Arizona 2023 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HB2344 Compare Versions

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11 REFERENCE TITLE: pharmacy board; duties; regulation State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2023 HB 2344 Introduced by Representative Shah An Act amending sections 32-1901.01, 32-1904, 32-1925, 32-1926, 32-1926.01, 32-1927, 32-1927.01, 32-1927.02, 32-1930, 32-1965, 36-2602, 36-2603, 36-2606 and 36-2608, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to the Arizona state board of pharmacy. (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
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7878 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona: Section 1. Section 32-1901.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1901.01. Definition of unethical conduct and unprofessional conduct; permittees; licensees A. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a permittee, "unethical conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere: 1. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission. 2. Committing an act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a permittee and that demonstrates an actual or potential unfitness to hold a permit in light of the public's safety. 3. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 4. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the permittee unfit to perform the permittee's employment duties. 5. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals. 6. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals. 7. Violating state or federal reporting or recordkeeping requirements on transactions relating to precursor chemicals. 8. Intending to sell, transfer or distribute, or to offer for sale, transfer or distribution, or selling, transferring, distributing or dispensing or offering for sale, transfer or distribution an imitation controlled substance, imitation over-the-counter drug or imitation prescription-only drug as defined in section 13-3451. 9. Having the permittee's permit to manufacture, sell, distribute or dispense drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction. The permittee shall notify the board in writing within fifteen days after the other jurisdiction's action on the permittee's permit. 10. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline. 11. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a permit or a permit renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency. 12. Wilfully making a false report or record that is required by this chapter, that is required by federal or state laws pertaining to drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals or that is required to pay for drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances or precursor chemicals or for services pertaining to such drugs or substances. 13. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information. 14. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents. 15. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter. 16. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter. 17. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena. 18. Failing to provide the board or its employees or agents or an authorized federal or state official conducting a site investigation, inspection or audit with access to any place for which a permit has been issued or for which an application for a permit has been submitted. 19. Failing to notify the board of a change of ownership, management or pharmacist in charge. 20. Failing to promptly produce, within fifteen days, on the request of the official conducting a site an investigation, inspection or audit any book, record or document books, records or documents and, if available, audio or visual recordings. 21. Overruling or attempting to overrule a pharmacist in matters of pharmacy ethics or interpreting laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy or the distribution of drugs or devices. 22. Distributing premiums or rebates of any kind in connection with the sale of prescription medication, other than to the prescription medication recipient. 23. Failing to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled substances or precursor chemicals to unauthorized persons or entities. 24. Fraudulently claiming to have performed a service. 25. Fraudulently charging a fee for a service. 26. Advertising drugs or devices, or services pertaining to drugs or devices, in a manner that is untrue or misleading in any particular, and that is known, or that by the exercise of reasonable care should be known, to be untrue or misleading. 27. Failing to routinely operate according to the permittee's hours of operation as submitted to the board by closing for five consecutive days or more. This paragraph does not apply if the permittee notifies the board within forty-eight hours after an unexpected closure of five days or more. 28. failing to report an unexpected serious adverse drug event from a compounded prescription that resulted in a patient's hospitalization or death and that is from a 503a pharmacy or 503b outsourcing facility as defined in the federal food, drug, and cosmetic act. A serious adverse drug event is not, in and of itself, a disciplinary offense or unethical conduct unless the compounded prescription was misbranded or adulterated. B. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, "unprofessional conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere: 1. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy. 2. Violating any federal or state law, rule or regulation relating to the manufacture or distribution of drugs and devices or the practice of pharmacy. 3. Dispensing a different drug or brand of drug in place of the drug or brand of drug ordered or prescribed without the express permission in each case of the orderer, or in the case of a prescription order, the medical practitioner. The conduct prohibited by this paragraph does not apply to substitutions authorized pursuant to section 32-1963.01. 4. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license to practice pharmacy or a license renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency. 5. Having the licensee's license to practice pharmacy denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction. The licensee shall notify the board in writing within fifteen days after the other jurisdiction's action on the licensee's license. 6. Claiming professional superiority in compounding or dispensing prescription orders. 7. Failing to comply with the mandatory continuing professional pharmacy education requirements of sections 32-1936 and 32-1937 and rules adopted by the board. 8. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission. 9. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 10. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals when determined by the board or by conviction in a federal or state court. 11. Knowingly dispensing a drug without a valid prescription order as required pursuant to section 32-1968, subsection A. 12. Knowingly dispensing a drug on a prescription order that was issued in the course of the conduct of business of dispensing drugs pursuant to diagnosis by mail or the internet, unless the order was any of the following: (a) Made by a physician who provides temporary patient supervision on behalf of the patient's regular treating licensed health care professional or provides a consultation requested by the patient's regular treating licensed health care professional. (b) Made in an emergency medical situation as defined in section 41-1831. (c) Written to prepare a patient for a medical examination. (d) Written or the prescription medications were issued for use by a county or tribal public health department for immunization programs or emergency treatment or in response to an infectious disease investigation, a public health emergency, an infectious disease outbreak or an act of bioterrorism. For the purposes of this subdivision, "bioterrorism" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-781. (e) Written or antimicrobials were dispensed by the prescribing or dispensing physician to a contact as defined in section 36-661 who is believed to have had significant exposure risk as defined in section 36-661 with another person who has been diagnosed with a communicable disease as defined in section 36-661. (f) Written or the prescription medications were issued for administering immunizations or vaccines listed in the United States centers for disease control and prevention's recommended immunization schedule to a household member of a patient. (g) For epinephrine auto-injectors that are written or dispensed for a school district or charter school and that are to be stocked for emergency use pursuant to section 15-157 or for an authorized entity to be stocked pursuant to section 36-2226.01. (h) Written by a licensee through a telehealth program that is covered by the policies and procedures adopted by the administrator of a hospital or outpatient treatment center. (i) Written pursuant to a physical or mental health status examination that was conducted through telehealth as defined in section 36-3601 and consistent with federal law. (j) For naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the United States food and drug administration and written or dispensed for use pursuant to section 36-2228 or 36-2266. 13. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy. 14. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. 15. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a permittee or a permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct or is or may be violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 16. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline. 17. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information. 18. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents. 19. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting in the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter. 20. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter. 21. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena. 22. Refusing without just cause to allow authorized agents of the board to examine documents that are required to be kept pursuant to this chapter or title 36. 23. Participating in an arrangement or agreement to allow a prescription order or a prescription medication to be left at, picked up from, accepted by or delivered to a place that is not licensed as a pharmacy. This paragraph does not prohibit a pharmacist or a pharmacy from using an employee or a common carrier to pick up prescription orders at or deliver prescription medications to the office or home of a medical practitioner, the residence of a patient or a patient's hospital. 24. Paying rebates or entering into an agreement for paying rebates to a medical practitioner or any other person in the health care field. 25. Providing or causing to be provided to a medical practitioner prescription order blanks or forms bearing the pharmacist's or pharmacy's name, address or other means of identification. 26. Fraudulently claiming to have performed a professional service. 27. Fraudulently charging a fee for a professional service. 28. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change of the licensee's home address, contact information, employer or employer's address as required by section 32-1926. 29. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change in the licensee's residency status as required by section 32-1926.01. 30. Failing to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled substances or precursor chemicals to unauthorized persons or entities. 31. Failing to produce within fifteen days, on the request of the official CONDUCTING an investigation pursuant to a complaint, any books, records, documents or statements and, if available, audio or visual recordings. C. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, "unprofessional conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere: 1. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties. 2. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to the manufacture or distribution of drugs or devices. 3. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a pharmacy technician license or license renewal or pharmacy technician trainee license or a pharmacy technician license renewal registration or registration renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency. 4. Having the licensee's license to practice as a pharmacy technician denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction. 5. Failing to comply with the mandatory continuing professional education requirements of section 32-1925, subsection H and rules adopted by the board. 6. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission. 7. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 8. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals when determined by the board or by conviction in a federal or state court. 9. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy. 10. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. 11. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a permittee or a permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct or is or may be violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 12. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline. 13. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information. 14. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents. 15. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting in the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter. 16. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter. 17. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena. 18. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change of the licensee's or registrant's home address, contact information, employer or employer's address as required by section 32-1926. 19. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change in the licensee's or registrant's residency status as required by section 32-1926.01. 20. Failing to produce within fifteen days, on the request of the official conducting an investigation, any books, records, documents or statements and, if available, audio or visual recordings. END_STATUTE Sec. 2. Section 32-1904, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1904. Powers and duties of board; immunity A. The board shall: 1. Make bylaws and adopt rules that are necessary to protect the public and that pertain to the practice of pharmacy, the manufacturing, wholesaling or supplying of drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances, the use of pharmacy technicians and support personnel and the lawful performance of its duties. 2. Fix standards and requirements to register and reregister pharmacies, except as otherwise specified. 3. Investigate compliance as to the quality, label and labeling of all drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances and take action necessary to prevent the sale of these if they do not conform to the standards prescribed in this chapter, the official compendium or the federal act. 4. Enforce its rules. In so doing, the board or its agents have free access, during the hours reported with the board or the posted hours at the facility, to any pharmacy, manufacturer, wholesaler, third-party logistics provider, nonprescription drug permittee or other establishment in which drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances are manufactured, processed, packed or held, or to enter any vehicle being used to transport or hold such drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances for the purpose of: (a) Inspecting the establishment or vehicle to determine whether any provisions of this chapter or the federal act are being violated. (b) Securing samples or specimens of any drug, device, poison or hazardous substance after paying or offering to pay for the sample. (c) Detaining or embargoing a drug, device, poison or hazardous substance in accordance with section 32-1994. 5. Examine and license as pharmacists and pharmacy interns all qualified applicants as provided by this chapter. 6. Require each applicant for an initial license to apply for a fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section 41-1758.03. If an applicant is issued a valid fingerprint clearance card, the applicant shall submit the valid fingerprint clearance card to the board with the completed application. If an applicant applies for a fingerprint clearance card and is denied, the applicant may request that the board consider the application for licensure notwithstanding the absence of a valid fingerprint clearance card. The board, in its discretion, may approve an application for licensure despite the denial of a valid fingerprint clearance card if the board determines that the applicant's criminal history information on which the denial was based does not alone disqualify the applicant from licensure. 7. Issue duplicates of lost or destroyed permits on the payment of a fee as prescribed by the board. 8. Adopt rules to rehabilitate pharmacists and pharmacy interns as provided by this chapter. 9. At least once every three months, notify pharmacies regulated pursuant to this chapter of any modifications on prescription writing privileges of podiatrists, dentists, doctors of medicine, registered nurse practitioners, osteopathic physicians, veterinarians, physician assistants, optometrists and homeopathic physicians of which it receives notification from the state board of podiatry examiners, state board of dental examiners, Arizona medical board, Arizona state board of nursing, Arizona board of osteopathic examiners in medicine and surgery, Arizona state veterinary medical examining board, Arizona regulatory board of physician assistants, state board of optometry or board of homeopathic and integrated medicine examiners. 10. Charge a permittee a fee, as determined by the board, for an inspection if the permittee requests the inspection. 11. Issue only one active or open license per individual. 12. Allow a licensee to regress to a lower level license on written explanation and review by the board for discussion, determination and possible action. 13. Open an investigation only if the identifying information regarding a complainant is provided or the information provided is sufficient to conduct an investigation. 14. Provide notice to an applicant, licensee, REgiSTRANT or permittee using only the information provided to the board through the board's licensing database. B. The board may: 1. Employ chemists, compliance officers, clerical help and other employees subject to title 41, chapter 4, article 4 and provide laboratory facilities for the proper conduct of its business. 2. Provide, by educating and informing the licensees and the public, assistance in curtailing abuse in the use of drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances. 3. Approve or reject the manner of storage and security of drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances. 4. Accept monies and services to assist in enforcing this chapter from other than licensees: (a) For performing inspections and other board functions. (b) For the cost of copies of the pharmacy and controlled substances laws, the annual report of the board and other information from the board. 5. Adopt rules for professional conduct appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of pharmacy. 6. Grant permission to deviate from a state requirement for modernization of pharmacy practice, experimentation or technological advances. 7. Adopt rules for the training and practice of pharmacy interns, pharmacy technicians and support personnel. 8. Investigate alleged violations of this chapter, conduct hearings in respect to violations, subpoena witnesses and take such action as it deems necessary to revoke or suspend a license, a REGISTRATION or a permit, place a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee on probation or warn a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee under this chapter or to bring notice of violations to the county attorney of the county in which a violation took place or to the attorney general. 9. By rule, approve colleges or schools of pharmacy. 10. By rule, approve programs of practical experience, clinical programs, internship training programs, programs of remedial academic work and preliminary equivalency examinations as provided by this chapter. 11. Assist in the continuing education of pharmacists and pharmacy interns. 12. Issue inactive status licenses as provided by this chapter. 13. Accept monies and services from the federal government or others for educational, research or other purposes pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter. 14. By rule, except from the application of all or any part of this chapter any material, compound, mixture or preparation containing any stimulant or depressant substance included in section 13-3401, paragraph 6, subdivision (c) or (d) from the definition of dangerous drug if the material, compound, mixture or preparation contains one or more active medicinal ingredients not having a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system, provided that such admixtures are included in such combinations, quantity, proportion or concentration as to vitiate the potential for abuse of the substances that do have a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system. 