in this issue a reminder—cures is in effecta reminder—cures is in effect as of september 18,...

C A L I F O R N I A B O A R D O F P H A R M A C Y OCTOBER 1998

In This IssueFront Page

A Reminder—CURES is in effect

Page 2President’s Message

Board elects new officers andwelcomes new members

Page 3Pharmacy Board meetings are

open to the publicAre you closing your pharmacy?Health Notes—building a closerpatient-pharmacist partnership

Page 4Strategic Plan—Where the Board

is going and how it plans to getthere

Page 6Licensing Committee

Enforcement Committee

Page 7Communication and Public

Education Committee

Page 8Board is accepting applications

for inspector

Page 9Regulation Update

0Disciplinary Actions by the Board

Page 14Check your license’s expiration

date! Delinquent licenses may becancelled!

A Reminder—CURES is in effectAs of September 18, 1998, all California pharmacies that dispensed Schedule II

controlled substances in August were required by section 1715.5 of the California Codeof Regulations to submit this prescription data electronically for the Controlled Utiliza-tion Review and Evaluation System (CURES). This information will be collected on anon-going basis and must be transmitted to Atlantic Associates Inc. at least every 30 daysand no later than the 18th calendar day of the month following the month in which theprescription was dispensed. (e.g., October prescriptions must be submitted by November18.)

Failure to comply with this requirement is a violation of California pharmacy lawexcept for those pharmacies who have ascertained that they are exempt from thereporting program.

The only exception to the automated reporting requirement is for those pharmaciesthat do not use computers or have computers that are not fully automated (“fullyautomated” is defined as having a pharmacy computer system capable of processingthird-party billing, Medicare or Medicaid transactions electronically) and which averageless than 25 triplicate prescriptions per month in any 6-month period. These exemptpharmacies are asked to send the original triplicate prescription to a different mailingaddress for the Department of Justice—P.O. Box 16057, Sacramento CA 95816.

Those pharmacies that are computerized, but do not fill any Schedule II controlledsubstance prescriptions during the month, must fax the “zero-fill” information monthlyto Atlantic Associates.

The requirement to submit data to CURES is in addition to the existing triplicateprescription program requirements. Original triplicate forms are still submitted to theDepartment of Justice, P.O. Box 903327, Sacramento CA 94203-3720.

In May, every pharmacy was sent a CURES handbook to assist them in complyingwith the requirements of this program. Additionally, Atlantic Associates Inc. is availableto answer any questions:

Atlantic Associates Inc.Prescription Collection

8030 S. Willow Street, Bldg. III, Unit 3Manchester NH 03103

Toll-free telephone/fax (888) [email protected]

The July 1998 The Script also details the reporting procedures and informationregarding exceptions to the reporting requirement.

2 B O A R D O F P H A R M A C Y OCTOBER 1998

President’s Message

by Thomas S. Nelson, R.Ph.President, California Board ofPharmacy

Most incoming presidents’ messages startwith a visionary statement of what lies beforeus, how we are going to get there, and whygetting there is a good thing. This particularissue of The Script will focus on the Board’sstrategic plan and our vision. But we cannotforget that the fundamentals of good patientpharmacy care are the cornerstone of ourvision and the new model for “pharmacists’care.”

The core of pharmacists’ care includes suchworthwhile endeavors as diabetes, hypertensionand anticoagulant disease state management programs. Andwhile these programs are indeed important for pharmacy, wemust not forget the activity that most pharmacists are involvedin every day and affects more Californians than any otheraspect of pharmacy today—the dispensing of prescription drugsto patients.

Properly dispensing prescriptions, while perhaps not asglamorous as creating disease management programs, is vital tothe foundation of any pharmacists’ care model. If you plan toadd a second story to your house, you would first ensure thatthe foundation is solid with no weak spots before beginningconstruction, lest the entire structure collapse. The sameprinciple applies when creating a disease management program:the proper dispensing and patient consultation procedures mustbe in place and strong to keep the program intact and make itwork.

There are three important aspects to the dispensing function:1) providing the right drug with the right directions to the rightpatient, 2) drug utilization review (DUR), and 3) patientconsultation.

