21 NCAC 46 .1806             TRANSFER OF PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION

(a)  The transfer of original prescription information for the purpose of refill dispensing is permissible between pharmacies subject to the following requirements:

(1)           the transfer is communicated directly from either a pharmacist or certified technician to either a pharmacist or certified technician and not by only one pharmacist or certified technician gaining access to an information file containing data for several locations, unless all locations accessed are under common ownership or accessed pursuant to contractual agreement of the pharmacies;

(2)           the transferring pharmacist or certified technician invalidates the prescription and any remaining refills at the transferring pharmacy by marking the word "void" on the face of the prescription or its equivalent;

(3)           the transferring pharmacist or certified technician records the name and address of the pharmacy to which it was transferred and the name of the pharmacist or certified technician receiving the prescription information on the reverse of the invalidated prescription;

(4)           the transferring pharmacist or certified technician records the date of the transfer and the name of the pharmacist or certified technician transferring the information.

(b)  The pharmacist or certified technician receiving the transferred prescription information shall reduce to writing the following:

(1)           The word "transfer" on the face of the transferred prescription;

(2)           All information required to be on a prescription, including:

(A)          Date of issuance of original prescription;

(B)          Number of refills authorized on original prescription;

(C)          Date and time of transfer;

(D)          Number of valid refills remaining and date of last refill;

(E)           Pharmacy's name, address and original prescription number from which the prescription information was transferred;

(F)           Name of transferring pharmacist or certified technician; and

(G)          Manufacturer or brand of drug dispensed.

(c)  The transferred prescription, as well as the original, must be maintained for a period of three years from the date of last refill.

(d)  Dispensing is permitted only within the original authorization for refills and no dispensing on such transfer shall occur beyond that authorized on the original prescription. Any dispensing beyond that originally authorized or one year, whichever is less, may occur only on a new prescription.

(e)  The requirements of Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule may be facilitated by use of a computer or data system without reference to an original prescription document. The system must be able to identify transferred prescriptions and prevent subsequent prescription refills at that pharmacy.

(f)  This Rule applies to the transfer of prescriptions issued by prescribers in other states, provided that the pharmacist or certified technician receiving the prescription actually knows or reasonably should know that a physician-patient relationship exists and dispensing the drug is in the patient's best interests.

(g)  All records pertinent to this Rule shall be readily retrievable.

(h)  A system must be in place that will allow only authorized access by a pharmacist or certified technician to all records pertinent to this Rule and will indicate on the prescription record when and by whom such access was made.

(i)  The transfer of original prescription information for the purpose of refill dispensing is permissible between device and medical equipment permit holders so long as the transferring permit holder provides all records and documentation necessary for dispensing and does not interfere with the service and claims processing procedures of the receiving permit holder.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-85.6(a); 90-85.32;

Eff. December 31, 1985;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2004; September 1, 1995; July 1, 1992; May 1, 1989;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 3, 2017.