15. Adopt rules for the revocation, suspension or reinstatement of licenses, registrations or permits or the probation of licensees, REGISTRANTs or permittees as provided by this chapter. 16. Issue a certificate of free sale to any person that is licensed by the board as a manufacturer for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing food supplements or dietary supplements as defined in rule by the board and that wants to sell food supplements or dietary supplements domestically or internationally. The application shall contain all of the following: (a) The applicant's name, address, email address, telephone and fax number. (b) The product's full, common or usual name. (c) A copy of the label for each product listed. If the product is to be exported in bulk and a label is not available, the applicant shall include a certificate of composition. (d) The country of export, if applicable. (e) The number of certificates of free sale requested The applicant shall submit an application approved by the board. 17. Establish an inspection process to issue certificates of free sale or good manufacturing practice certifications. The board shall establish in rule: (a) A fee to issue certificates of free sale. (b) A fee to issue good manufacturing practice certifications. (c) An annual inspection fee. 18. Delegate to the executive director the authority to: (a) If the president or vice president of the board concurs after reviewing the case, enter into an interim consent agreement with a licensee or permittee if there is evidence that a restriction against the license or permit is needed to mitigate danger to the public health and safety. The board may subsequently formally adopt the interim consent agreement with any modifications the board deems necessary. (b) Take no action or dismiss a complaint that has insufficient evidence that a violation of statute or rule governing the practice of pharmacy occurred. (c) Request an applicant or licensee to provide court documents and police reports if the applicant or licensee has been charged with or convicted of a criminal offense. The executive director may do either of the following if the applicant or licensee fails to provide the requested documents to the board within thirty business days after the request: (i) Close the application, deem the application fee forfeited and not consider a new application complete unless the requested documents are submitted with the application. (ii) Notify the licensee of an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 41-1061 to consider suspension of the licensee. (d) Pursuant to section 36-2604, subsection B, review prescription information collected pursuant to title 36, chapter 28, article 1. (e) Issue a subpoena to do either of the following: (i) Solicit a response either for information pertaining to a complaint or investigation or to a consent agreement issued by the board. (ii) Require a personal appearance before the board. (f) Enter into agreements or memoranda of understanding between a state or federal regulatory agency. C. At each regularly scheduled board meeting, the executive director shall provide to the board a list of the executive director's actions taken pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 18, subdivisions (a), (b) and (c) and (d) of this section since the last board meeting. D. The board may issue nondisciplinary civil penalties or delegate to the executive director the authority to issue nondisciplinary civil penalties. The nondisciplinary civil penalties shall be prescribed by the board in rule and issued using a board-approved form. If a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to pay a nondisciplinary civil penalty that the board has imposed on it, the board shall hold a hearing on the matter. In addition to any other nondisciplinary civil penalty adopted by the board, either of the following acts or omissions that is not an imminent threat to the public health and safety is subject to a nondisciplinary civil penalty: 1. An occurrence of either of the following: (a) Failing to submit a remodel application before remodeling a permitted facility. (b) Failing to notify the board of the relocation of a business. 2. The occurrence of any of the following violations or any of the violations adopted by the board in rule, with three or more violations being presented to the board as a complaint: (a) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to update the licensee's, REGISTRANT's or permittee's online profile within ten fifteen days after a change in contact information, address, telephone number or email address. (b) The licensee or REGISTRANT fails to update the licensee's or REGISTRANT's online profile within ten fifteen days after a change in employment. (c) The licensee fails to complete the required continuing education for a license renewal. (d) The licensee fails to update the licensee's online profile to reflect a new pharmacist in charge within fourteen days after the position change. (e) The permittee fails to update the permittee's online profile to reflect a new designated representative within ten days after the position change. (f) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to notify the board of a new criminal charge, arrest or conviction against the licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee in this state or any other jurisdiction. (g) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to notify the board of a disciplinary action taken against the licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee by another regulating agency in this state or any other jurisdiction. (h) A The licensee or permittee fails to renew a license or permit within sixty days after the license or permit expires. If more than sixty days have lapsed after the expiration of a license or permit, the licensee or permittee shall appear before the board. (i) A new pharmacist in charge fails to conduct a controlled substance inventory within ten days after starting the position. (j) A person fails to obtain a permit before shipping into this state anything that requires a permit pursuant to this chapter. (k) Any other violations of statute or rule that the board or the board's designee deems appropriate for a nondisciplinary civil penalty. E. The board shall develop substantive policy statements pursuant to section 41-1091 for each specific licensing and regulatory authority the board delegates to the executive director. F. The executive director and other personnel or agents of the board are not subject to civil liability for any act done or proceeding undertaken or performed in good faith and in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. END_STATUTE Sec. 3. Section 32-1925, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1925. Renewal of license of pharmacists, interns and pharmacy technicians; fees; expiration dates; penalty for failure to renew; continuing education A. Except for interns and pharmacy technician trainees, the board shall assign all persons who are licensed under this chapter to one of two license renewal groups as prescribed by the board in rule. Except as provided in section 32-4301, a holder of a license certificate designated in the licensing database as even by way of verbiage or numerical value shall renew it biennially on or before November 1 of the even-numbered year, two years after the last renewal date. Except as provided in section 32-4301, a holder of a license certificate designated in the licensing database as odd by way of verbiage or numerical value shall renew it biennially on or before November 1 of the odd-numbered year, two years after the last renewal date. failure to renew and pay all required fees on or before November 1 of the year in which the renewal is due suspends the license. The board shall vacate a suspension when the licensee pays all past due fees and reinstatement penalties. Reinstatement penalties shall not exceed $350. The board may waive collection of a fee or reinstatement penalty due after suspension under conditions established by a majority of the board. B. A person shall not apply for license renewal more than sixty days before the expiration date of the license. C. A person who is licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician and who has not renewed the license for five consecutive years shall furnish to the board satisfactory proof of fitness to be licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. A person whose license has lapsed for two or more renewal cycles shall pay the fees for the two most recent renewal cycles and the penalties before being reinstated. D. Biennial renewal fees for licensure shall be not more than: 1. For a pharmacist, $250. 2. For a pharmacy technician, $100. 3. For a duplicate renewal license, $25. E. Fees that are designated to be not more than a maximum amount shall be set by the board for the following two fiscal years beginning November 1. The board shall establish fees approximately proportionate to the maximum fee allowed to cover the board's anticipated expenditures for the following two fiscal years. Variation in a fee is not effective except at the expiration date of a license. F. The board shall not renew a license for a pharmacist unless the pharmacist has complied with the mandatory continuing professional pharmacy education requirements of sections 32-1936 and 32-1937. G. The board shall prescribe intern licensure renewal fees that do not exceed $75. The license of an intern who does not receive specific board approval to renew the intern license or who receives board approval to renew but who does not renew and pay all required fees before the license expiration date is suspended after the license expiration date. The board shall vacate a suspension if the licensee pays all past due fees and penalties. Penalties shall not exceed $350. The board may waive collection of a fee or penalty due after suspension under conditions established by the board. H. The board shall not renew a license for a pharmacy technician unless that person has a current board-approved license and has complied with board-approved mandatory continuing professional education requirements. If a pharmacy technician prepares, compounds or dispenses prescription medications at a remote dispensing site pharmacy, the pharmacy technician shall complete, in addition to any other board-approved mandatory continuing professional education requirements, a two-hour continuing education program on remote dispensing site pharmacy practices provided by an approved provider. END_STATUTE Sec. 4. Section 32-1926, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1926. Notice of change of information required A. Except as prescribed in subsection B of this section, a pharmacist, intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, within ten fifteen days after a change in that person's employer, employer's address, home address or contact information, shall electronically update the person's online board profile or give written notice to the board office staff of the new information. B. Pursuant to board rule, a pharmacist designated as the pharmacist in charge for a permit issued under this chapter shall give immediate notice to the board office staff of the initiation and termination of such responsibility. The pharmacist shall either electronically update the pharmacist's online board profile or give written notice to the board office staff of the new information. END_STATUTE Sec. 5. Section 32-1926.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1926.01. Change in residency status; written notice required A. A Each licensee and registrant shall give written notice to the board office staff of a change in the licensee's or registrant's residency status authorized by the United States citizenship and immigration services. B. If the licensee's or registrant's residency status ceases to be authorized by the United States citizenship and immigration services, the licensee or registrant shall give written notice to the board office staff that the licensee or registrant voluntarily terminates the license or registration. END_STATUTE Sec. 6. Section 32-1927, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1927. Pharmacists; pharmacy interns; disciplinary action A. A pharmacist or pharmacy intern is subject to disciplinary action by the board for any of the following: 1. The board determines that the licensee has committed an act of unprofessional conduct. 2. The licensee is found by psychiatric examination to be mentally unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy. 3. The licensee is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy. 4. The licensee is found to be professionally incompetent to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy. 5. The license was issued through error. B. A pharmacist or pharmacy intern who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unprofessional conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy or to be professionally incompetent is subject to any one or combination of the following: 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 2. A letter of reprimand. 3. A decree of censure. 4. Completion of board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. 5. Probation. 6. Suspension or revocation of the license. C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the licensee whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy. Any person may, and a licensee or permittee of the board must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy. The board or the executive director shall notify the pharmacist or pharmacy intern as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unprofessional conduct for any pharmacist or pharmacy intern to fail to report as required by this subsection. E. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern employed by the pharmacy is terminated because of actions by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern that appear to show that the pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy, along with a general statement of the reasons that led the pharmacy to take the action. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern under investigation resigns or if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern resigns in lieu of disciplinary action by the pharmacy. Notification must include a general statement of the reasons for the resignation. A person who reports information in good faith pursuant to this subsection is not subject to civil liability. F. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations or pharmacist licensure examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board under this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program. G. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the license of the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, the board may take any of the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. H. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a licensee's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity. I. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the pharmacist or pharmacy intern. If the pharmacist or pharmacy intern refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. J. If through information provided pursuant to this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the license of a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, the board may restrict a license or order a summary suspension of a license pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the licensee with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges and licensee's right to a formal hearing before the board or an administrative law judge on the charges within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. K. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee receives the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. L. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee receives the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. 4. Enter into an agreement with the licensee to discipline the licensee, restrict the licensee's practice or professional activities or rehabilitate, retrain or assess the licensee in order to protect the public and ensure the licensee's ability to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy. The agreement may include at least the following: (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand. (b) Issuance of a decree of censure. (c) Practice or professional restrictions, such as not acting as a pharmacist in charge or pharmacy intern preceptor or working with another pharmacist. (d) Rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs, including: (i) Board-approved community service. (ii) Successful completion of additional board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. (iii) Successful passage of board-approved pharmacist licensure examinations. (iv) Successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the licensee's own expense. (e) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (f) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or educate the licensee concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, practice or professional restrictions, rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the licensee. M. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section and additional information provided during the conference warrants revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. N. If the licensee wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the licensee must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter. O. An advisory letter is a nondisciplinary public document. P. If the board during an investigation determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration. Q. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a licensee. R. The board may deny a license to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section. S. A person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter or by any other jurisdiction and who has a license revoked or suspended shall not obtain a license as a pharmacy intern or pharmacy technician or a registration as a pharmacy technician trainee or work as a pharmacy intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee without the approval of the board or its designee. END_STATUTE Sec. 7. Section 32-1927.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1927.01. Pharmacy technicians; pharmacy technician trainees; disciplinary action A. A pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is subject to disciplinary action by the board for any of the following: 1. The board determines that the licensee or registrant has committed an act of unprofessional conduct. 2. The licensee or registrant is found by psychiatric examination to be mentally unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties. 3. The licensee or registrant is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties. 4. The licensee or registrant is found to be professionally incompetent to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties. 5. The license or registration was issued through error. B. A pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unprofessional conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy or to be professionally incompetent is subject to any one or combination of the following: 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 2. A letter of reprimand. 3. A decree of censure. 4. Completion of board designated continuing education courses. 5. Probation. 6. Suspension or revocation of the license or registration. C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the licensee or registrant whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. Any person may, and a licensee, registrant or permittee of the board must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. The board or the executive director shall notify the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unprofessional conduct for any pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee to fail to report as required by this subsection. E. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee employed by the pharmacy is terminated because of actions by that person that appear to show that the person is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, along with a general statement of the reasons that led the pharmacy to take the action. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee under investigation resigns or if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee resigns in lieu of disciplinary action by the pharmacy. Notification must include a general statement of the reasons for the resignation. A person who reports information in good faith pursuant to this subsection is not subject to civil liability. F. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations or pharmacy technician licensure examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board pursuant to this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the licensee or registrant, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program. G. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the license or registration of the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, the board may take any of the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. H. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a licensee's or registrant's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity. I. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the licensee or registrant. If the licensee or registrant refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. J. If through information provided pursuant to this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the license or registration of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, the board may restrict a license or registration or order a summary suspension of a license or registration pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the licensee or registrant with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges made against the licensee or registrant and the licensee's or registrant's right to a formal hearing before the board or an administrative law judge on the charges within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. K. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee or registrant receives the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. L. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee or registrant receives the advisory letter. 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. 4. Enter into an agreement with the licensee or registrant to discipline the licensee or registrant, restrict the licensee's or registrant's practice or professional activities or rehabilitate, retrain or assess the licensee or registrant in order to protect the public and ensure the licensee's or registrant's ability to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. The agreement may include at least the following: (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand. (b) Issuance of a decree of censure. (c) Practice or professional restrictions, such as doing the following only under pharmacist supervision: (i) Entering prescription or patient data. (ii) Initiating or accepting verbal refill authorization. (iii) Counting, pouring, packaging or labeling prescription medication. (iv) Compounding, reconstituting, prepackaging or repackaging drugs. (d) Rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs, including: (i) Board-approved community service. (ii) Successful completion of additional board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses. (iii) Successful passage of board-approved pharmacist technician licensure examinations. (iv) Successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the licensee's or registrant's own expense. (e) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (f) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or educate the licensee or registrant concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, practice or professional restrictions, rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the licensee or registrant. M. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section and additional information provided during the conference warrants revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. N. If the licensee or registrant wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the licensee or registrant must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter. O. An advisory letter is a nondisciplinary public document. P. If the board during an investigation determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration. Q. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a licensee or registrant. R. The board may deny a license or registration to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section. S. A person who is licensed or registered pursuant to this chapter or by any other jurisdiction and who has a license or registration revoked or suspended shall not obtain a license or registration as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee or work as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee without the approval of the board or its designee. END_STATUTE Sec. 8. Section 32-1927.02, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1927.02. Permittees; disciplinary action A. The board may discipline a permittee if: 1. The board determines that the permittee or permittee's employee is guilty of unethical conduct pursuant to section 32-1901.01, subsection A. 2. Pursuant to a psychiatric examination, the permittee or the permittee's employee is found to be mentally unfit to safely engage in employment duties. 3. The board determines that the permittee or the permittee's employee is physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the permittee or permittee's employee unfit to safely engage in employment duties. 4. The permit was issued through error. 5. A permittee or permittee's employee allows a person who does not possess a current license or registration issued by the board to work as a pharmacist, pharmacy intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. B. A permittee who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unethical conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter or whose employee after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unethical conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to any one or combination of the following: 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 2. A letter of reprimand. 3. A decree of censure. 4. Completion of board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses. 5. Probation. 6. Suspension or revocation of the permit. C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the permittee whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter or whose employee it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a permittee or permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct, is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or is or may be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. Any person may, and any licensee or permittee must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a permittee or permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct, is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or is or may be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. The board or the executive director shall notify the permittee as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unethical conduct for any permittee to fail to report as required by this subsection. E. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the permittee or permittee's employee, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board under subsection D of this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the permittee or permittee's employee, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program. F. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the permit, the board may take any of the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter. 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses. G. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a permittee's or permittee's employee's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity. H. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the permittee or permittee's employee. If the permittee or permittee's employee refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. I. If through information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the permit, the board may restrict a permit or order a summary suspension of a permit pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the permittee with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges and the permittee's right to a formal hearing on the charges before the board or an administrative law judge within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. J. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter. 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses. K. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions: 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit. 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the permittee receives the advisory letter. 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses. 4. Enter into an agreement with the permittee to discipline the permittee, restrict the permittee's business activities or rehabilitate or assess the permittee in order to protect the public and ensure the permittee's ability to safely engage in employment duties. The agreement may include, at a minimum, the following disciplinary actions, business activity restrictions and rehabilitative or assessment programs: (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand. (b) Issuance of a decree of censure. (c) Business activity restrictions, including limitations on the number, type, classification or schedule of drug, device, poison, hazardous substance, controlled substance or precursor chemical that may be manufactured, sold, distributed or dispensed. (d) Successful completion of board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses. (e) Rehabilitative or assessment programs, including board-approved community service or successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the permittee's own expense. (f) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (g) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or assess the permittee concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, business practice restrictions, rehabilitative or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the permittee. L. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section and additional information provided during the conference indicate that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10. M. If the permittee wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the permittee must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter. N. If the board, during any investigation, determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration. O. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a permittee. P. The board may deny a permit to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section. Q. If the board approves a permit and the business fails to become operational within nine months after the date the permit is granted, the permit is no longer valid. The board may grant a onetime extension for the business to become operational. END_STATUTE Sec. 9. Section 32-1930, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1930. Types of permits; permit restrictions and requirements; discontinuance of pharmacy permit A. On application, the board may issue the following classes or kinds of permits: 1. If approved by the board, a pharmacy, limited service pharmacy, automated prescription-dispensing kiosk, full service wholesale drug, third-party logistics provider, nonprescription drug wholesale and drug manufacturer's permit. 2. A drug packager or drug prepackager permit to an individual or establishment that is currently listed by the United States food and drug administration and has met the requirements of that agency to purchase, repackage, relabel or otherwise alter the manufacturer's original package of an approved drug product with the intent of reselling these items to persons or businesses authorized to possess or resell the repackaged, prepackaged or relabeled drug. 3. A durable medical equipment distributor and compressed medical gas distributor permit and a durable medical equipment supplier and compressed medical gas supplier permit. B. The board shall deny or revoke a pharmacy permit if a medical practitioner receives compensation, either directly or indirectly, from a pharmacy as a result of the practitioner's prescription orders. This does not include compensation to a medical practitioner who is the owner of a building where space is leased to a pharmacy at the prevailing rate, not resulting in a rebate to the medical practitioner. C. If a pharmacy permanently discontinues operation, the permittee shall immediately surrender the permit to the executive director. The permittee shall remove all drug signs and symbols, either within or without the premises, and shall remove or destroy all drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances. D. An automated prescription-dispensing kiosk may not contain or dispense a controlled substance as defined in section 36-2501 and the controlled substances act (P.L. 91-513; 84 Stat. 1242; 21 United States Code section 802). E. All permits shall contain the name of the business that matches the name on the permittee's facility, invoices and pharmacy permit. F. The permittee's hours of operation shall be entered in the permittee's online profile and updated within fifteen days after any change in the permittee's hours of operation. END_STATUTE Sec. 10. Section 32-1965, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE32-1965. Prohibited acts Committing or causing any of the following acts or the causing of any thereof, in addition to any others so other act specified in this chapter, are is prohibited: 1. The manufacture, sale Manufacturing, selling, holding or offering for sale of any drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance that is adulterated or misbranded. 2. The adulteration Adultering or misbranding of any drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance. 3. The alteration, mutilation, destruction, obliteration, Altering, mutilating, destroying, obliterating or removal of removing the whole or any part of the labeling of, or the doing of any other act with respect to, a drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance, if such an act is done while such the article is held for sale and results in such the article being adulterated or misbranded. 4. The manufacture, sale manufacturing, selling, holding or offering for sale of a counterfeit drug or forging, counterfeiting, simulating, or falsely representing or without proper authority using any mark, stamp, tag, label, or other identification device authorized or required by rules adopted under the provisions of this chapter, or of the federal act. 5. The Using, on the labeling of any drug or device, or in any advertisement, relating to such a drug or device, of any representation or suggestion that such the drug or device complies with the provisions of this chapter. 6. In the case of a prescription-only drug or a controlled substance that requires a prescription order by state or federal law, the failure of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor to transmit, to any medical practitioner who makes a written request for information about such a drug, true and correct copies of all printed matter included in any package in which that drug is distributed or other printed matter approved under the federal act. 7. Engaging in the practice of pharmacy without first having a current license in good standing issued by the board. 8. Making or offering to make a forged, counterfeit, altered or photocopied prescription or drug order for the purpose of obtaining prescription-only drugs or controlled substance drugs substances. 9. Wholesaling or distributing a prescription drug or device, a controlled substance, a nonprescription drug, medical gas or durable medical equipment without a valid board-issued permit. 10. In the case of a manufacturer, manufacturing, possessing or shipping into this state a manufactured prescription drug or device, a controlled substance, a nonprescription drug, a precursor chemical or any other regulated chemical without a valid board-issued permit. END_STATUTE Sec. 11. Section 36-2602, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-2602. Controlled substances prescription monitoring program; contracts; retention and maintenance of records A. The board shall adopt rules to establish a controlled substances prescription monitoring program. The program shall: 1. Be operated, monitored and maintained by the board. 2. Be staffed by the board. 3. Include a computerized central database tracking system to track the prescribing, dispensing and consumption of schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances that are dispensed by a medical practitioner or by a pharmacy that holds a valid license or permit issued pursuant to title 32. The database shall include data from the department of health services that identifies residents of this state who possess a registry identification card issued pursuant to chapter 28.1 of this title. The tracking system shall not interfere with the legal use of a controlled substance for managing severe or intractable pain. 4. Assist law enforcement to identify illegal activity related to prescribing, dispensing and consuming schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances. 5. Provide information to patients, medical practitioners and pharmacists to help avoid the inappropriate use of schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances. 6. Be designed to minimize inconvenience to patients, prescribing medical practitioners and pharmacies while effectuating the collection and storage of information. B. The board may enter into private or public contracts, including intergovernmental agreements pursuant to title 11, chapter 7, article 3, to ensure the effective operation of the program. Each contractor must comply with the confidentiality requirements prescribed in this article and is subject to the criminal penalties prescribed in section 36-2610. C. The board shall maintain the following records for the following periods of time: 1. A record of dispensing a controlled substance for seven years after the date the controlled substance was dispensed. 2. Affidavits Search warrants for the purpose of an open investigation by law enforcement for two years. 3. Court orders requesting medical record information in the program for two years. 4. A patient's request of the patient's own prescription history for two years. 5. A prescriber report for two years. END_STATUTE Sec. 12. Section 36-2603, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-2603. Computerized central database tracking system task force; consultation on electronic prescribing; membership A. The board shall appoint a task force to help it administer the computerized central database tracking system, to identify educational, outreach and support services to advance medical practitioners' adoption of electronic prescribing of schedule II controlled substances and pharmacy implementation of section 36-2525 and to consult with regarding recommendations for exceptions to the electronic prescribing requirements prescribed in section 36-2525. The chairperson of the board shall chair serve as chairperson of the task force. The task force shall be limited to not more than fifteen members and include the following members: 1. Pharmacists, medical practitioners and other licensed health care providers. 2. Representatives of professional societies and associations for pharmacists, medical practitioners and other licensed health care providers. 3. Representatives of professional licensing boards. 4. Representatives of the Arizona health care cost containment system administration. 5. Representatives of state and federal agencies that have an interest in controlling controlled substances. 6. Criminal prosecutors. 7. Representatives of a health information organization in this state. B. The task force shall meet to establish the procedures and conditions relating to the release of prescription information pursuant to section 36-2604. The task force shall meet at least once each year and at the call of the chairperson. C. Task force members serve at the pleasure of the board and are not eligible to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses. END_STATUTE Sec. 13. Section 36-2606, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-2606. Registration; access; requirements; mandatory use; annual user satisfaction survey; report; definitions A. A medical practitioner regulatory board shall notify each medical practitioner who receives an initial or renewal license and who intends to apply for registration or has an active registration under the controlled substances act (21 United States Code sections 801 through 904) of the medical practitioner's responsibility to register with the Arizona state board of pharmacy and be granted access to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system. The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall provide access to the central database tracking system to each medical practitioner who has a valid license pursuant to title 32 and who possesses an Arizona registration under the controlled substances act (21 United States Code sections 801 through 904). The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall notify each pharmacist of the pharmacist's responsibility to register with the Arizona state board of pharmacy and be granted access to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system. The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall provide access to the central database tracking system to each pharmacist who has a valid license pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is employed by either: 1. A facility that has a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number. 