As the most highly trained person behind the counter, thepharmacist should personally interpret the prescription andenter it into the computer. This is necessarily preceded by

examining the computer’s patient profile andperforming the DUR to ensure optimumoutcomes by checking for overlaps, interac-tions, duplications and compliance withexisting medications. However, the pharmacistshould use the computer’s information as anaid, not as a replacement for professionaljudgment.

The actual assembling of the prescriptioncan be handled by the technician and thenpassed on to the pharmacist for review. Uponpresenting the medication to the patient, thepharmacist should open the container to assureits contents match the prescription, andprovide patient consultation. If this procedureis performed by a different pharmacist who is

not familiar with the patient’s medical history and drug regimenand did not originally input the prescription, a DUR would beperformed at this point.

Much publicity is being given to prescription errors today.However, if all California pharmacists were diligently providingpatient consultation and appropriate DUR, I believe that theerror rates could be reduced by 50 percent or more. Patientconsultation provides that “final” check for the right drug, theright directions and the right patient.

This is the essence of the dispensing function whichhappens 100-500 times a day in outpatient pharmacies inCalifornia—and yet not everyone is truly embracing andproviding proper patient consultation and DUR. At the Board’scompliance committee meetings where pharmacists appear forviolations of section 1707.2 of the California Code of Regula-tions (Notice to Consumers and Duty to Consult), it is discour-aging to hear pharmacists, after the legal requirement forconsultation has been in place for nearly nine years, admit thatthey don’t have any procedures to handle consultation.

Before we can move on and add the second story of pharma-cists’ care, we must be sure our foundation of dispensing andcounseling is in place and solid with no weak spots that willallow our second story to tumble down upon us.

Board elects new officers and welcomes new membersThe Board of Pharmacy has undergone several changes this

year. Legislation mandated the addition of another public member,increasing the Board’s membership to four public members andseven professional members. In May 1998, the Board elected newofficers: Thomas S. Nelson, R.Ph., President; Sandra Bauer, VicePresident; and Caleb Zia was re-elected Treasurer.

Other changes included the departures of Janeen McBride,R.Ph. (October 1997), Raffi Simonian, Pharm.D., andGary Dreyfus, Pharm.D., whose terms expired. The Board

acknowledges the dedication and commitment of these membersand thanks them for their many contributions over the years.They will be missed.

While saying farewell to the retiring members, the Board alsowelcomes their replacements—professional members RichardMazzoni, R.Ph., John Jones, R.Ph., and Steve Litsey, Pharm.D.

Richard Mazzoni was appointed in January 1998 and servesas Regional Pharmacy Manager for American Drug Stores with

See New Officers, Page 3

3B O A R D O F P H A R M A C YOCTOBER 1998

Pharmacy Boardmeetings are opento the public

In accordance with the Board’s strategic plan (which isdetailed on page 4 of this publication) five committees wereformed to address issues related to meeting the plan’sobjectives: 1) Communication and Public Education, 2)Licensing, 3) Enforcement, 4) Legislation and Regulation,and 5) Organizational Development. To share the variouscommittee goals, activities and accomplishments with thepublic, a portion of each Board meeting will be devoted toone of the committees and open for comment.

The October 28-29, 1998, meeting will be held inSacramento at 400 R Street, Room 1030. The annualpublic meeting of the Legislation and Regulation Commit-tee will be on Wednesday, the 28th, from 3-5:00 pm at thesame address. At the January 20-21, 1999, meeting inOrange County, the Licensing Committee will discuss itsobjectives and how to reach them.

The Board encourages all interested parties to partici-pate in these meetings. Public comment periods are part ofeach meeting. If you cannot attend a meeting, you maysubmit written comments to the Board, but try to get themto the Board within seven days of the meeting. Agendaswith information regarding the exact time and location ofthe meetings may be obtained by calling the Board at(916) 445-5014.

whom he has been associated since his graduation from theUniversity of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1969.

John Jones of Irvine was Director of Pharmacy for BlueShield of California from 1990 to 1994 and is currently theDirector of Pharmacy Networks and Legal Affairs for Prescrip-tion Solutions, a PacifiCare subsidiary. Mr. Jones graduated fromthe Idaho State University School of Pharmacy and also holds ajuris doctorate from the University of San Francisco.

Steve Litsey, Pharm.D., has been employed by KaiserPermanente since his internship in 1971 and presently serves asthe Pharmacy Services Director for the Metro-Los Angelesservice area. Dr. Litsey earned his doctorate in pharmacy at theUniversity of Southern California in 1972.

