Board of Pharmacy FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This archival document was derived from http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.shtml on July 24, 2006

Oregon State Board of Pharmacy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


FAQ - INDIVIDUALS
FAQ - ESTABLISHMENTS
FAQ - COMPLIANCE

FAQ - INDIVIDUALS

1.      How do I change my address with OBOP?

The Board requires all changes to be submitted in writing.  You may fax your changes to: 971-673-0002, email us at pharmacy.board@state.or.us, or sumbit your information online - http://www.pharmacy.state.or.us/Pharmacy/Address_Change.shtml.

2.      How do I obtain a duplicate copy of my license?

The Board requires all requests to be submitted in writing. You may fax your request to: 971-673-0002, or email us at pharmacy.board@state.or.us.  Please take this opportunity to verify that we have all of your correct information on file. Please include a current address, phone number and email address.

3.       I have changed jobs, how do I let the Board know?

Oregon Administrative Rule requires that all licensees advises the Board of all employment changes, name changes and address changes in writing within 15 days. You may fax your changes to us at: 971-673-0002, email at pharmacy.board@state.or.us, or submit your information online - http://www.pharmacy.state.or.us/Pharmacy/Address_Change.shtml.

4.      My name has changed, how do I change my name on my license?

Please mail or fax your changes, as well as the legal documentation which verifies the changes (i.e. marriage license, divorce decree, etc). These documents may be faxed to at: 971-673-0002.

5.     Can I renew my license online?

At this time, licensees cannot renew registrations online. This is something the Board is working towards, and hopes to have implemented in the near future.

6.     Are license verifications available online?

Yes, you can check the current status of any license by clicking here - http://oregon.gov/pharmacy_search/searchResults-submit.do

FAQ - ESTABLISHMENTS

1.      Our store carries over the counter medications, do we need to be registered with the Board of Pharmacy?

Yes. The Board of Pharmacy registers all establishments selling nonprescription drugs. Please complete a Nonprescription Drug Outlet application - http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy/Licensing.shtml.

1.       Must I submit a floor plan if I am an out of state pharmacy?

Yes. All floor plans must show the location of the sink, windows, refrigerator and doors.

2.      Where is the out of state pharmacy application on the web?

All pharmacies use the same retail drug outlet application - http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy/Licensing.shtml.

3.      Does the Board of Pharmacy accept "Out of State" online license verifications?

Yes.

4.     Are license verifications available online?

Yes, you can check the current status of any license by clicking here - http://oregon.gov/pharmacy_search/searchResults-submit.do

5.     Must I post the generic sign as per OAR 689.515(4) if I am an out of state pharmacy and/or in state without walk in customers.

Yes.

6.     What is a reverse distributor?

A wholesaler who will take back controlled substances and destroy them. This does not apply to a company’s own product.

7.    I am registering as a manufacturer but don’t have an FDA number?

Usually only companies that manufacture a product get receive a FDA number, re-packagers don’t.

7.    My DEA # is pending, may I still apply for controlled substances?

If the facility is located in Oregon, a DEA license will not be issued until the Oregon license is issued, but out of state facilities must already be registered with the DEA to apply with us.

8.    The Post Office/County/City has changed our address, do we need to complete a location change application?

If your facility does not change location, but changes address because the post office/County/City has required them to do so, a fee is not required. We request a letter only, preferably with the letter from the post office verifying such a change. If your facility makes a change to the address, then a new application and fees - http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy/Licensing.shtml - are required to be submitted. This would happen in a case, when a facility decides to use a door on another side of the facility as their entrance.

9. Our facility sells oxygen and medical devices, what type of license do we need?

If your facility sells oxygen and medical devices to a specific patient,  your establishment must register as a Nonprescription Drug Outlet - Class C - http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy/Licensing.shtml. With a Class C registration, you can also sell to facilities but only if the sale is patient specific. A wholesaler and manufacturer may sell in bulk (not patient specific) to other facilities, as well as patients. If your establishment transfills oxygen, meaning oxygen going from a large container to small cylinder then you can only register as a manufacturer.

