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Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacists on Health Department RN Dispensing:

 

Q:  May registered nurses (RNs) dispense prescription drugs from a health department?

A:  Yes. North Carolina General Statute 90-85.34A states the conditions under which a registered nurse at a local health department may dispense prescription drugs other than controlled substances.  The registered nurse must have received training in the labeling and packaging of prescription drugs; dispensing must occur only at a local health department clinic; only prescription drugs contained in a formulary recommended by NC DHHS and approved by the Board of Pharmacy may be dispensed; the local health department must hold a pharmacy permit (see this guidance, which includes information on how a local health department may hold a limited service pharmacy permit); written procedures for storage, packaging, labeling, and delivery of prescription drugs are in place; the pharmacist-manager, or designated pharmacist, must review dispensing records at least weekly , provide consultation where appropriate, and be responsible for all dispensing activity at the health department.

 

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Q:  What drugs may registered nurses (RNs) dispense from a health department?

A:  Effective October 1, 2022, the following formulary (recommended by NCDHHS and approved by the Board of Pharmacy) governs RN dispensing from a health department:

  1. Anti-tuberculosis drugs, as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in the North Carolina Tuberculosis Policy Manual (available at www.ncdhhs.gov), when used for the treatment and control of tuberculosis;
  2. Anti-infective agents used in the control of sexually-transmitted diseases as recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines (available at www.cdc.gov);
  3. Natural or synthetic hormones and contraceptive devices when used for the prevention of pregnancy;
  4. Topical preparations for the treatment of lice, scabies, impetigo, diaper rash, vaginitis, and related skin conditions;
  5. Vitamin and mineral supplements;
  6. Opioid antagonists prescribed pursuant to G.S. 90-12.7;
  7. Epinephrine auto-injectors prescribed pursuant to G.S. 115C-375.2A;
  8. Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies;
  9. Folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects and other related conditions;
  10. Low-dose aspirin for prevention or delayed onset of preeclampsia in pregnant individuals with increased risk of pre-eclampsia as defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (criteria available at ACOG Practice Advisory)

 

 

 

 

 

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