Robert Elsner, a graduate of the University of SouthernCalifornia was appointed to the new public member position. Mr.Elsner brings with him more than 32 years’ experience as thechief executive officer of three different major associations and iscurrently the executive vice president emeritus and consultant forthe California Medical Association.

New OfficersContinued from Page 2

Are you closingyour pharmacy?

If you are planning to close your pharmacy business, as aresult of termination of business or bankruptcy, you mustfirst contact the Board for instructions before transferringor selling any dangerous drugs, devices or hypodermicsinventory. (See section 1708.2 of the Business and Profes-sions Code.)

Health Notes—building a closerpatient-pharmacist partnership

By Marilyn Standifer Shreve, R.Ph.Chair, Consumer Education and CommunicationCommitteeEditor, Health Notes

During the 1940s, many state legislatures created boards toprotect the health and welfare of their states’ consumers byregulating the practice of healthcare professionals such aspharmacists, physicians and nurses.

The California State Board of Pharmacy is an example of aboard that is focusing not only on regulating the practice ofpharmacy, but also on providing tools and resources to assistpharmacists and other healthcare providers to be better informedon subjects of importance to their patients.

One such resource developed by the California Board isHealth Notes, a magazine for healthcare providers and consum-ers. Information provided in the magazine can, for example, helppharmacists counsel patients about medications. It is welldocumented that counseling increases patients’ awareness andunderstanding of their medical condition and helps them monitorthat portion of their care for which they are most responsible—medication compliance.

Up to half of the nearly two billion prescriptions filled eachyear are not used correctly. Statistics indicate that about tenpercent of all hospital admissions and 23 percent of nursinghome admissions are caused by the inappropriate use of medica-tions, costing the nation approximately $100 billion per year.

While increased importance is being placed on patientmedication compliance, some regulatory boards are findinginnovative ways to encourage healthcare providers to becomeactive patient care managers and to provide patient counselingand prescription information that will help consumers betterunderstand and monitor their medications.

See Health Notes, Page 14

OUT OF

BUSINESS


A strategic plan is an overall plan for an organization toaccomplish its mission in a changing environment while operat-ing within its available resources. Strategic plans provide ablueprint for future program directions. The strategic planningprocess produces fundamental decisions and actions that shapeand guide what an organization is, what it does, and why it doesit. The strategic plan defines and refines the business functionswithin an organization to carry out its programmatic missionsefficiently and effectively.

The first step in completing a strategic plan requires theorganization to conduct an evaluation of internal and externalfactors that affect the organization. The organization’s directorand planning team then define the mission (purpose), expressingthe core values and philosophies and articulates a vision (aconceptual image of the desired future). Goals and objectives areestablished, and performance measures are identified for assess-ing effectiveness of the program. After the mission, principles,goals and objectives are communicated to every level of theorganization, action plans are developed to implement the plan.The final step is to ensure that all future budget requests arelinked to the strategic plan.

The Board of Pharmacy developed its first formal strategic planin 1994, revising it through the years to reflect emerging issues. In1998, when each state agency was required to submit strategicplanning information to the Governor’s Office for approval, theBoard reorganized its plan. This article highlights the revised plan of1998, which has become an integral part of our day-to-day business.

1998 Strategic PlanMission

The Board’s mission is to serve the people of California by:

• Protecting their health, safety and welfare with integrity andhonesty,

• Helping them attain health education, wellness and animproved quality of life, and

• Ensuring high quality pharmacists’ care.

VisionTo meet its mission, the Board envisions: 1) a healthcare

system in which pharmacists are patient advocates who providepharmacists’ care to Californians, enlightening them about theirdrug therapy through effective communicating and listening,assessing, collaborating, understanding and intervening; 2) aneffective licensing process that ensures the highest levels ofprofessional standards, competency and pharmacists’ care; and 3)ensuring that enforcement officials are provided the resources toact quickly, consistently and efficiently in the public interest.

Along with its mission and vision statements, the planincludes a description of “pharmacists’ care,” the model of See Strategic Plan, Page 6

practice endorsed by the Board; goals and performance measuresfor assessing the plan’s success; an action plan and methods forits update; and the formation of board committees to assist inimplementing five areas of the plan.