FAQ - COMPLIANCE

Class	Type	Facts, Question and Answer
CII	Changes	Q: Can the pharmacist change the date-to-fill after talking to the prescribing doctor on a CII? A: The date-to-fill is part of the directions written on the script therefore it would be allowed to change after speaking with the prescribing doctor.
CII	Changes	Q: What changes can a pharmacist make to a CII prescription after speaking to the prescriber over the phone? A: A pharmacists CAN change the drug strength, dosage form, drug quantity, and the directions. Changes that CAN NOT be made are the patient's name, controlled substance prescribed, and the addition of a prescriber's signature (script MUST be hand signed).
CII	Destruction	Q: How are outdated CIIs destroyed? A: See 21 CFR 1307.21and OAR 855-080-0105 (reverse distributor, DEA, Board approved Plan)
CII	Disposal	Q: When a prescriber writes a new prescription for a controlled substance but requires the destruction of a previously prescribed controlled substance prior to the new medication being dispensed how does a pharmacist go about fulfilling the prescribers request? A: A pharmacist cannot accept the return of a controlled substance except in a LTCF. A pharmacists can witness the patient destroying the medication (flushing down a toilet) and document that the medication was destroyed prior to the new medication being dispensed.
CII	Emergency	Q: If a LTCF calls in an emergency 72 hour supply for a CII can that count as a hard copy? A: No. A prescription must be mailed OR faxed (CII fax exceptions) within 7 days and MUST have "Authorization for Emergency Dispensing" written across its face
CII	General	Q: Is it required to write the patient address on the hard-copy for a controlled drug if the information is contained on the label and retrievable in the computer database? A: A label attached to the hardcopy that contains the information fulfills the requirement
CII	General	Q: How long is a CII prescription good for? A: A CII prescription has no expiration date. It is up to the professional judgment of the pharmacist to determine if the prescription is in proper context and is still needed by the patient.
CII	General	Q: Is a pharmacist's signature required on CII hardcopies or will initials suffice? A: It is acceptable to either sign, initial, or utilize an electronic record identifying the verifying pharmacist.
CII	General	Q: Does a pharmacist need to cancel a CII prescription across it's face and sign? A: No
CII	General	Q: Can PAs and naturopaths prescribe CII medications? A: Yes, check the naturopaths formulary at http://www.oregon.gov/OBNE/rules/850-060-0226.pdf. PAs may if they update or hold a current DEA registration for CII medication.
CII	General	Q: In which situations can a faxed CII prescription serve as an original prescription? A: A faxed prescription can serve as an original for patients in a long term care facility (LTCF), community based care, enrolled in hospice, or receiving home infusion/IV pain management therapy. The fax MUST be signed by the prescriber
CII	General	Q: Is it legal to write/fill a CII prescription on the same page as a second prescription? A: Yes, but the prescritions must be correctly filed
CII	General	Q: What is the law for dispensing a controlled substance for office use? CII? CIII-V? A: A blanket prescription cannon be written to provide a medical office medications for administration. If the office requires CII medications a DEA 222 form must be used to transfer the CII stock. For all other medications an invoice must be utilized.
CII	General	Q: If a Dr. writes for a quantity of a CII that is greater than the amount the patient's insurance will pay for can the Rx be split into two Rxs, one for insurance and one for cash? A: Yes. Both Rxs must be filled and transactions completed at the same time.
CII	General	Q: Does post dating a prescription for a CII by the prescriber void the prescription? A: The prescription must have the date the prescriber wrote the prescription on the prescription. For more information call the DEA office at 1-503-326-2447
CII	General	Q: Is a typed CII prescription with an electronically signed signature a valid prescription? A: No, the prescription needs to be hand signed by the prescriber
CII	General	Q: What does the law say about prescribers writing for controlled drugs for family members? A: There are no laws prohibiting prescribers from writing scripts for controlled substances for family members. It is up to the professional judgment of the pharmacist to determine if the prescription is needed and is written in the proper context. Practitioner's licensing Board may be/should be notified of excessive use.
CII	General	Q: When a pharmacy has a change in PIC and is required to do a CII through CV inventory can they make it the annual inventory as well? A: Yes, but the next CII through CV inventory must be within 365 days.
CII	General	Q: Does a residential care facility need to report the disposal of controlled substances that were prescribed for residents to the DEA or Board office? A: No
CII	Partial Fills:	Q: In which cases are partial fills on CII prescriptions allowed? A: Partial fills are allowed on CII prescriptions when: 1)The pharmacist is unable to fill the entire amount and the remaining balance is dispensed within 72 hours, 2)patients are residing in a LTCF / community based care facility or diagnosed with a terminal illness in which scripts are good for 60 days from the date the prescription was written.
CII	Transfers	Q: Can a CII be transferred between pharmacies with interactive databases (i.e.. Walgreen's)? A: Under no circumstance can a CII be transferred
CIII-V	General	Q: How many refills are allowed by law on schedule III-V medications? A: A prescription written for a schedule III-V medication is good for 6 months or 5 refills, whichever comes first.
CIII-V	General	Q: Is the 6 month limit for refills on schedule III-V medication mean 6 month quantity limit? A: No, the prescription is valid for 6 months after the date it is written and can have up to 5 refills. After 6 months the script is no longer valid and any unused refills are void. The rules do not apply to quantity dispensed. (It is legal to dispense a prescribed quantity that exceeds a 6 month supply)
CIII-V	Refills	Q: Does a partial fill on a CIII-V medication constitute a refill? A: Partial fills are allowed on CIII-V medications and do not constitute a refill. The partial dispensing may not exceed the total amount authorized in the prescription order.
CIII-V	Refills	Q: Can a patient request more than one refill at once on a CIII-V medication? A: CIII-V medications must be filled in proper context, it is appropriate to contact the prescriber to authorize the request
Prescriptions	General	Q: Can non-veterinarians write prescriptions for animals? A: No, non-veterinarians writing prescriptions for animals is beyond their scope of practice
Prescriptions	Refills	Q: If a prescriber dies or retires and surrenders their licenses are prescription refills still valid? A: Since there is no longer a patient / care provider relationship the refills become invalid. A refill of one time is acceptable to allow the patient time to find a new care provider.