Pharmacy

What is the practice of "pharmacy," and what services do pharmacists perform?

Pharmacy refers to the preparation and dispensing of drugs as well as the counseling of patients in the proper use of these drugs.

How does my pharmacist ensure the safety and accuracy of my prescription?

New York pharmacists must store medications under controlled environments. This includes protection from heat, light, and tampering.

Pharmacists use systems to ensure that....

• each prescription is filled accurately and safely
• the dispensed drugs do not interact poorly with other drugs, foods, or dietary supplements
• each individual is screened for known allergies to medications

What preparation is required before someone can be licensed as a New York pharmacist?

To become a New York pharmacist, an applicant must have a minimum of a five-year Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy, including courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and pharmacology. Beginning June 2004, all pharmacy students will be required to complete a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program to be licensed in New York State. Applicants for the license must also complete an internship and pass written and practical licensing examinations.

To keep current in their profession, all practicing New York State licensed pharmacists are required to complete continuing education regularly, including a course on strategies and techniques to reduce medication and prescription errors.

Do pharmacies need to be registered in New York State to provide services to customers in New York?

Yes, all pharmacies serving customers in New York--including those located in New York State and those that dispense through mail order, the Internet, or other delivery service--must register with the New York State Education Department. You can use our Web site to verify that a pharmacy is registered or contact us at 518-474-3817.

To avoid harmful drug reactions or interactions, what should I be sure to tell my health care provider and pharmacist?

• the names of all prescription and nonprescription ("over the counter") medicines you take, including the conditions for which you take them--remember, many "over the counter" medications were prescription drugs at one time, and many contain the same active ingredients as prescription drugs
• if you are allergic to any medications
• if you have any problems with any medicines
• if you are, or could be, pregnant
• if you are a smoker

Always let your health care provider or pharmacist know if you have an unexpected reaction to a medication, and always take your medications as prescribed. Obtain all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, or keep careful records of medications you are taking.

When can I expect to receive counseling from a pharmacist or pharmacy intern?

Pharmacists or pharmacy interns must provide counseling:

• before dispensing a medication for the first time to a new patient
• before dispensing a new medication to an existing patient
• if the dose, strength, route of administration, or directions for use have changed for an existing prescription previously dispensed to an existing patient

Registered pharmacies that deliver prescription drugs through the mail or by common carrier, including Internet pharmacies, must notify you in writing that counseling is available and provide a toll-free number where the pharmacist or pharmacy intern can be readily reached. A pharmacist or pharmacy intern must be available to provide counseling.

If the pharmacist or pharmacy intern determines that there are potential drug therapy problems that could endanger your health, he or she should contact you before filling your prescription or contact your prescriber for permission to dispense an alternative drug. If your prescriber approves an alternative drug, the pharmacist must include a notice of the change with your order and make two attempts to contact you by telephone to inform you of the change within 48 hours of mailing or delivery.

If you are having a prescription re-filled or you are having a prescription filled for a drug or medication you have been treated with previously, pharmacy staff must offer to provide counseling in keeping with the processes described above.

What information should I expect to receive when I am counseled by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern?

When your pharmacist counsels you about your prescription, the pharmacist may discuss the following information:

• the medicine's name
• what it is supposed to do
• when the medicine should be taken and for how long
• how the medicine should be taken
• common side effects
• foods, drinks, other medicines, or activities you should avoid while taking the medicine
• what you should do if you miss a dose
• how you should store the medicine
• if there are any refills of the prescription

If you have trouble remembering or understanding the directions for a medication's use, call your pharmacist for the information you need. You have the right to decline counseling. If you decline counseling, your decision to decline will be documented in the pharmacy's records.

If I have a prescription that has authorized refills remaining, can I refill it at a pharmacy other than the one at which the prescription was first filled?

Yes, pharmacists may transfer refills from one pharmacy to another. This service will be provided only when a patient asks a pharmacist to send the prescription to another pharmacy.

May a prescription be sent electronically from the prescriber's office directly to a pharmacist?

Yes, if the prescriber and pharmacist have a secure system for electronic transmission--from computer to computer, or by fax--that assures accuracy and prevents unauthorized access to confidential information. You have the right to ask your prescriber for a written prescription and the right to choose your pharmacy, whether you deliver the prescription personally or it is sent verbally or electronically.

Where can I find the prices of frequently prescribed drugs?

All registered pharmacies in New York State must make drug price lists available with prices of the 150 most frequently prescribed drugs. The list should be updated weekly. You may request a computer-generated list in person or call the toll-free number provided on a pharmacy's Web site or mail order material.

What questions should individuals with disabilities ask about accessing services?

Ask such questions as whether the service location is physically accessible (curb cuts, ramps, restrooms, etc.) as well as whether there is a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and parking for people with disabilities. You may also ask if a delivery service is available.

Verifying a New York license:

New York pharmacists must display a current New York registration certificate; this certificate lists the professional's name, address, and dates of the registration period. Pharmacists must reregister every three years to practice in New York. Some professionals also display their original New York license, diploma, licenses from other states, and membership certificates.

Contact information:

• General Customer Service: (518) 474-3817

• Fax: (518) 474-1449

• TDD/TTY: (518) 473-1426

• E-Mail: op4info@mail.nysed.gov

• State Board of Pharmacy: (518) 474-3817, extension 130 or pharmbd@mail.nysed.gov