Bill > S0692

This bill authorizes pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns to perform technology-assisted dispensing process validation (a careful verification that the correct medication, dosage, and form have been selected) within institutional pharmacies under specific conditions. The bill defines key terms like "automated storage and distribution devices" and establishes detailed guidelines for this process, including that the validation must occur under a licensed pharmacist's supervision and only for medications that will be administered by a licensed healthcare professional. Importantly, the bill prohibits pharmacy technicians and interns from validating controlled substances or most compounded medications. The institutional pharmacy must maintain comprehensive documentation, including a specific training program for technicians and a quality assessment system that tracks potential errors. The pharmacist-in-charge is ultimately responsible for ensuring that this delegation of medication validation does not lead to medication errors. The bill requires the board of pharmacy to develop and enforce regulations to implement these guidelines, with the new provisions taking effect immediately upon passage. This legislation aims to potentially increase efficiency in medication preparation and distribution within hospital and clinical pharmacy settings while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Health and Social Services

https://status.rilegislature.gov/