Automated and remote dispensing systems; use in certain facilities.

Board of Pharmacy; use of automated dispensing systems and remote dispensing systems in certain facilities. Defines "remote dispensing system" as a profile-driven automated drug dispensing system that performs operations or activities relative to the storage, packaging, labeling, or dispensing of medications employing bidirectional and audio-visual technology to facilitate pharmacist communication with a patient, an authorized agent of a patient, or a person licensed to administer drugs, and collects, controls, and maintains all transaction information. The bill allows for the use of remote dispensing systems in hospitals, state facilities licensed pursuant to Title 37.2, services licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as a site-based crisis stabilization unit, and any other facility authorized by the Board of Pharmacy in regulation wherein drugs are administered only by persons licensed to administer drugs and where the pharmacist-in-charge can ensure the security and environmental integrity of the drugs and devices. The bill extends the use of automated drug dispensing systems from use only in hospitals to use in each such facility listed above. This bill was incorporated into HB 1336.