The Pharmacists’ Care ModelPharmacists’ care is promoted by the Board as a model of

practice defined as:

The provision of medication-related care to patients. It isintended to achieve definite outcomes (cure of a disease, elimina-tion or reduction of a patient’s symptomatology, arresting orslowing of a disease process or preventing a disease or symptoma-tology) that improve a patient’s quality of life.

The following are the principal elements that must beincluded whenever pharmacists’ care is being provided topatients:

• Pharmacists are the providers of drug information and therepository of drug therapy expertise, and as such, areavailable for consultation before the prescription is written.In fact, a pharmacist may decide a particular medication isinappropriate for the patient.

• In providing pharmacists’ care, the pharmacist becomes thepatient’s advocate, being directly responsible for seeing thatthe patient receives a positive outcome from the medicationand is protected from drug misadventures.

• Pharmacists have the responsibility for therapeutic out-comes resulting from their decisions. However, pharmacistsare not the only authority in matters related to medicationuse—pharmacists, caregivers, and other health professionals(including prescribers, nursing, etc.) all have valuable rolesin the medication use process. Pharmacists’ care should beconducted and viewed as collaborative, and pharmacistsshould lead the healthcare team’s efforts to improve patients’medication use.

Board CommitteesTo help the Board meet its objectives and mission-related

goals, the following policy-development committees (eachconsisting of two board members and board staff) were formed:

• Communication and Public Education: To encourage thepublic to discuss their medications with their pharmacist;emphasize the importance of complying with their prescrip-tion treatment regimens; and help pharmacists to becomebetter informed on subjects of importance to the public.

• Licensing: To ensure that those who practice pharmacy, aswell as those entering the practice, meet minimum

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requirements for education, experience and knowledge, andensure that facilities licensed by the Board meet minimumstandards.

• Enforcement: To protect the public by preventing violations,and effectively enforce federal and state laws when viola-tions occur.

• Legislation and Regulation: To pursue legislation thatensures better patient care and provides effective regulationof the individuals and firms who handle, dispense, furnish,ship and store prescription drugs and devices in California.

Strategic PlanContinued from Page 4

Licensing CommitteeThe Licensing Committee consists of Board members Holly

Strom, R.Ph., Chair, and Ken Tait, Public Member, and severalstaff members. The committee will ensure that the professionalqualifications of those entering the practice of pharmacy, as wellas those continuing to practice, meet minimum requirements foreducation, experience and knowledge, and that facilities licensedby the Board meet minimum standards. The committee’s specificstrategic goals are to:

1. Assess the continuing education program, using the situa-tion-target-proposal decision-making method to identifyimprovements.

2. Improve the license application process to prevent enforce-ment problems and reduce application review time; imple-ment improvements to the processing of applicationsconsistent with protection of public health and safety;determine distribution of resources among program compo-nents.

3. Evaluate the proper roles and responsibilities of pharmacytechnicians in all practice settings.

4. Evaluate methods to ensure “pharmacists’ care.”

The Board licenses more than 63,000 individuals and firmsthrough 12 regulatory programs:

• pharmacists• intern pharmacists• pharmacy technicians• foreign educated pharmacists (evaluations)• pharmacies• non-resident pharmacies• wholesale drug facilities• medical device retailers• veterinary food animal retailers• exemptees (non-pharmacists who may operate sites other

than pharmacies)• out-of-state distributors

• clinics• hypodermic needle and syringe distributors

To assure that these programs are efficient and increasecustomer satisfaction, the committee’s initial planning meetingshave focused on streamlining applications—in response tocomplaints received regarding the delays in application process-ing.

The delays began after pharmacy application forms wererevised to require more detailed information regarding pharmacyownership. The revisions were necessary because the Board hadremoved the physical requirements for licensure, and enforce-ment efforts revealed significant fraudulent/hidden ownership ofpharmacies. Subsequently, a team of processing technicians,analysts and inspectors revised the pharmacy application formsto refocus the review process from the pharmacy’s physicalrequirements to the pharmacy’s ownership.

In November 1996, use of the new forms began, creatingconsiderable delays in processing, confusion among applicants,and backlogs. The backlogs were further compounded by vacan-cies resulting from staff changes in several processing positions.To alleviate the backlogs and further streamline the applicationprocess, the Board obtained approval for additional staff andtransitioned the final review of applications from inspectors to anin-house analyst. Pharmacy applications are now being processedin a more timely manner.

