Shared pharmacy services refers to a system that permits a registered pharmacist or pharmacy, at the request of another registered pharmacist or pharmacy, to assist in the processing or filling of prescriptions or orders.
Pharmacies participating in shared pharmacy services must be appropriately registered with the New York State Education Department (Department) as a pharmacy. No additional registration is required.
Yes, provided that any nonresident pharmacy participating in shared pharmacy services is registered with the Department and complies with all applicable requirements when servicing prescriptions for New York patients.
Registration is required when a nonresident pharmacy participates in shared pharmacy services by processing or filling prescriptions or orders for New York State patients in coordination with a registered pharmacy located in New York State.
No. Registered nonresident pharmacies that independently receive prescriptions and dispense or ship prescriptions directly to New York State residents are not subject to the requirements for shared pharmacy services.
No. Nonresident pharmacists employed by registered nonresident pharmacies are not required to obtain New York State licensure and registration, provided they hold and maintain an active license in good standing in their home state.
Pharmacies participating in shared pharmacy services must:
Pharmacies and pharmacists participating in shared pharmacy services must maintain records for each prescription identifying the pharmacies and individuals involved in processing or filling the prescription, including applicable license or registration numbers. Individual licensees may be identified using their in-state or out-of-state license number, as applicable.
Records must be retained for five years in accordance with section 6810(5) of the Education Law. Records for controlled substance prescriptions shall be maintained pursuant to the requirements of Article 33 of the Public Health Law.
Yes. In addition to the labeling requirements set forth in section 63.12 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, prescription labels for medications filled through shared pharmacy services must include the names and registration numbers of the pharmacies involved in the filling and dispensing of the prescription.
Yes. Registered pharmacy establishments are required to notify the Department, in writing, within thirty days of any disciplinary action taken by another state’s regulatory agency pertaining to shared pharmacy services.
Yes. Pharmacies that participate in shared pharmacy services must notify patients or their authorized representatives that all or a portion of their prescriptions may be processed or filled off-site. These pharmacies are also required to obtain a one-time, initial consent from the patient either in writing or electronically authorizing the use of shared pharmacy services for both current and future prescriptions. Such consent shall be noted within the patient’s medication profile.
Yes. Pharmacies must post clear and conspicuous signage in areas where prescriptions are received, dispensed, and/or where patients typically wait, informing patients that shared pharmacy services may be used. Pharmacies conducting business through the internet conspicuously post such notification on their website.
Yes. Education Law §6809 allows for the filling of controlled substances utilizing shared pharmacy services provided that such prescriptions are filled in accordance with the provisions of Article 33 of the Public Health Law.
Yes. Patients can opt of having their prescription filled through shared pharmacy services at any time.