N.J. Admin. Code § 13:39-6.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:39-6.2 - Pharmacist-in-charge

(a) Every pharmacy shall name a pharmacist whose license is in good standing in New Jersey as the pharmacist-in-charge of the pharmacy. No pharmacy shall operate without a pharmacist-in-charge for longer than 30 days.

(b) Whenever the pharmacist-in-charge is absent from the pharmacy for more than 30 days, the pharmacist-in-charge and the permit holder shall notify the Board of the name of the pharmacist who shall act as the interim pharmacist-in-charge.

(c) A pharmacist shall not assume the responsibilities of a pharmacist-in-charge of more than one pharmacy or pharmacy department simultaneously, except as provided in (c)1 below.

1. If an area within a health care facility is permitted as both an institutional pharmacy and a retail pharmacy, the health care facility may employ one individual to act as the pharmacist-in-charge for both the institutional pharmacy and the retail pharmacy.

(d) Whenever there is a change of a pharmacist-in-charge of a pharmacy, an inventory of all controlled dangerous substances as defined in N.J.A.C. 13:45H-10.1 shall be performed by both the outgoing and incoming pharmacist-in-charge consistent with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:45H-5.4 and 5.5.

1. If the outgoing pharmacist-in-charge is unable to perform the inventory required in (d) above, the pharmacy permit holder shall designate an alternative pharmacist, other than the incoming pharmacist-in-charge, to perform the inventory and shall submit to the Board a documented explanation for choosing an alternate pharmacist.

(e) Whenever a pharmacist assumes or terminates the duties as a pharmacist-in-charge of a pharmacy, both the outgoing and incoming pharmacist-in-charge and the permit holder shall so advise the Board in writing within 30 days by completing a form provided by the Board.

(f) A pharmacist-in-charge shall be a full-time employee, employed for a minimum of 35 hours per week and shall be physically present in the pharmacy or pharmacy department for that amount of time necessary to supervise and ensure that:

1. The pharmacy is staffed by sufficient, competent personnel in keeping with the size, scope and complexity of the pharmaceutical services provided by the pharmacy;

2. Accurate records of all prescription medication received and dispensed are maintained;

3. Policies are in place regarding accurate dispensing and labeling of prescriptions and that such policies are followed;

4. Security of the prescription area and its contents are maintained at all times consistent with the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:39-4.15;

5. Only pharmacists and interns or externs under immediate personal supervision provide professional consultation with patients and physicians;

6. Only pharmacists, interns or externs accept telephone prescriptions and only pharmacists, interns or externs, or pharmacy technicians consistent with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:39-6.6(b), accept renewal authorizations;

7. No misbranded, deteriorated, adulterated, improperly stored or outdated drugs or any drugs marked "sample" or with any like designation or meaning are dispensed or present in the active stock in the pharmacy;

8. The prescription area is maintained in an orderly and sanitary manner;

9. There are written policies and procedures to ensure the proper storage and delivery of all prescription drugs and chemicals consistent with the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:39-5.11 and that such policies and procedures are followed; and

10. The pharmacy and all pharmacy personnel provide pharmaceutical services in accordance with acceptable professional standards and comply with all Federal and State statutes, rules and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy.

(g) The pharmacist-in-charge is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the biennial inventory of all controlled dangerous substances required under N.J.A.C. 13:45H-5.5, and shall sign and date the biennial inventory upon its completion. This requirement applies whether the inventory is conducted by the pharmacist-in-charge or another licensed pharmacist.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:39-6.2

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 451(a), effective 3/6/2017

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 3761(a), effective 12/4/2017