See Enforcement, Page 7

• Organizational Development: To use strategic planning,budget management and staff development activities toensure the efficient achievement of the Board’s mission andgoals.

At each Board meeting, the committees provide written andoral reports on their progress in achieving their strategic objec-tives. These meetings are open to the public, and to encouragepublic input, each meeting will include a publicly-noticed reporton a specific committee’s activity. (Another article in this issuehighlights the schedule of Board meeting dates and publiccommittee meetings through January 1999.)

Enforcement CommitteeBy Darlene Fujimoto, Pharm.D.Chair, Enforcement Committee

In July 1997, consistent with the Board of Pharmacy’sStrategic Plan, an enforcement committee was established. Boardmembers Dr. Darlene Fujimoto, committee chair, and John Jones,R.Ph., act as liaison between the full Board, the office staff andinspectors, with all working together as an enforcement team.The primary goal of the Board’s Enforcement Committee is the


protection of the public through enforcement of both state andfederal laws governing the practice of pharmacy and the provi-sion of pharmaceuticals and related healthcare products.

To meet this goal, there has been a reorganization of theenforcement team’s individual functions. As the practice ofpharmacy is moving away from the traditional role of dispensingmedications and toward positions as integral healthcare provid-ers, Board inspectors are also changing their emphasis. Theyrecently announced their new team structure, which focuses onthe various areas of enforcement rather than each inspector’slocation or “territory.”

Currently, there are three inspector teams whose separateresponsibilities are: 1) Compliance—to oversee standard mainte-nance and daily activities of pharmacy practice, 2) Drug Diver-sion and Fraud—to discover and seek discipline of those who donot to follow the law, and 3) Pharmacist Recovery Program andProbationer Monitoring—to prevent substance-impaired practi-tioners from practicing and monitor those who are recovering orreturning to practice after failing to follow the standards and lawsrequired of licensees. These team functions are all critical toprotecting the public and helping to ensure that appropriatepharmaceutical care is provided to all California residents.

The establishment of inspector enforcement teams has beenfurther enhanced not only by inspector participation in high-levelinvestigative and enforcement training, but also by the updatingof their skills in such topics as consultation, the promotion ofpharmaceutical care and team-building. Because inspectors arehighly-trained, dedicated professionals and experts in theapplication of pharmacy law, they are able to serve as consultantsto both licensees and other agencies.

Along with the re-engineering of its enforcement team, theBoard is increasing its communication efforts to advise licenseesof law changes and interpretations and the licensees’ correspond-ing responsibilities. One of the Board’s primary communicationefforts is the introduction of the pharmacy self-assessmentprogram. This program requires pharmacists-in-charge (PICs) tocomplete an evaluation of their pharmacy’s compliance to lawsrelating to the operation of a pharmacy. The evaluation will bedone on a Board-provided form and maintained in the pharmacy.The forms also serve as an educational tool by asking compliancequestions and providing regulatory information on how to be incompliance. The self-assessment forms will be provided to allpharmacies and detailed in the January 1999 issue of The Script.

Other goals the committee will emphasize are to increase thequality and quantity of patient consultations and by doing so,provide consumers with the best therapeutic outcomes andminimize drug misadventures. Additionally, since approximatelyhalf of the complaints received by the Board are related toprescription errors, the committee is dedicated to reducing sucherrors by increasing the information regarding their occurrenceand how to prevent them.

The committee also hopes to become more consumer andlicensee “friendly” by improving access to the Board and itsinformation services. An 800 number is in the planning stages,and additional consumer and licensee education programs are onthe agenda.

In keeping with the Board’s overall strategic plan thatdescribes pharmacists as advocates who communicate andenlighten their patients about their drug therapies, the committeealso wishes to communicate and interact with our licensees for apositive relationship with the patient—the ultimate focus of allour work.

Communication and PublicEducation CommitteeBy Marilyn Standifer Shreve, R.Ph., Chair

The Board’s Communication and Public Education Commit-tee was created in July 1994 to develop a public awarenesscampaign encouraging consumers to talk with their pharma-cists about the medications they take and to understand theimportance of taking medications correctly. The committee alsowould seek to assist pharmacists in providing counseling servicesand innovative pharmaceutical care services.