2. The administration, a contractor or a health care insurer and who has a national provider identifier number. B. The registration is: 1. Valid in conjunction with a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number and a valid license issued by a medical practitioner regulatory board established pursuant to title 32, chapter 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25 or 29. 2. Valid in conjunction with a valid license issued by the Arizona state board of pharmacy for a pharmacist who is employed by either: (a) A facility that has a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number. (b) The administration, a contractor or a health care insurer and who has a national provider identifier number. 3. Not transferable or assignable. C. An applicant for registration pursuant to this section must apply as prescribed by the board. D. Pursuant to a fee prescribed by the board by rule, the board may issue a replacement registration to a registrant who requests a replacement because the original was damaged or destroyed, because of a change of name or for any other good cause as prescribed by the board. E. A person who is authorized to access the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system may do so using only that person's assigned identifier and may not use the assigned identifier of another person. F. Beginning the later of October 1, 2017 or sixty days after the statewide health information exchange has integrated the controlled substances prescription monitoring program data into the exchange, A medical practitioner, before prescribing an opioid analgesic or benzodiazepine controlled substance listed in schedule II, III or IV for a patient, shall obtain a patient utilization report regarding the patient for the preceding twelve months from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system at the beginning of each new course of treatment and at least quarterly while that prescription remains a part of the treatment. Each medical practitioner regulatory board shall notify the medical practitioners licensed by that board of the applicable date. A medical practitioner may be granted a one-year waiver from the requirement in this subsection due to technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the practitioner or other exceptional circumstances demonstrated by the practitioner, pursuant to a process established by rule by the Arizona state board of pharmacy. G. Before a pharmacist dispenses or before a pharmacy technician or pharmacy intern of a remote dispensing site pharmacy dispenses a schedule II controlled substance, a dispenser shall obtain a patient utilization report regarding the patient for the preceding twelve months from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system at the beginning of each new course of treatment. H. The medical practitioner or dispenser is not required to obtain a patient utilization report from the central database tracking system pursuant to subsection F of this section if any of the following applies: 1. The patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care for a serious or chronic illness. 2. The patient is receiving care for cancer, a cancer-related illness or condition or dialysis treatment. 3. A medical practitioner will administer the controlled substance. 4. The patient is receiving the controlled substance during the course of inpatient or residential treatment in a hospital, nursing care facility, assisted living facility, correctional facility or mental health facility. 5. The medical practitioner is prescribing the controlled substance to the patient for not more than a five-day period for an invasive medical or dental procedure or a medical or dental procedure that results in acute pain to the patient. 6. The medical practitioner is prescribing the controlled substance to the patient for not more than a five-day period for a patient who has suffered an acute injury or a medical or dental disease process that is diagnosed in an emergency department setting and that results in acute pain to the patient. An acute injury or medical disease process does not include back pain. I. On or before December 31, 2026, a vendor that provides electronic medical records services to a medical practitioner in this state shall integrate the vendor's electronic medical records system with the program's central database tracking system either directly or through the statewide health information exchange or a third-party vendor. J. If a medical practitioner or dispenser uses electronic medical records that integrate data from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program, a review of the electronic medical records with the integrated data shall be deemed compliant with the review of the program's central database tracking system as required in subsection F of this section. K. The board shall promote and enter into data sharing agreements to integrate and display patient utilization reports within electronic medical records. L. By complying with this section, a medical practitioner or dispenser who acts in good faith, or the medical practitioner's or dispenser's employer, is not subject to liability or disciplinary action arising solely from either: 1. Requesting or receiving, or failing to request or receive, prescription monitoring data from the program's central database tracking system. 2. Acting or failing to act on the basis of the prescription monitoring data provided by the program's central database tracking system. M. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, medical practitioners or dispensers and their delegates are not in violation of this section during any time period in which the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system is suspended or is not operational or available in a timely manner. If the program's central database tracking system is not accessible, the medical practitioner or dispenser or the medical practitioner's or dispenser's delegate shall document the date and time the practitioner, dispenser or delegate attempted to use the central database tracking system pursuant to a process established by board rule. N. The board shall conduct an annual voluntary survey of program users to assess user satisfaction with the program's central database tracking system. The survey may be conducted electronically. On or before December 1 of each year, the board shall provide a report of the survey results to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the governor and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state. O. This section does not prohibit a medical practitioner regulatory board or the Arizona state board of pharmacy from obtaining and using information from the program's central database tracking system. P. For the purposes of this section: 1. "Administration" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2901. 2. "Contractor" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2901. 3. "Dispenser" means a pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18. 4. "Emergency department" means the unit within a hospital that is designed to provide emergency services. 5. "Health care insurer" has the same meaning prescribed in section 20-3151. END_STATUTE Sec. 14. Section 36-2608, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-2608. Reporting requirements; waiver; exceptions A. If a medical practitioner or pharmacist dispenses a controlled substance listed in section 36-2513, 36-2514, 36-2515 or 36-2516 or the rules adopted pursuant to chapter 27, article 2 of this title, or if a prescription for a controlled substance listed in any of those sections or naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is approved by the United States food and drug administration is dispensed by a pharmacy in this state, a health care facility in this state for outpatient use or a board-permitted nonresident pharmacy for delivery to a person residing in this state, the medical practitioner, health care facility or pharmacy or pharmacist must report the following information as applicable and as prescribed by the board by rule: 1. The name, address, telephone number, prescription number and United States drug enforcement administration controlled substance registration number of the dispenser. 2. The name, address and date of birth of the person for whom the prescription is written. 3. The name, address, telephone number and United States drug enforcement administration controlled substance registration number of the prescribing medical practitioner. 4. The name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number of the schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance or naloxone hydrochloride or other opioid antagonist dispensed prescription. 5. The date the prescription was dispensed filled. 6. The date the prescription was sold to the ultimate user or agent of the ultimate user. 6. 7. The number of refills, if any, authorized by the medical practitioner. B. If a pharmacist dispenses for outpatient use naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is approved by the United STates food and drug administration for a patient in this state pursuant to section 32-1979, the pharmacist shall report the information listed in subsection A of this section. B. C. Except as provided in subsection D E of this section, a dispenser must use the latest version of the standard implementation guide for prescription monitoring programs published by the American society for automation in pharmacy to report the required information. C. D. The board shall allow the reporter to transmit the required information by electronic data transfer if feasible or, if not feasible, on reporting forms as prescribed by the board. The reporter shall submit the required information once each day within one business day after the date the prescription was sold. D. E. A dispenser who does not have an automated recordkeeping system capable of producing an electronic report in the established format may request a waiver from electronic reporting by submitting a written request to the board. The board shall grant the request if the dispenser agrees in writing to report the data by submitting submit a completed universal claim form as prescribed by the board by rule. E. The board by rule may prescribe the prescription form to be used in prescribing a schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance if the board determines that this would facilitate the reporting requirements of this section. F. The reporting requirements of this section do not apply to the following: 1. A controlled substance that is administered directly to a patient. 2. A controlled substance that is dispensed by a medical practitioner at a health care facility licensed by this state if the quantity dispensed is limited to an amount adequate to treat the patient for a maximum of seventy-two hours with not more than two seventy-two-hour cycles within any fifteen-day period. 3. A controlled substance sample. 4. The wholesale distribution of a schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance. For the purposes of this paragraph, "wholesale distribution" has the same meaning prescribed in section 32-1981. 5. A facility that is registered by the United States drug enforcement administration as a narcotic treatment program and that is subject to the recordkeeping provisions of 21 Code of Federal Regulations section 1304.24. G. A pharmacist who dispenses naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist to an individual pursuant to section 32-1979 shall report the information listed in subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 of this section and the name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number as prescribed by the board by rule pursuant to subsection A of this section. H. G. Naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist shall not be viewable in the patient utilization report. END_STATUTE
7979
8080 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
8181
8282 Section 1. Section 32-1901.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
8383
8484 START_STATUTE32-1901.01. Definition of unethical conduct and unprofessional conduct; permittees; licensees
8585
8686 A. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a permittee, "unethical conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere:
8787
8888 1. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission.
8989
9090 2. Committing an act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a permittee and that demonstrates an actual or potential unfitness to hold a permit in light of the public's safety.
9191
9292 3. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
9393
9494 4. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the permittee unfit to perform the permittee's employment duties.
9595
9696 5. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals.
9797
9898 6. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals.
9999
100100 7. Violating state or federal reporting or recordkeeping requirements on transactions relating to precursor chemicals.
101101
102102 8. Intending to sell, transfer or distribute, or to offer for sale, transfer or distribution, or selling, transferring, distributing or dispensing or offering for sale, transfer or distribution an imitation controlled substance, imitation over-the-counter drug or imitation prescription-only drug as defined in section 13-3451.
103103
104104 9. Having the permittee's permit to manufacture, sell, distribute or dispense drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction. The permittee shall notify the board in writing within fifteen days after the other jurisdiction's action on the permittee's permit.
105105
106106 10. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline.
107107
108108 11. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a permit or a permit renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency.
109109
110110 12. Wilfully making a false report or record that is required by this chapter, that is required by federal or state laws pertaining to drugs, devices, poisons, hazardous substances or precursor chemicals or that is required to pay for drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances or precursor chemicals or for services pertaining to such drugs or substances.
111111
112112 13. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information.
113113
114114 14. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents.
115115
116116 15. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter.
117117
118118 16. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter.
119119
120120 17. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena.
121121
122122 18. Failing to provide the board or its employees or agents or an authorized federal or state official conducting a site investigation, inspection or audit with access to any place for which a permit has been issued or for which an application for a permit has been submitted.
123123
124124 19. Failing to notify the board of a change of ownership, management or pharmacist in charge.
125125
126126 20. Failing to promptly produce, within fifteen days, on the request of the official conducting a site an investigation, inspection or audit any book, record or document books, records or documents and, if available, audio or visual recordings.
127127
128128 21. Overruling or attempting to overrule a pharmacist in matters of pharmacy ethics or interpreting laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy or the distribution of drugs or devices.
129129
130130 22. Distributing premiums or rebates of any kind in connection with the sale of prescription medication, other than to the prescription medication recipient.
131131
132132 23. Failing to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled substances or precursor chemicals to unauthorized persons or entities.
133133
134134 24. Fraudulently claiming to have performed a service.
135135
136136 25. Fraudulently charging a fee for a service.
137137
138138 26. Advertising drugs or devices, or services pertaining to drugs or devices, in a manner that is untrue or misleading in any particular, and that is known, or that by the exercise of reasonable care should be known, to be untrue or misleading.
139139
140140 27. Failing to routinely operate according to the permittee's hours of operation as submitted to the board by closing for five consecutive days or more. This paragraph does not apply if the permittee notifies the board within forty-eight hours after an unexpected closure of five days or more.
141141
142142 28. failing to report an unexpected serious adverse drug event from a compounded prescription that resulted in a patient's hospitalization or death and that is from a 503a pharmacy or 503b outsourcing facility as defined in the federal food, drug, and cosmetic act. A serious adverse drug event is not, in and of itself, a disciplinary offense or unethical conduct unless the compounded prescription was misbranded or adulterated.
143143
144144 B. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, "unprofessional conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere:
145145
146146 1. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy.
147147
148148 2. Violating any federal or state law, rule or regulation relating to the manufacture or distribution of drugs and devices or the practice of pharmacy.
149149
150150 3. Dispensing a different drug or brand of drug in place of the drug or brand of drug ordered or prescribed without the express permission in each case of the orderer, or in the case of a prescription order, the medical practitioner. The conduct prohibited by this paragraph does not apply to substitutions authorized pursuant to section 32-1963.01.
151151
152152 4. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license to practice pharmacy or a license renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency.
153153
154154 5. Having the licensee's license to practice pharmacy denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction. The licensee shall notify the board in writing within fifteen days after the other jurisdiction's action on the licensee's license.
155155
156156 6. Claiming professional superiority in compounding or dispensing prescription orders.
157157
158158 7. Failing to comply with the mandatory continuing professional pharmacy education requirements of sections 32-1936 and 32-1937 and rules adopted by the board.
159159
160160 8. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission.
161161
162162 9. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
163163
164164 10. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals when determined by the board or by conviction in a federal or state court.
165165
166166 11. Knowingly dispensing a drug without a valid prescription order as required pursuant to section 32-1968, subsection A.
167167
168168 12. Knowingly dispensing a drug on a prescription order that was issued in the course of the conduct of business of dispensing drugs pursuant to diagnosis by mail or the internet, unless the order was any of the following:
169169
170170 (a) Made by a physician who provides temporary patient supervision on behalf of the patient's regular treating licensed health care professional or provides a consultation requested by the patient's regular treating licensed health care professional.
171171
172172 (b) Made in an emergency medical situation as defined in section 41-1831.
173173
174174 (c) Written to prepare a patient for a medical examination.
175175
176176 (d) Written or the prescription medications were issued for use by a county or tribal public health department for immunization programs or emergency treatment or in response to an infectious disease investigation, a public health emergency, an infectious disease outbreak or an act of bioterrorism. For the purposes of this subdivision, "bioterrorism" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-781.
177177
178178 (e) Written or antimicrobials were dispensed by the prescribing or dispensing physician to a contact as defined in section 36-661 who is believed to have had significant exposure risk as defined in section 36-661 with another person who has been diagnosed with a communicable disease as defined in section 36-661.
179179
180180 (f) Written or the prescription medications were issued for administering immunizations or vaccines listed in the United States centers for disease control and prevention's recommended immunization schedule to a household member of a patient.
