(a)
Automated drug delivery systems, as defined in subdivision (h), may be located in any clinic licensed by the board pursuant to Section 4180. If an automated drug delivery system is located in a clinic, the clinic shall develop and implement written policies and procedures to ensure safety, accuracy, accountability, security, patient confidentiality, and maintenance of the quality, potency, and purity of drugs. All policies and procedures shall be maintained at the location where the automated drug system is being used.
(b)
Drugs shall be removed from the automated drug delivery system only upon authorization by a pharmacist after the pharmacist has reviewed the prescription and the patient’s profile for potential contraindications and adverse drug reactions. Drugs removed from the automated drug delivery system shall be provided to the patient by a health professional licensed pursuant to this division.
(c)
The stocking of an automated drug delivery system shall be performed by a pharmacist.
(d)
Review of the drugs contained within, and the operation and maintenance of, the automated drug delivery system shall be the responsibility of the clinic. The review shall be conducted on a monthly basis by a pharmacist and shall include a physical inspection of the drugs in the automated drug delivery system, an inspection of the automated drug delivery system machine for cleanliness, and a review of all transaction records in order to verify the security and accountability of the system.
(e)
The automated drug delivery system used at the clinic shall provide for patient consultation pursuant to Section 1707.2 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations with a pharmacist via a telecommunications link that has two-way audio and video.
(f)
The pharmacist operating the automated drug delivery system shall be located in California.
(g)
Drugs dispensed from the automated drug delivery system shall comply with the labeling requirements in Section 4076.
(h)
For purposes of this section, an “automated drug delivery system” means a mechanical system controlled remotely by a pharmacist that performs operations or activities, other than compounding or administration, relative to the storage, dispensing, or distribution of prepackaged dangerous drugs or dangerous devices. An automated drug delivery system shall collect, control, and maintain all transaction information to accurately track the movement of drugs into and out of the system for security, accuracy, and accountability.