In only four years, the Communication and Public EducationCommittee has successfully developed and generated:

• Statewide television network news coverage reaching morethan 15 million viewers, highlighting pharmacist counselingand encouraging consumers to talk with their pharmacist tolearn more about the medications they are taking.

• Radio public service announcements and interviews reachingmore than 12 million listeners (in English and Spanish),highlighting the message “Asking Questions Can Help SaveYour Life!”

• Consumer health columns entitled, “California Health:” tipsfrom the California Board of Pharmacy reaching more than10 million readers (in English and Spanish). So far therehave been eight columns covering such subjects as talking toyour pharmacist, pain management, Patient’s Bill of Rights,and women’s health issues.

• Two Health Notes monographs—pain management andwomen’s health issues—reaching a cumulative readership of150,000 to assist pharmacists and other health care providersbecome well-informed on subjects of importance to theirpatients. Two other monographs are in production, includingone on anticoagulation drug therapy.

• A Summit of Health Care Payers (employers/purchasers)and Providers (pharmacists) to address the marketplacepotential and financial incentives for pharmacy; counselingservices; patient medication compliance programs; and

EnforcementContinued from Page 6

See Education, Page 8


innovative pharmaceutical care practices, such as diseasestate management programs and patient centered services.The summit was cosponsored by the California Board ofPharmacy, the U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices, and the California Health and Welfare Agency andfacilitated by the Board’s Communication and PublicEducation Committee and the California PharmacistsAssociation.

The summit was attended by employers (government andprivate) who purchase health care benefits for more than 19million people and spend $3 billion on health care annually.

Pharmacist presenters demonstrated that cost-effectivepharmaceutical care services improve patient medicationoutcomes; result in fewer visits to the doctor’s office;decrease the number of emergency room visits, laboratorytests, and hospitalizations; and improve quality of life.

• A template (guide) for convening such summits in coopera-tion with the American Pharmaceutical Association and theNational Association of Boards of Pharmacy for use by otherstates to convene summits across America.

• The “Be Aware & Take Care/Talk With Your Pharmacist”Board of Pharmacy logo.

Board is acceptingapplicationsfor inspector

The Board of Pharmacy has vacancies statewide forthe position of Inspector, Board of Pharmacy. Applica-tions for appointment to this state civil service classifica-tion will now be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Inspectors, under general direction, work from homeoffices to conduct inspections and investigations toenforce laws regulating the practice of pharmacy.Inspectors provide consultation and education tolicensees, governmental agencies and others regardinglaws related to drugs and the practice of pharmacy.Inspectors work as members of teams and frequent travelis required.

Minimum qualifications include possession of a validpharmacist license, two years’ experience in the practiceof pharmacy, including contact with the public, andpossession of a valid California driver’s license. (Appli-cants who do not have a license will be admitted to theinterview but must obtain the license before they arehired.)

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications willbe scheduled for one of the semi-annual “examinations.”The examination is actually a structured interview, andapplicants will be asked to complete a written exercisebefore the interview.

Applications postmarked or submitted by October 1,1998, will be scheduled for the testing period of Novem-ber/December 1998, and applications for the May/June1999 testing period must be submitted by April 1, 1999.Applications received after a cut-off date will bescheduled for next testing period.

The salary range is $4,337 - $4,924 per month.

For an application, you may access the internet athttp://www.spb.ca.gov/jobgen/app.htm and for generalinformation, http://www.spb.ca.gov/bullback.htm. Oryou may contact the Board at (916) 445-5014.

The completed application and resumé should bemailed to:

EducationContinued from Page 7

And it doesn’t end here! The committee’s ongoing and futureplans include: developing two more Health Notes monographs;expanding the consumer health columns and articles for nation-wide distribution; creating an innovative Board of Pharmacywebsite with interactive capabilities; creating additional con-sumer/pharmacist counseling programs; developing summitfollow-up payer communications; publishing four The Scriptnewsletters per year; publishing information on the pharmacyself-assessment; and developing additional radio and televisionnews coverage programs.

Department of Consumer AffairsP.O. Box 980428West Sacramento CA 95798-0428Attention: Human Resources

BE AWARE & TAKE CARETalk to your pharmacist!