181181
182182 (g) For epinephrine auto-injectors that are written or dispensed for a school district or charter school and that are to be stocked for emergency use pursuant to section 15-157 or for an authorized entity to be stocked pursuant to section 36-2226.01.
183183
184184 (h) Written by a licensee through a telehealth program that is covered by the policies and procedures adopted by the administrator of a hospital or outpatient treatment center.
185185
186186 (i) Written pursuant to a physical or mental health status examination that was conducted through telehealth as defined in section 36-3601 and consistent with federal law.
187187
188188 (j) For naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the United States food and drug administration and written or dispensed for use pursuant to section 36-2228 or 36-2266.
189189
190190 13. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy.
191191
192192 14. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee.
193193
194194 15. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a permittee or a permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct or is or may be violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
195195
196196 16. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline.
197197
198198 17. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information.
199199
200200 18. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents.
201201
202202 19. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting in the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter.
203203
204204 20. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter.
205205
206206 21. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena.
207207
208208 22. Refusing without just cause to allow authorized agents of the board to examine documents that are required to be kept pursuant to this chapter or title 36.
209209
210210 23. Participating in an arrangement or agreement to allow a prescription order or a prescription medication to be left at, picked up from, accepted by or delivered to a place that is not licensed as a pharmacy. This paragraph does not prohibit a pharmacist or a pharmacy from using an employee or a common carrier to pick up prescription orders at or deliver prescription medications to the office or home of a medical practitioner, the residence of a patient or a patient's hospital.
211211
212212 24. Paying rebates or entering into an agreement for paying rebates to a medical practitioner or any other person in the health care field.
213213
214214 25. Providing or causing to be provided to a medical practitioner prescription order blanks or forms bearing the pharmacist's or pharmacy's name, address or other means of identification.
215215
216216 26. Fraudulently claiming to have performed a professional service.
217217
218218 27. Fraudulently charging a fee for a professional service.
219219
220220 28. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change of the licensee's home address, contact information, employer or employer's address as required by section 32-1926.
221221
222222 29. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change in the licensee's residency status as required by section 32-1926.01.
223223
224224 30. Failing to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled substances or precursor chemicals to unauthorized persons or entities.
225225
226226 31. Failing to produce within fifteen days, on the request of the official CONDUCTING an investigation pursuant to a complaint, any books, records, documents or statements and, if available, audio or visual recordings.
227227
228228 C. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, for the purposes of disciplining a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, "unprofessional conduct" means the following, whether occurring in this state or elsewhere:
229229
230230 1. Using alcohol or other drugs to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties.
231231
232232 2. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to the manufacture or distribution of drugs or devices.
233233
234234 3. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a pharmacy technician license or license renewal or pharmacy technician trainee license or a pharmacy technician license renewal registration or registration renewal by fraud, by misrepresentation or by knowingly taking advantage of the mistake of another person or an agency.
235235
236236 4. Having the licensee's license to practice as a pharmacy technician denied or disciplined in another jurisdiction.
237237
238238 5. Failing to comply with the mandatory continuing professional education requirements of section 32-1925, subsection H and rules adopted by the board.
239239
240240 6. Committing a felony, whether or not involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offense. In either case, conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction or a plea of no contest is conclusive evidence of the commission.
241241
242242 7. Working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
243243
244244 8. Violating a federal or state law or administrative rule relating to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances or precursor chemicals when determined by the board or by conviction in a federal or state court.
245245
246246 9. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy.
247247
248248 10. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee.
249249
250250 11. Failing to report in writing to the board within fifteen days any evidence that a permittee or a permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct or is or may be violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
251251
252252 12. Committing an offense in another jurisdiction that if committed in this state would be grounds for discipline.
253253
254254 13. Knowingly filing with the board any application, renewal or other document that contains false or misleading information.
255255
256256 14. Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in any communication to the board or the board's employees or agents.
257257
258258 15. Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting in the violation of, or conspiring to violate this chapter.
259259
260260 16. Violating a formal order, terms of probation, a consent agreement or a stipulation issued or entered into by the board or its executive director pursuant to this chapter.
261261
262262 17. Failing to comply with a board subpoena or failing to comply in a timely manner with a board subpoena without providing any explanation to the board for not complying with the subpoena.
263263
264264 18. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change of the licensee's or registrant's home address, contact information, employer or employer's address as required by section 32-1926.
265265
266266 19. Failing to report to the board within fifteen days a change in the licensee's or registrant's residency status as required by section 32-1926.01.
267267
268268 20. Failing to produce within fifteen days, on the request of the official conducting an investigation, any books, records, documents or statements and, if available, audio or visual recordings. END_STATUTE
269269
270270 Sec. 2. Section 32-1904, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
271271
272272 START_STATUTE32-1904. Powers and duties of board; immunity
273273
274274 A. The board shall:
275275
276276 1. Make bylaws and adopt rules that are necessary to protect the public and that pertain to the practice of pharmacy, the manufacturing, wholesaling or supplying of drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances, the use of pharmacy technicians and support personnel and the lawful performance of its duties.
277277
278278 2. Fix standards and requirements to register and reregister pharmacies, except as otherwise specified.
279279
280280 3. Investigate compliance as to the quality, label and labeling of all drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances and take action necessary to prevent the sale of these if they do not conform to the standards prescribed in this chapter, the official compendium or the federal act.
281281
282282 4. Enforce its rules. In so doing, the board or its agents have free access, during the hours reported with the board or the posted hours at the facility, to any pharmacy, manufacturer, wholesaler, third-party logistics provider, nonprescription drug permittee or other establishment in which drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances are manufactured, processed, packed or held, or to enter any vehicle being used to transport or hold such drugs, devices, poisons or hazardous substances for the purpose of:
283283
284284 (a) Inspecting the establishment or vehicle to determine whether any provisions of this chapter or the federal act are being violated.
285285
286286 (b) Securing samples or specimens of any drug, device, poison or hazardous substance after paying or offering to pay for the sample.
287287
288288 (c) Detaining or embargoing a drug, device, poison or hazardous substance in accordance with section 32-1994.
289289
290290 5. Examine and license as pharmacists and pharmacy interns all qualified applicants as provided by this chapter.
291291
292292 6. Require each applicant for an initial license to apply for a fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section 41-1758.03. If an applicant is issued a valid fingerprint clearance card, the applicant shall submit the valid fingerprint clearance card to the board with the completed application. If an applicant applies for a fingerprint clearance card and is denied, the applicant may request that the board consider the application for licensure notwithstanding the absence of a valid fingerprint clearance card. The board, in its discretion, may approve an application for licensure despite the denial of a valid fingerprint clearance card if the board determines that the applicant's criminal history information on which the denial was based does not alone disqualify the applicant from licensure.
293293
294294 7. Issue duplicates of lost or destroyed permits on the payment of a fee as prescribed by the board.
295295
296296 8. Adopt rules to rehabilitate pharmacists and pharmacy interns as provided by this chapter.
297297
298298 9. At least once every three months, notify pharmacies regulated pursuant to this chapter of any modifications on prescription writing privileges of podiatrists, dentists, doctors of medicine, registered nurse practitioners, osteopathic physicians, veterinarians, physician assistants, optometrists and homeopathic physicians of which it receives notification from the state board of podiatry examiners, state board of dental examiners, Arizona medical board, Arizona state board of nursing, Arizona board of osteopathic examiners in medicine and surgery, Arizona state veterinary medical examining board, Arizona regulatory board of physician assistants, state board of optometry or board of homeopathic and integrated medicine examiners.
299299
300300 10. Charge a permittee a fee, as determined by the board, for an inspection if the permittee requests the inspection.
301301
302302 11. Issue only one active or open license per individual.
303303
304304 12. Allow a licensee to regress to a lower level license on written explanation and review by the board for discussion, determination and possible action.
305305
306306 13. Open an investigation only if the identifying information regarding a complainant is provided or the information provided is sufficient to conduct an investigation.
307307
308308 14. Provide notice to an applicant, licensee, REgiSTRANT or permittee using only the information provided to the board through the board's licensing database.
309309
310310 B. The board may:
311311
312312 1. Employ chemists, compliance officers, clerical help and other employees subject to title 41, chapter 4, article 4 and provide laboratory facilities for the proper conduct of its business.
313313
314314 2. Provide, by educating and informing the licensees and the public, assistance in curtailing abuse in the use of drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances.
315315
316316 3. Approve or reject the manner of storage and security of drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances.
317317
318318 4. Accept monies and services to assist in enforcing this chapter from other than licensees:
319319
320320 (a) For performing inspections and other board functions.
321321
322322 (b) For the cost of copies of the pharmacy and controlled substances laws, the annual report of the board and other information from the board.
323323
324324 5. Adopt rules for professional conduct appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of pharmacy.
325325
326326 6. Grant permission to deviate from a state requirement for modernization of pharmacy practice, experimentation or technological advances.
327327
328328 7. Adopt rules for the training and practice of pharmacy interns, pharmacy technicians and support personnel.
329329
330330 8. Investigate alleged violations of this chapter, conduct hearings in respect to violations, subpoena witnesses and take such action as it deems necessary to revoke or suspend a license, a REGISTRATION or a permit, place a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee on probation or warn a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee under this chapter or to bring notice of violations to the county attorney of the county in which a violation took place or to the attorney general.
331331
332332 9. By rule, approve colleges or schools of pharmacy.
333333
334334 10. By rule, approve programs of practical experience, clinical programs, internship training programs, programs of remedial academic work and preliminary equivalency examinations as provided by this chapter.
335335
336336 11. Assist in the continuing education of pharmacists and pharmacy interns.
337337
338338 12. Issue inactive status licenses as provided by this chapter.
339339
340340 13. Accept monies and services from the federal government or others for educational, research or other purposes pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter.
341341
342342 14. By rule, except from the application of all or any part of this chapter any material, compound, mixture or preparation containing any stimulant or depressant substance included in section 13-3401, paragraph 6, subdivision (c) or (d) from the definition of dangerous drug if the material, compound, mixture or preparation contains one or more active medicinal ingredients not having a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system, provided that such admixtures are included in such combinations, quantity, proportion or concentration as to vitiate the potential for abuse of the substances that do have a stimulant or depressant effect on the central nervous system.
343343
344344 15. Adopt rules for the revocation, suspension or reinstatement of licenses, registrations or permits or the probation of licensees, REGISTRANTs or permittees as provided by this chapter.
345345
346346 16. Issue a certificate of free sale to any person that is licensed by the board as a manufacturer for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing food supplements or dietary supplements as defined in rule by the board and that wants to sell food supplements or dietary supplements domestically or internationally. The application shall contain all of the following:
347347
348348 (a) The applicant's name, address, email address, telephone and fax number.
349349
350350 (b) The product's full, common or usual name.
351351
352352 (c) A copy of the label for each product listed. If the product is to be exported in bulk and a label is not available, the applicant shall include a certificate of composition.
353353
354354 (d) The country of export, if applicable.
355355
356356 (e) The number of certificates of free sale requested The applicant shall submit an application approved by the board.
357357
358358 17. Establish an inspection process to issue certificates of free sale or good manufacturing practice certifications. The board shall establish in rule:
359359
360360 (a) A fee to issue certificates of free sale.
361361
362362 (b) A fee to issue good manufacturing practice certifications.
363363
364364 (c) An annual inspection fee.
365365
366366 18. Delegate to the executive director the authority to:
367367
368368 (a) If the president or vice president of the board concurs after reviewing the case, enter into an interim consent agreement with a licensee or permittee if there is evidence that a restriction against the license or permit is needed to mitigate danger to the public health and safety. The board may subsequently formally adopt the interim consent agreement with any modifications the board deems necessary.
369369
370370 (b) Take no action or dismiss a complaint that has insufficient evidence that a violation of statute or rule governing the practice of pharmacy occurred.
371371
372372 (c) Request an applicant or licensee to provide court documents and police reports if the applicant or licensee has been charged with or convicted of a criminal offense. The executive director may do either of the following if the applicant or licensee fails to provide the requested documents to the board within thirty business days after the request:
373373
374374 (i) Close the application, deem the application fee forfeited and not consider a new application complete unless the requested documents are submitted with the application.
375375
376376 (ii) Notify the licensee of an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 41-1061 to consider suspension of the licensee.
377377
378378 (d) Pursuant to section 36-2604, subsection B, review prescription information collected pursuant to title 36, chapter 28, article 1.
379379
380380 (e) Issue a subpoena to do either of the following:
381381
382382 (i) Solicit a response either for information pertaining to a complaint or investigation or to a consent agreement issued by the board.
383383
384384 (ii) Require a personal appearance before the board.
385385
386386 (f) Enter into agreements or memoranda of understanding between a state or federal regulatory agency.
387387
388388 C. At each regularly scheduled board meeting, the executive director shall provide to the board a list of the executive director's actions taken pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 18, subdivisions (a), (b) and (c) and (d) of this section since the last board meeting.
