -0400

The Board of Pharmacy congratulates William Griffin, who was certified as the winner of the run-off election for medical equipment representative for DME Subcommittee. The Board also thanks John Kight, Mike Noonan and Vanessa Coble for their participation in the process as candidates, and all DME permit holders who voted in the election.

September 2009 Meeting Agenda Posted

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:58:57 -0400

The agenda for the September 15, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA09.09.pdf

Password to Acquire Rabies Vaccine No Longer Necessary

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:28:41 -0400

Update from sanofi pasteur and from NCDHHS regarding rabies vaccine supply

H1N1 Influenza - Information from NC DHHS

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:58:23 -0400

See link below for important information on the H1N2 flu virus:
http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/h1n1aug2009.html

Health Alert from NC DHHS Division of Public Health/Epidemiology Section regarding Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:02:51 -0400

http://www.ncbop.org/PDF/HealthAlertAug21.2009Oseltamivir.pdf

FDA Alert: Stolen Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:49:28 -0400

FDA Seeks Assistance in Tracking Stolen Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking assistance in tracking a cargo theft of 35,760 cartons of Dey® brand generic albuterol sulfate inhalation solution that occurred on approximately August 5. (continued)

June 2009 Meeting Minutes Posted

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:36:13 -0400

Minutes of the June 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Minutes06.09.pdf

July 2009 Meeting Agenda Posted

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:55:09 -0400

The agenda for the July 21, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA07.09.pdf

Alert from FDA RE: Astellas Prescription Drug Products

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:45:52 -0400

Astellas recently announced the market withdrawal of specific lots of certain Astellas prescription drug products because a transport trailer containing these products was stolen on June 17, 2009. FDA is committed to protecting the public from receiving stolen drug products that may not have been stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for patients to use. (READ MORE at http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/astellasfda.htm)

Judicial Order Concerning Access to Prescription Records by the Sheriff of Cherokee County or Agents of the Multiple Agency Narcotics Unit

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:30 -0400

Board staff recently learned that Resident Superior Court Judge James Downs of North Carolina Judicial District 30A (which encompasses Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Macon, and Swain Counties) issued an order on January 5, 2009 that authorizes Agents of the Multiple Agency Narcotics Unit apparently coordinated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office to have access to pharmacy records relating to any case in which Controlled Substance violations are related to prescription drugs. A copy of Judge Downs’ order may be found here: http://www.ncbop.org/pdf/cherokeecosheriffJune2009.pdf.

May 2009 Meeting Minutes Posted

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:14:43 -0400

Minutes of the May 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Minutes05.09.pdf

New FAQ - Schedule II Controlled Substances

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:32:28 -0400

Q: May a prescribing practitioner prescribe other medications on a prescription that already includes a Schedule II medication? A: Yes, a practitioner may prescribe other medications on the same prescription blank along with Schedule II medications.

June Board Meeting Agenda Posted

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:31:47 -0400

The agenda for the June 16, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA06.09.pdf

Paper Ballot Request Deadline Friday, June 12

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:29:54 -0400

The deadline to request a paper ballot in both the Board run-off election and the DME Subcommittee election is Friday, June 12, 2009. See www.ncbop.org for more details.

May 2009 Meeting Agenda Posted

Thu, 7 May 2009 13:14:15 -0400

The agenda for the May 12, 2009 meeting of the NC Board of Pharmacy has been posted: http://www.ncbop.org/about/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/AGENDA05.09.pdf

REPONSE TO INQUIRIES ABOUT HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISPENSING OF ANTIVIRALS AND THE NECESSITY OF "COMPOUNDING" TAMIFLU SUSPENSION

Fri, 1 May 2009 11:21:36 -0400

http://www.ncbop.org/newsitems/tamiflu.htm

Theft of Copaxone Reported

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:50:27 -0400

Theft of Copaxone Reported; Pharmacists Should Be Alert for Receipt of Any Product From Affected Batch/Lot Number #P53159.

SWINE INFLUENZA A VIRUS INFECTION

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:14:39 -0400

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PHARMACISTS FROM THE NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNING SWINE INFLUENZA A VIRUS INFECTION: http://www.ncbop.org/PDF/SwineInfluenzaA04.24.09.pdf

ALERT (Hydrocodone Diversion in NC)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:27:39 -0400

ALERT: The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy received information from Wal-Mart Pharmacy on March 27, 2009, that two (2) male suspects posing as sign contractors entered multiple pharmacies and diverted multiple strengths of Hydrocodone products. The known locations are Conover, Mooresville, Hickory, Taylorsville and West Jefferson. Please be mindful and wary of anyone presenting themselves as a contractor or anything of the sort. Contact your store manager or District Pharmacy Supervisor to confirm any contract work.

Board Election - April 2009

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:45:31 -0400

The next Board election will take place in April/May and will be held electronically. Candidate bios and photos and additional election information can be found here: http://www.ncbop.org/election2009.htm

Top Rx Partners Soliciting North Carolina Pharmacies to Act as Illegal Fulfillment Centers for Internet-Generated Prescriptions

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 09:43:07 -0400

Cease & Desist letter:
http://www.ncbop.org/pdf/ceasedesisttoprxpartners03.31.09.pdf