C A L I F O R N I A

Board of Pharmacy


This articles contains corrections, additions and changes toDivision 17, Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations that areeffective now. For your convenience, these sections are includedhere so that they may be cut out and saved until the next publica-tion of the Pharmacy Law.

Correction

In the Regulation Update section of the July 1998 issue of TheScript, section 1715(a) contained an incorrect reference tosection 4027. The correct reference is 4029 and the correctedsubsection (a) is included below:

1715 Self-Assessment of a Pharmacy by the Pharmacist-in-Charge

(a) The pharmacist-in-charge of each pharmacy as definedunder section 4029 or section 4037 of the Business and Profes-sions Code shall complete a self-assessment of the pharmacy’scompliance with federal and state pharmacy law. The assess-ment shall be performed before March 31 of every odd-num-bered year. The primary purpose of the self-assessment is topromote compliance through self-examination and education.

The following section was published in the July 1998 Regula-tion Update as an emergency regulation, effective to 08/08/98. Ithas since been adopted and became effective 08/27/98.

1715.5 Implementation of Electronic Monitoring of Schedule IIPrescriptions

The collection of information authorized by Health and SafetyCode section 11165 shall be provided as follows:

(a) For each prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance,the dispensing pharmacy shall provide the following information:the full name and address of the patient; the gender and date ofbirth of the patient; the DEA ( Drug Enforcement Administration)number of the prescriber; the triplicate prescription number; thepharmacy prescription number; the pharmacy license number; theNDC (National Drug Code) number and the quantity of thecontrolled substance; the ICD-9 (diagnosis code), if available; thedate of issue of the prescription, the date of dispensing of theprescription, and the state medical license number of any pre-scriber using the DEA number of a government exempt facility.

(b) The above information shall be provided in the followingformat:

1. For each pharmacy with the capacity to do so, by on-linetransmission at least every 30 days and no later than the 18thcalendar day of the month following the month in which theprescription is dispensed.

2. For each pharmacy which does not have the capacity totransmit the information on-line, on a three and one-half inchdiskette in a ASCII format or one-half inch nine track mag-netic 1600 BPI tape or any other medium approved by theBoard of Pharmacy, which diskette, tape or medium shall bemailed or delivered to a location specified by the Board ofPharmacy, at least every 30 days and no late than the 18th

Regulation Updatecalendar day of the month following the month in which theprescription is dispensed.

3. For each pharmacy without the capacity to comply witheither subsection (b)(1) or (2), the original triplicate shall betransmitted to the Department of Justice by the end of themonth in which the prescription was filled.

For each pharmacy which submits hard copy pursuant tothis subdivision and which pharmacy averages more than 25triplicate prescriptions per month in any six months, the Boardof Pharmacy or its designee may thereafter require thatpharmacy to comply with subsections (b)(1) and (2).

4. As to a prescription which is partially filled or dispensed,the period for compliance with subsections (1), (2), or (3)shall be measured from the earlier of the following dates andtimes: the prescription is either (1) completely dispensed or(2) can no longer be dispensed.

(c) Every pharmacy which has made a submission as requiredby this section by July 18, 1998, shall receive a reduction of $75on its next renewal lee for licensure of the pharmacy by the board.Every pharmacy shall be in compliance with this section andHealth and Safety Code section 11165 by September 18, 1998.

See Regulations, Page 14

The following emergency regulation will be in effect untilJanuary 1, 1999. Please note that pharmacy technician trainees areallowed to perform only the duties of non-licensed personnel.

1793.6. Training Courses Specified by the Board

(a) A course of training that meets the requirements of section1793.4(b) is:

(1) Any pharmacy technician training program accredited bythe American Society of Health-System Pharmacists,

(2) Any pharmacy technician training program provided by abranch of the federal armed services for which the applicantpossesses a certificate of completion, or

(3) Any other course that provides a training period of atleast 240 hours of theoretical and practical instruction,provided that at least 120 of these hours are in theoreticalinstruction in a curriculum that provides:

(A). Knowledge and understanding of different pharmacypractice settings.

(B). Knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsi-bilities of a pharmacy technician in relationship to other pharmacypersonnel and knowledge of standards and ethics, laws andregulations governing the practice of pharmacy.