389389
390390 D. The board may issue nondisciplinary civil penalties or delegate to the executive director the authority to issue nondisciplinary civil penalties. The nondisciplinary civil penalties shall be prescribed by the board in rule and issued using a board-approved form. If a licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to pay a nondisciplinary civil penalty that the board has imposed on it, the board shall hold a hearing on the matter. In addition to any other nondisciplinary civil penalty adopted by the board, either of the following acts or omissions that is not an imminent threat to the public health and safety is subject to a nondisciplinary civil penalty:
391391
392392 1. An occurrence of either of the following:
393393
394394 (a) Failing to submit a remodel application before remodeling a permitted facility.
395395
396396 (b) Failing to notify the board of the relocation of a business.
397397
398398 2. The occurrence of any of the following violations or any of the violations adopted by the board in rule, with three or more violations being presented to the board as a complaint:
399399
400400 (a) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to update the licensee's, REGISTRANT's or permittee's online profile within ten fifteen days after a change in contact information, address, telephone number or email address.
401401
402402 (b) The licensee or REGISTRANT fails to update the licensee's or REGISTRANT's online profile within ten fifteen days after a change in employment.
403403
404404 (c) The licensee fails to complete the required continuing education for a license renewal.
405405
406406 (d) The licensee fails to update the licensee's online profile to reflect a new pharmacist in charge within fourteen days after the position change.
407407
408408 (e) The permittee fails to update the permittee's online profile to reflect a new designated representative within ten days after the position change.
409409
410410 (f) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to notify the board of a new criminal charge, arrest or conviction against the licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee in this state or any other jurisdiction.
411411
412412 (g) The licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee fails to notify the board of a disciplinary action taken against the licensee, REGISTRANT or permittee by another regulating agency in this state or any other jurisdiction.
413413
414414 (h) A The licensee or permittee fails to renew a license or permit within sixty days after the license or permit expires. If more than sixty days have lapsed after the expiration of a license or permit, the licensee or permittee shall appear before the board.
415415
416416 (i) A new pharmacist in charge fails to conduct a controlled substance inventory within ten days after starting the position.
417417
418418 (j) A person fails to obtain a permit before shipping into this state anything that requires a permit pursuant to this chapter.
419419
420420 (k) Any other violations of statute or rule that the board or the board's designee deems appropriate for a nondisciplinary civil penalty.
421421
422422 E. The board shall develop substantive policy statements pursuant to section 41-1091 for each specific licensing and regulatory authority the board delegates to the executive director.
423423
424424 F. The executive director and other personnel or agents of the board are not subject to civil liability for any act done or proceeding undertaken or performed in good faith and in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. END_STATUTE
425425
426426 Sec. 3. Section 32-1925, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
427427
428428 START_STATUTE32-1925. Renewal of license of pharmacists, interns and pharmacy technicians; fees; expiration dates; penalty for failure to renew; continuing education
429429
430430 A. Except for interns and pharmacy technician trainees, the board shall assign all persons who are licensed under this chapter to one of two license renewal groups as prescribed by the board in rule. Except as provided in section 32-4301, a holder of a license certificate designated in the licensing database as even by way of verbiage or numerical value shall renew it biennially on or before November 1 of the even-numbered year, two years after the last renewal date. Except as provided in section 32-4301, a holder of a license certificate designated in the licensing database as odd by way of verbiage or numerical value shall renew it biennially on or before November 1 of the odd-numbered year, two years after the last renewal date. failure to renew and pay all required fees on or before November 1 of the year in which the renewal is due suspends the license. The board shall vacate a suspension when the licensee pays all past due fees and reinstatement penalties. Reinstatement penalties shall not exceed $350. The board may waive collection of a fee or reinstatement penalty due after suspension under conditions established by a majority of the board.
431431
432432 B. A person shall not apply for license renewal more than sixty days before the expiration date of the license.
433433
434434 C. A person who is licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician and who has not renewed the license for five consecutive years shall furnish to the board satisfactory proof of fitness to be licensed as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. A person whose license has lapsed for two or more renewal cycles shall pay the fees for the two most recent renewal cycles and the penalties before being reinstated.
435435
436436 D. Biennial renewal fees for licensure shall be not more than:
437437
438438 1. For a pharmacist, $250.
439439
440440 2. For a pharmacy technician, $100.
441441
442442 3. For a duplicate renewal license, $25.
443443
444444 E. Fees that are designated to be not more than a maximum amount shall be set by the board for the following two fiscal years beginning November 1. The board shall establish fees approximately proportionate to the maximum fee allowed to cover the board's anticipated expenditures for the following two fiscal years. Variation in a fee is not effective except at the expiration date of a license.
445445
446446 F. The board shall not renew a license for a pharmacist unless the pharmacist has complied with the mandatory continuing professional pharmacy education requirements of sections 32-1936 and 32-1937.
447447
448448 G. The board shall prescribe intern licensure renewal fees that do not exceed $75. The license of an intern who does not receive specific board approval to renew the intern license or who receives board approval to renew but who does not renew and pay all required fees before the license expiration date is suspended after the license expiration date. The board shall vacate a suspension if the licensee pays all past due fees and penalties. Penalties shall not exceed $350. The board may waive collection of a fee or penalty due after suspension under conditions established by the board.
449449
450450 H. The board shall not renew a license for a pharmacy technician unless that person has a current board-approved license and has complied with board-approved mandatory continuing professional education requirements. If a pharmacy technician prepares, compounds or dispenses prescription medications at a remote dispensing site pharmacy, the pharmacy technician shall complete, in addition to any other board-approved mandatory continuing professional education requirements, a two-hour continuing education program on remote dispensing site pharmacy practices provided by an approved provider. END_STATUTE
451451
452452 Sec. 4. Section 32-1926, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
453453
454454 START_STATUTE32-1926. Notice of change of information required
455455
456456 A. Except as prescribed in subsection B of this section, a pharmacist, intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, within ten fifteen days after a change in that person's employer, employer's address, home address or contact information, shall electronically update the person's online board profile or give written notice to the board office staff of the new information.
457457
458458 B. Pursuant to board rule, a pharmacist designated as the pharmacist in charge for a permit issued under this chapter shall give immediate notice to the board office staff of the initiation and termination of such responsibility. The pharmacist shall either electronically update the pharmacist's online board profile or give written notice to the board office staff of the new information. END_STATUTE
459459
460460 Sec. 5. Section 32-1926.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
461461
462462 START_STATUTE32-1926.01. Change in residency status; written notice required
463463
464464 A. A Each licensee and registrant shall give written notice to the board office staff of a change in the licensee's or registrant's residency status authorized by the United States citizenship and immigration services.
465465
466466 B. If the licensee's or registrant's residency status ceases to be authorized by the United States citizenship and immigration services, the licensee or registrant shall give written notice to the board office staff that the licensee or registrant voluntarily terminates the license or registration. END_STATUTE
467467
468468 Sec. 6. Section 32-1927, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
469469
470470 START_STATUTE32-1927. Pharmacists; pharmacy interns; disciplinary action
471471
472472 A. A pharmacist or pharmacy intern is subject to disciplinary action by the board for any of the following:
473473
474474 1. The board determines that the licensee has committed an act of unprofessional conduct.
475475
476476 2. The licensee is found by psychiatric examination to be mentally unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy.
477477
478478 3. The licensee is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy.
479479
480480 4. The licensee is found to be professionally incompetent to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice the profession of pharmacy.
481481
482482 5. The license was issued through error.
483483
484484 B. A pharmacist or pharmacy intern who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unprofessional conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy or to be professionally incompetent is subject to any one or combination of the following:
485485
486486 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
487487
488488 2. A letter of reprimand.
489489
490490 3. A decree of censure.
491491
492492 4. Completion of board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
493493
494494 5. Probation.
495495
496496 6. Suspension or revocation of the license.
497497
498498 C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the licensee whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
499499
500500 D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy. Any person may, and a licensee or permittee of the board must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy. The board or the executive director shall notify the pharmacist or pharmacy intern as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unprofessional conduct for any pharmacist or pharmacy intern to fail to report as required by this subsection.
501501
502502 E. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern employed by the pharmacy is terminated because of actions by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern that appear to show that the pharmacist or pharmacy intern is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy, along with a general statement of the reasons that led the pharmacy to take the action. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern under investigation resigns or if a pharmacist or pharmacy intern resigns in lieu of disciplinary action by the pharmacy. Notification must include a general statement of the reasons for the resignation. A person who reports information in good faith pursuant to this subsection is not subject to civil liability.
503503
504504 F. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations or pharmacist licensure examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board under this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program.
505505
506506 G. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the license of the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, the board may take any of the following actions:
507507
508508 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit.
509509
510510 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter.
511511
512512 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
513513
514514 H. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a licensee's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity.
515515
516516 I. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the pharmacist or pharmacy intern. If the pharmacist or pharmacy intern refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
517517
518518 J. If through information provided pursuant to this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the license of a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, the board may restrict a license or order a summary suspension of a license pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the licensee with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges and licensee's right to a formal hearing before the board or an administrative law judge on the charges within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
519519
520520 K. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
521521
522522 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
523523
524524 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee receives the advisory letter.
525525
526526 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
527527
528528 L. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
529529
530530 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
531531
532532 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee receives the advisory letter.
533533
534534 3. Require the licensee to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
535535
536536 4. Enter into an agreement with the licensee to discipline the licensee, restrict the licensee's practice or professional activities or rehabilitate, retrain or assess the licensee in order to protect the public and ensure the licensee's ability to safely engage in the practice of pharmacy. The agreement may include at least the following:
537537
538538 (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand.
539539
540540 (b) Issuance of a decree of censure.
541541
542542 (c) Practice or professional restrictions, such as not acting as a pharmacist in charge or pharmacy intern preceptor or working with another pharmacist.
543543
544544 (d) Rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs, including:
545545
546546 (i) Board-approved community service.
547547
548548 (ii) Successful completion of additional board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
549549
550550 (iii) Successful passage of board-approved pharmacist licensure examinations.
551551
552552 (iv) Successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the licensee's own expense.
553553
554554 (e) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
555555
556556 (f) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or educate the licensee concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, practice or professional restrictions, rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the licensee.
557557
558558 M. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section and additional information provided during the conference warrants revocation or suspension of a license, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
559559
560560 N. If the licensee wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the licensee must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter.
561561
562562 O. An advisory letter is a nondisciplinary public document.
563563
564564 P. If the board during an investigation determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration.
565565
566566 Q. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a licensee.
567567
568568 R. The board may deny a license to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section.
569569
570570 S. A person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter or by any other jurisdiction and who has a license revoked or suspended shall not obtain a license as a pharmacy intern or pharmacy technician or a registration as a pharmacy technician trainee or work as a pharmacy intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee without the approval of the board or its designee. END_STATUTE
571571
572572 Sec. 7. Section 32-1927.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
573573
574574 START_STATUTE32-1927.01. Pharmacy technicians; pharmacy technician trainees; disciplinary action
575575
576576 A. A pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is subject to disciplinary action by the board for any of the following:
577577
578578 1. The board determines that the licensee or registrant has committed an act of unprofessional conduct.
579579
580580 2. The licensee or registrant is found by psychiatric examination to be mentally unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties.
581581
582582 3. The licensee or registrant is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties.
583583
584584 4. The licensee or registrant is found to be professionally incompetent to such a degree as to render the licensee or registrant unfit to safely perform the licensee's or registrant's employment duties.
585585
586586 5. The license or registration was issued through error.
587587
588588 B. A pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unprofessional conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of pharmacy or to be professionally incompetent is subject to any one or combination of the following:
589589
590590 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
591591
592592 2. A letter of reprimand.
593593
594594 3. A decree of censure.
595595
596596 4. Completion of board designated continuing education courses.
597597
598598 5. Probation.
599599
600600 6. Suspension or revocation of the license or registration.
601601
602602 C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the licensee or registrant whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
603603
604604 D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. Any person may, and a licensee, registrant or permittee of the board must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. The board or the executive director shall notify the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unprofessional conduct for any pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee to fail to report as required by this subsection.
605605
606606 E. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee employed by the pharmacy is terminated because of actions by that person that appear to show that the person is or may be professionally incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, along with a general statement of the reasons that led the pharmacy to take the action. The pharmacy permittee or pharmacist in charge of a pharmacy located in this state must inform the board if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee under investigation resigns or if a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee resigns in lieu of disciplinary action by the pharmacy. Notification must include a general statement of the reasons for the resignation. A person who reports information in good faith pursuant to this subsection is not subject to civil liability.
607607
608608 F. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations or pharmacy technician licensure examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board pursuant to this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the licensee or registrant, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program.
609609
610610 G. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the license or registration of the pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, the board may take any of the following actions:
611611
612612 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit.
613613
614614 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter.
615615
616616 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
617617
618618 H. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a licensee's or registrant's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity.
619619
620620 I. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the licensee or registrant. If the licensee or registrant refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
621621
622622 J. If through information provided pursuant to this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the license or registration of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee, the board may restrict a license or registration or order a summary suspension of a license or registration pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the licensee or registrant with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges made against the licensee or registrant and the licensee's or registrant's right to a formal hearing before the board or an administrative law judge on the charges within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
623623
624624 K. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
625625
626626 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
627627
628628 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee or registrant receives the advisory letter.
629629
630630 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
631631
632632 L. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
633633
634634 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
635635
636636 2. File an advisory letter. The licensee or registrant may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the licensee or registrant receives the advisory letter.
637637
638638 3. Require the licensee or registrant to complete board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
639639
640640 4. Enter into an agreement with the licensee or registrant to discipline the licensee or registrant, restrict the licensee's or registrant's practice or professional activities or rehabilitate, retrain or assess the licensee or registrant in order to protect the public and ensure the licensee's or registrant's ability to safely engage in the permissible activities of a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee. The agreement may include at least the following:
641641
642642 (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand.
643643
644644 (b) Issuance of a decree of censure.
645645
646646 (c) Practice or professional restrictions, such as doing the following only under pharmacist supervision:
647647
648648 (i) Entering prescription or patient data.
649649
650650 (ii) Initiating or accepting verbal refill authorization.
651651
652652 (iii) Counting, pouring, packaging or labeling prescription medication.
653653
654654 (iv) Compounding, reconstituting, prepackaging or repackaging drugs.
655655
656656 (d) Rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs, including:
657657
658658 (i) Board-approved community service.
659659
660660 (ii) Successful completion of additional board-designated continuing pharmaceutical education courses.
661661
662662 (iii) Successful passage of board-approved pharmacist technician licensure examinations.
663663
664664 (iv) Successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the licensee's or registrant's own expense.
665665
666666 (e) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
667667
668668 (f) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or educate the licensee or registrant concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, practice or professional restrictions, rehabilitative, retraining or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the licensee or registrant.
669669
670670 M. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to this section and additional information provided during the conference warrants revocation or suspension of a license or registration, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
671671
672672 N. If the licensee or registrant wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the licensee or registrant must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter.
673673
674674 O. An advisory letter is a nondisciplinary public document.
675675
676676 P. If the board during an investigation determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration.
677677
678678 Q. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a licensee or registrant.
679679
680680 R. The board may deny a license or registration to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section.
681681
682682 S. A person who is licensed or registered pursuant to this chapter or by any other jurisdiction and who has a license or registration revoked or suspended shall not obtain a license or registration as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee or work as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee without the approval of the board or its designee. END_STATUTE
683683
684684 Sec. 8. Section 32-1927.02, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
685685
686686 START_STATUTE32-1927.02. Permittees; disciplinary action
687687
688688 A. The board may discipline a permittee if:
689689
690690 1. The board determines that the permittee or permittee's employee is guilty of unethical conduct pursuant to section 32-1901.01, subsection A.
691691
692692 2. Pursuant to a psychiatric examination, the permittee or the permittee's employee is found to be mentally unfit to safely engage in employment duties.
693693
694694 3. The board determines that the permittee or the permittee's employee is physically or mentally incapacitated to such a degree as to render the permittee or permittee's employee unfit to safely engage in employment duties.
695695
696696 4. The permit was issued through error.
697697
698698 5. A permittee or permittee's employee allows a person who does not possess a current license or registration issued by the board to work as a pharmacist, pharmacy intern, pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee.
699699
700700 B. A permittee who after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unethical conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter or whose employee after a formal hearing is found by the board to be guilty of unethical conduct, to be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to any one or combination of the following:
701701
702702 1. A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
703703
704704 2. A letter of reprimand.
705705
706706 3. A decree of censure.
707707
708708 4. Completion of board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses.
709709
710710 5. Probation.
711711
712712 6. Suspension or revocation of the permit.
713713
714714 C. The board may charge the costs of formal hearings to the permittee whom it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter or whose employee it finds to be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
715715
716716 D. The board on its own motion may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a permittee or permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct, is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or is or may be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. Any person may, and any licensee or permittee must, report to the board any information that appears to show that a permittee or permittee's employee is or may be guilty of unethical conduct, is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in employment duties or is or may be in violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. The board or the executive director shall notify the permittee as to the content of the complaint as soon as reasonable. Any person or entity that reports or provides information to the board in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages. It is an act of unethical conduct for any permittee to fail to report as required by this subsection.
717717
718718 E. The board or, if delegated by the board, the executive director shall require any combination of mental, physical, psychological, psychiatric or medical competency examinations and conduct necessary investigations, including investigational interviews between representatives of the board and the permittee or permittee's employee, to fully inform itself about any information filed with the board under subsection D of this section. These examinations may also include biological fluid testing. The board may require the permittee or permittee's employee, at that person's expense, to undergo assessment by a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program.
719719
720720 F. If after completing its investigation the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action against the permit, the board may take any of the following actions:
721721
722722 1. Dismiss if the complaint is without merit.
723723
724724 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter.
725725
726726 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses.
727727
728728 G. The board shall not disclose the name of the person who provides information regarding a permittee's or permittee's employee's drug or alcohol impairment or the name of the person who files a complaint if that person requests anonymity.
729729
730730 H. If after completing its investigation the board believes that the information is or may be true, it may request a conference with the permittee or permittee's employee. If the permittee or permittee's employee refuses the invitation for a conference and the investigation indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, the board shall issue a formal notice that a hearing be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
731731
732732 I. If through information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section or by other means the board finds that the protection of the public health, welfare and safety requires emergency action against the permit, the board may restrict a permit or order a summary suspension of a permit pending proceedings for revocation or other action. If the board acts pursuant to this subsection, the board shall also serve the permittee with a written notice of complaint and formal hearing that sets forth the charges and the permittee's right to a formal hearing on the charges before the board or an administrative law judge within sixty days pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
733733
734734 J. If after completing the conference the board finds the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section is not of sufficient seriousness to merit revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
735735
736736 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
737737
738738 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after receiving the advisory letter.
739739
740740 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses.
741741
742742 K. If during a conference the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section indicates that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it may take the following actions:
743743
744744 1. Dismiss if the information is without merit.
745745
746746 2. File an advisory letter. The permittee may file a written response with the board within thirty days after the permittee receives the advisory letter.
747747
748748 3. Require the permittee to complete board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses.
749749
750750 4. Enter into an agreement with the permittee to discipline the permittee, restrict the permittee's business activities or rehabilitate or assess the permittee in order to protect the public and ensure the permittee's ability to safely engage in employment duties. The agreement may include, at a minimum, the following disciplinary actions, business activity restrictions and rehabilitative or assessment programs:
751751
752752 (a) Issuance of a letter of reprimand.
753753
754754 (b) Issuance of a decree of censure.
755755
756756 (c) Business activity restrictions, including limitations on the number, type, classification or schedule of drug, device, poison, hazardous substance, controlled substance or precursor chemical that may be manufactured, sold, distributed or dispensed.
757757
758758 (d) Successful completion of board-designated pharmacy law continuing education courses.
759759
760760 (e) Rehabilitative or assessment programs, including board-approved community service or successful completion of a board-approved substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program at the permittee's own expense.
761761
762762 (f) A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
763763
764764 (g) A period and terms of probation best adapted to protect the public health and safety and rehabilitate or assess the permittee concerned. Probation may include temporary suspension and any or all of the disciplinary actions, business practice restrictions, rehabilitative or assessment programs listed in this section or any other program agreed to by the board and the permittee.
765765
766766 L. If the board finds that the information provided pursuant to subsection D of this section and additional information provided during the conference indicate that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension of a permit, probation, issuance of a decree of censure or a letter of reprimand or imposition of a civil penalty, it shall initiate formal proceedings pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.
767767
768768 M. If the permittee wishes to be present at the formal hearing in person or by representation, or both, the permittee must file with the board an answer to the charges in the notice of hearing. The answer must be in writing, be verified under oath and be filed within thirty days after service of the notice of hearing. Failure to answer the board's notice of hearing is deemed an admission of the charges in the notice of hearing, at which time the board may adopt the findings of fact, allegations and conclusions of law and take disciplinary action authorized by this chapter.
769769
770770 N. If the board, during any investigation, determines that a criminal violation might have occurred, it shall disclose its investigative evidence and information to the appropriate criminal justice agency for its consideration.
771771
772772 O. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action under this section, the board shall consider all previous nondisciplinary and disciplinary actions against a permittee.
773773
774774 P. The board may deny a permit to an applicant for the grounds prescribed in subsection A of this section.
775775
776776 Q. If the board approves a permit and the business fails to become operational within nine months after the date the permit is granted, the permit is no longer valid. The board may grant a onetime extension for the business to become operational. END_STATUTE
777777
778778 Sec. 9. Section 32-1930, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
779779
780780 START_STATUTE32-1930. Types of permits; permit restrictions and requirements; discontinuance of pharmacy permit
781781
782782 A. On application, the board may issue the following classes or kinds of permits:
783783
784784 1. If approved by the board, a pharmacy, limited service pharmacy, automated prescription-dispensing kiosk, full service wholesale drug, third-party logistics provider, nonprescription drug wholesale and drug manufacturer's permit.
785785
786786 2. A drug packager or drug prepackager permit to an individual or establishment that is currently listed by the United States food and drug administration and has met the requirements of that agency to purchase, repackage, relabel or otherwise alter the manufacturer's original package of an approved drug product with the intent of reselling these items to persons or businesses authorized to possess or resell the repackaged, prepackaged or relabeled drug.
787787
788788 3. A durable medical equipment distributor and compressed medical gas distributor permit and a durable medical equipment supplier and compressed medical gas supplier permit.
789789
790790 B. The board shall deny or revoke a pharmacy permit if a medical practitioner receives compensation, either directly or indirectly, from a pharmacy as a result of the practitioner's prescription orders. This does not include compensation to a medical practitioner who is the owner of a building where space is leased to a pharmacy at the prevailing rate, not resulting in a rebate to the medical practitioner.
791791
792792 C. If a pharmacy permanently discontinues operation, the permittee shall immediately surrender the permit to the executive director. The permittee shall remove all drug signs and symbols, either within or without the premises, and shall remove or destroy all drugs, devices, poisons and hazardous substances.
793793
794794 D. An automated prescription-dispensing kiosk may not contain or dispense a controlled substance as defined in section 36-2501 and the controlled substances act (P.L. 91-513; 84 Stat. 1242; 21 United States Code section 802).
795795
796796 E. All permits shall contain the name of the business that matches the name on the permittee's facility, invoices and pharmacy permit.
797797
798798 F. The permittee's hours of operation shall be entered in the permittee's online profile and updated within fifteen days after any change in the permittee's hours of operation. END_STATUTE
799799
800800 Sec. 10. Section 32-1965, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
801801
802802 START_STATUTE32-1965. Prohibited acts
803803
804804 Committing or causing any of the following acts or the causing of any thereof, in addition to any others so other act specified in this chapter, are is prohibited:
805805
806806 1. The manufacture, sale Manufacturing, selling, holding or offering for sale of any drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance that is adulterated or misbranded.
807807
808808 2. The adulteration Adultering or misbranding of any drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance.
809809
810810 3. The alteration, mutilation, destruction, obliteration, Altering, mutilating, destroying, obliterating or removal of removing the whole or any part of the labeling of, or the doing of any other act with respect to, a drug, device, poison, or hazardous substance, if such an act is done while such the article is held for sale and results in such the article being adulterated or misbranded.
811811
812812 4. The manufacture, sale manufacturing, selling, holding or offering for sale of a counterfeit drug or forging, counterfeiting, simulating, or falsely representing or without proper authority using any mark, stamp, tag, label, or other identification device authorized or required by rules adopted under the provisions of this chapter, or of the federal act.
813813
814814 5. The Using, on the labeling of any drug or device, or in any advertisement, relating to such a drug or device, of any representation or suggestion that such the drug or device complies with the provisions of this chapter.
815815
816816 6. In the case of a prescription-only drug or a controlled substance that requires a prescription order by state or federal law, the failure of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor to transmit, to any medical practitioner who makes a written request for information about such a drug, true and correct copies of all printed matter included in any package in which that drug is distributed or other printed matter approved under the federal act.
817817
818818 7. Engaging in the practice of pharmacy without first having a current license in good standing issued by the board.
819819
820820 8. Making or offering to make a forged, counterfeit, altered or photocopied prescription or drug order for the purpose of obtaining prescription-only drugs or controlled substance drugs substances.
821821
822822 9. Wholesaling or distributing a prescription drug or device, a controlled substance, a nonprescription drug, medical gas or durable medical equipment without a valid board-issued permit.
823823
824824 10. In the case of a manufacturer, manufacturing, possessing or shipping into this state a manufactured prescription drug or device, a controlled substance, a nonprescription drug, a precursor chemical or any other regulated chemical without a valid board-issued permit. END_STATUTE
825825
826826 Sec. 11. Section 36-2602, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
827827
828828 START_STATUTE36-2602. Controlled substances prescription monitoring program; contracts; retention and maintenance of records
829829
830830 A. The board shall adopt rules to establish a controlled substances prescription monitoring program. The program shall:
831831
832832 1. Be operated, monitored and maintained by the board.
833833
834834 2. Be staffed by the board.
835835
836836 3. Include a computerized central database tracking system to track the prescribing, dispensing and consumption of schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances that are dispensed by a medical practitioner or by a pharmacy that holds a valid license or permit issued pursuant to title 32. The database shall include data from the department of health services that identifies residents of this state who possess a registry identification card issued pursuant to chapter 28.1 of this title. The tracking system shall not interfere with the legal use of a controlled substance for managing severe or intractable pain.
837837
838838 4. Assist law enforcement to identify illegal activity related to prescribing, dispensing and consuming schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances.
839839
840840 5. Provide information to patients, medical practitioners and pharmacists to help avoid the inappropriate use of schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances.
841841
842842 6. Be designed to minimize inconvenience to patients, prescribing medical practitioners and pharmacies while effectuating the collection and storage of information.
843843
844844 B. The board may enter into private or public contracts, including intergovernmental agreements pursuant to title 11, chapter 7, article 3, to ensure the effective operation of the program. Each contractor must comply with the confidentiality requirements prescribed in this article and is subject to the criminal penalties prescribed in section 36-2610.
845845
846846 C. The board shall maintain the following records for the following periods of time:
847847
848848 1. A record of dispensing a controlled substance for seven years after the date the controlled substance was dispensed.
849849
850850 2. Affidavits Search warrants for the purpose of an open investigation by law enforcement for two years.
851851
852852 3. Court orders requesting medical record information in the program for two years.
853853
854854 4. A patient's request of the patient's own prescription history for two years.
855855
856856 5. A prescriber report for two years. END_STATUTE
857857
858858 Sec. 12. Section 36-2603, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
859859
860860 START_STATUTE36-2603. Computerized central database tracking system task force; consultation on electronic prescribing; membership
861861
862862 A. The board shall appoint a task force to help it administer the computerized central database tracking system, to identify educational, outreach and support services to advance medical practitioners' adoption of electronic prescribing of schedule II controlled substances and pharmacy implementation of section 36-2525 and to consult with regarding recommendations for exceptions to the electronic prescribing requirements prescribed in section 36-2525. The chairperson of the board shall chair serve as chairperson of the task force. The task force shall be limited to not more than fifteen members and include the following members:
863863
864864 1. Pharmacists, medical practitioners and other licensed health care providers.
865865
866866 2. Representatives of professional societies and associations for pharmacists, medical practitioners and other licensed health care providers.
867867
868868 3. Representatives of professional licensing boards.
869869
870870 4. Representatives of the Arizona health care cost containment system administration.
871871
872872 5. Representatives of state and federal agencies that have an interest in controlling controlled substances.
873873
874874 6. Criminal prosecutors.
875875
876876 7. Representatives of a health information organization in this state.
877877
878878 B. The task force shall meet to establish the procedures and conditions relating to the release of prescription information pursuant to section 36-2604. The task force shall meet at least once each year and at the call of the chairperson.
879879
880880 C. Task force members serve at the pleasure of the board and are not eligible to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses. END_STATUTE
881881
882882 Sec. 13. Section 36-2606, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
883883
884884 START_STATUTE36-2606. Registration; access; requirements; mandatory use; annual user satisfaction survey; report; definitions
885885
886886 A. A medical practitioner regulatory board shall notify each medical practitioner who receives an initial or renewal license and who intends to apply for registration or has an active registration under the controlled substances act (21 United States Code sections 801 through 904) of the medical practitioner's responsibility to register with the Arizona state board of pharmacy and be granted access to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system. The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall provide access to the central database tracking system to each medical practitioner who has a valid license pursuant to title 32 and who possesses an Arizona registration under the controlled substances act (21 United States Code sections 801 through 904). The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall notify each pharmacist of the pharmacist's responsibility to register with the Arizona state board of pharmacy and be granted access to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system. The Arizona state board of pharmacy shall provide access to the central database tracking system to each pharmacist who has a valid license pursuant to title 32, chapter 18 and who is employed by either:
887887
888888 1. A facility that has a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number.
889889
890890 2. The administration, a contractor or a health care insurer and who has a national provider identifier number.
891891
892892 B. The registration is:
893893
894894 1. Valid in conjunction with a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number and a valid license issued by a medical practitioner regulatory board established pursuant to title 32, chapter 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25 or 29.
895895
896896 2. Valid in conjunction with a valid license issued by the Arizona state board of pharmacy for a pharmacist who is employed by either:
897897
898898 (a) A facility that has a valid United States drug enforcement administration registration number.
899899
900900 (b) The administration, a contractor or a health care insurer and who has a national provider identifier number.
901901
902902 3. Not transferable or assignable.
903903
904904 C. An applicant for registration pursuant to this section must apply as prescribed by the board.
905905
906906 D. Pursuant to a fee prescribed by the board by rule, the board may issue a replacement registration to a registrant who requests a replacement because the original was damaged or destroyed, because of a change of name or for any other good cause as prescribed by the board.
907907
908908 E. A person who is authorized to access the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system may do so using only that person's assigned identifier and may not use the assigned identifier of another person.
909909
910910 F. Beginning the later of October 1, 2017 or sixty days after the statewide health information exchange has integrated the controlled substances prescription monitoring program data into the exchange, A medical practitioner, before prescribing an opioid analgesic or benzodiazepine controlled substance listed in schedule II, III or IV for a patient, shall obtain a patient utilization report regarding the patient for the preceding twelve months from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system at the beginning of each new course of treatment and at least quarterly while that prescription remains a part of the treatment. Each medical practitioner regulatory board shall notify the medical practitioners licensed by that board of the applicable date. A medical practitioner may be granted a one-year waiver from the requirement in this subsection due to technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the practitioner or other exceptional circumstances demonstrated by the practitioner, pursuant to a process established by rule by the Arizona state board of pharmacy.
911911
912912 G. Before a pharmacist dispenses or before a pharmacy technician or pharmacy intern of a remote dispensing site pharmacy dispenses a schedule II controlled substance, a dispenser shall obtain a patient utilization report regarding the patient for the preceding twelve months from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system at the beginning of each new course of treatment.
913913
914914 H. The medical practitioner or dispenser is not required to obtain a patient utilization report from the central database tracking system pursuant to subsection F of this section if any of the following applies:
915915
916916 1. The patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care for a serious or chronic illness.
917917
918918 2. The patient is receiving care for cancer, a cancer-related illness or condition or dialysis treatment.
919919
920920 3. A medical practitioner will administer the controlled substance.
921921
922922 4. The patient is receiving the controlled substance during the course of inpatient or residential treatment in a hospital, nursing care facility, assisted living facility, correctional facility or mental health facility.
923923
924924 5. The medical practitioner is prescribing the controlled substance to the patient for not more than a five-day period for an invasive medical or dental procedure or a medical or dental procedure that results in acute pain to the patient.
925925
926926 6. The medical practitioner is prescribing the controlled substance to the patient for not more than a five-day period for a patient who has suffered an acute injury or a medical or dental disease process that is diagnosed in an emergency department setting and that results in acute pain to the patient. An acute injury or medical disease process does not include back pain.
927927
928928 I. On or before December 31, 2026, a vendor that provides electronic medical records services to a medical practitioner in this state shall integrate the vendor's electronic medical records system with the program's central database tracking system either directly or through the statewide health information exchange or a third-party vendor.
929929
930930 J. If a medical practitioner or dispenser uses electronic medical records that integrate data from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program, a review of the electronic medical records with the integrated data shall be deemed compliant with the review of the program's central database tracking system as required in subsection F of this section.
931931
932932 K. The board shall promote and enter into data sharing agreements to integrate and display patient utilization reports within electronic medical records.
933933
934934 L. By complying with this section, a medical practitioner or dispenser who acts in good faith, or the medical practitioner's or dispenser's employer, is not subject to liability or disciplinary action arising solely from either:
935935
936936 1. Requesting or receiving, or failing to request or receive, prescription monitoring data from the program's central database tracking system.
937937
938938 2. Acting or failing to act on the basis of the prescription monitoring data provided by the program's central database tracking system.
939939
940940 M. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, medical practitioners or dispensers and their delegates are not in violation of this section during any time period in which the controlled substances prescription monitoring program's central database tracking system is suspended or is not operational or available in a timely manner. If the program's central database tracking system is not accessible, the medical practitioner or dispenser or the medical practitioner's or dispenser's delegate shall document the date and time the practitioner, dispenser or delegate attempted to use the central database tracking system pursuant to a process established by board rule.
941941
942942 N. The board shall conduct an annual voluntary survey of program users to assess user satisfaction with the program's central database tracking system. The survey may be conducted electronically. On or before December 1 of each year, the board shall provide a report of the survey results to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the governor and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.
943943
944944 O. This section does not prohibit a medical practitioner regulatory board or the Arizona state board of pharmacy from obtaining and using information from the program's central database tracking system.
945945
946946 P. For the purposes of this section:
947947
948948 1. "Administration" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2901.
949949
950950 2. "Contractor" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-2901.
951951
952952 3. "Dispenser" means a pharmacist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 18.
953953
954954 4. "Emergency department" means the unit within a hospital that is designed to provide emergency services.
955955
956956 5. "Health care insurer" has the same meaning prescribed in section 20-3151. END_STATUTE
957957
958958 Sec. 14. Section 36-2608, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
959959
960960 START_STATUTE36-2608. Reporting requirements; waiver; exceptions
961961
962962 A. If a medical practitioner or pharmacist dispenses a controlled substance listed in section 36-2513, 36-2514, 36-2515 or 36-2516 or the rules adopted pursuant to chapter 27, article 2 of this title, or if a prescription for a controlled substance listed in any of those sections or naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is approved by the United States food and drug administration is dispensed by a pharmacy in this state, a health care facility in this state for outpatient use or a board-permitted nonresident pharmacy for delivery to a person residing in this state, the medical practitioner, health care facility or pharmacy or pharmacist must report the following information as applicable and as prescribed by the board by rule:
963963
964964 1. The name, address, telephone number, prescription number and United States drug enforcement administration controlled substance registration number of the dispenser.
965965
966966 2. The name, address and date of birth of the person for whom the prescription is written.
967967
968968 3. The name, address, telephone number and United States drug enforcement administration controlled substance registration number of the prescribing medical practitioner.
969969
970970 4. The name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number of the schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance or naloxone hydrochloride or other opioid antagonist dispensed prescription.
971971
972972 5. The date the prescription was dispensed filled.
973973
974974 6. The date the prescription was sold to the ultimate user or agent of the ultimate user.
975975
976976 6. 7. The number of refills, if any, authorized by the medical practitioner.
977977
978978 B. If a pharmacist dispenses for outpatient use naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is approved by the United STates food and drug administration for a patient in this state pursuant to section 32-1979, the pharmacist shall report the information listed in subsection A of this section.
979979
980980 B. C. Except as provided in subsection D E of this section, a dispenser must use the latest version of the standard implementation guide for prescription monitoring programs published by the American society for automation in pharmacy to report the required information.
981981
982982 C. D. The board shall allow the reporter to transmit the required information by electronic data transfer if feasible or, if not feasible, on reporting forms as prescribed by the board. The reporter shall submit the required information once each day within one business day after the date the prescription was sold.
983983
984984 D. E. A dispenser who does not have an automated recordkeeping system capable of producing an electronic report in the established format may request a waiver from electronic reporting by submitting a written request to the board. The board shall grant the request if the dispenser agrees in writing to report the data by submitting submit a completed universal claim form as prescribed by the board by rule.
985985
986986 E. The board by rule may prescribe the prescription form to be used in prescribing a schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance if the board determines that this would facilitate the reporting requirements of this section.
987987
988988 F. The reporting requirements of this section do not apply to the following:
989989
990990 1. A controlled substance that is administered directly to a patient.
991991
992992 2. A controlled substance that is dispensed by a medical practitioner at a health care facility licensed by this state if the quantity dispensed is limited to an amount adequate to treat the patient for a maximum of seventy-two hours with not more than two seventy-two-hour cycles within any fifteen-day period.
993993
994994 3. A controlled substance sample.
995995
996996 4. The wholesale distribution of a schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance. For the purposes of this paragraph, "wholesale distribution" has the same meaning prescribed in section 32-1981.
997997
998998 5. A facility that is registered by the United States drug enforcement administration as a narcotic treatment program and that is subject to the recordkeeping provisions of 21 Code of Federal Regulations section 1304.24.
999999
10001000 G. A pharmacist who dispenses naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist to an individual pursuant to section 32-1979 shall report the information listed in subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 of this section and the name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number as prescribed by the board by rule pursuant to subsection A of this section.
10011001
10021002 H. G. Naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist shall not be viewable in the patient utilization report. END_STATUTE