(C). Knowledge and ability to identify and employ pharmaceuti-cal and medical terms, abbreviations and symbols commonly usedin prescribing, dispensing and recordkeeping of medications.

(D). Knowledge of and the ability to carry out calculations


PHARMACISTS/PHARMACIES

CHRISTINE QUESENBERRY, RPH 29767, Santa Cruz, CAand WESTSIDE PHARMACY, PHY 37852, Santa Cruz, CAViolation: Refilling a prescription without authorization, self-administering a controlled substance, and failing to have drugrecords available upon requestAction: Both licenses revoked, stayed; payment of $7,000 costsEffective: June 28, 1997

ANDREW KOMESCU, RPH 37163, Los Angeles, CAViolation: Being convicted in another state for unlawful dispens-ing of controlled substances, theft, and false or forged prescriptionsand hospital records. Respondent was disciplined in Colorado andNevada.Action: Revoked, stayed; five years’ probation, communityservice, supervised practice, no supervision of ancillary personnel,no ownership nor functioning as PIC; payment of $1,598 costsEffective: July 4, 1997

VENCOR HOSPITAL SACRAMENTO PHARMACY,HSP 37663, Sacramento, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement, respondent admitted tofailing to keep accurate records; discrepancies revealed in Boardaudit.Action: Letter of reprimand; two years’ continuous inspection;payment of $3,258 costsEffective: July 17, 1997

URAIWAN JANVIRIYSOPAK, RPH 45304, Willimantic, CTViolation: Dispensing dangerous drugs based on irregularprescriptions when respondent knew or had objective reason toknow that the prescriptions were not issued for a legitimatemedical purpose; failing to review medication record prior todispensing medications; and failing to intervene on behalf of thepatientAction: RevokedEffective: August 28, 1997

CANYON RIDGE HOSPITAL PHARMACY, HSP 39808,Chino, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto failing to keep a complete, accurate, and current inventory ofSchedule III controlled substances.Action: Letter of reprimand; payment of $816 costsEffective: August 14, 1997

MYOUNG SHIN CHANG, RPH 44230, Diamond Bar, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto dispensing prescriptions when respondent knew or had objectivereason to know that said prescriptions were not issued for alegitimate medical purpose and that the drugs were potentialtherapy problems because of their irregularity; failing to reviewmedication record and to intervene on behalf of the patient.Action: Revoked, stayed; 30 days’ suspension; three years’probationEffective: August 28, 1997

Disciplinary Actions by the BoardMICHAEL ZAIFERT, RPH 24325, Northridge, CA andMICHAEL’S PHARMACY, PHY 39244, Pasadena, CAViolation: With intent to defraud and mislead, delivering mis-branded drugs for introduction into interstate commerce—specifically, failing to include on the labels of such drugs informa-tion including the lot number, expiration date, name and place ofbusiness or the manufacturer, packer or distributor of the drugAction: RPH—Revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; may notsupervise nor hold new ownership; payment of $605.75 costs,PHY—Revoked, stayed; three years’ probationEffective: August 12, 1997

SIERRA PHARMACY, PHY 34719, Glendora, CAViolation: Having shortages of dangerous drugs and controlledsubstances which were caused by theft and revealed by Boardaudit and failing to notify the Board of a change in pharmacist-in-charge (PIC)Action: 90 days’ suspension; one year’s probation; payment of$2,650 costsEffective: September 3, 1997

GENE YONEMOTO, RPH 27503, Whittier, CAViolation: Providing anabolic steroids to an employee without aprescription; failing to notify the Board of a discontinuance ofbusiness; and allowing unauthorized persons access to an areawhere controlled substances and pharmacy records were storedAction: Revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; may notsupervise nor hold ownershipEffective: September 3, 1997

MELVIN EIREW, RPH 21254, Hemet, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto failing to provide patient consultation for a new patient on twodifferent occasions and allowing a person other than a pharmacistto consult with a patient regarding the prescription.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s probation; communityservice required; continuing education required; no supervision ofancillary personnel; payment of $2,500 costsEffective: September 3, 1997

GARY EIREW, RPH 39536, Hemet, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto failing to provide patient consultation for a new patient on twodifferent occasions and allowing a person other than a pharmacistto consult with a patient regarding the prescription.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s probation; communityservice required; continuing education required; no supervision ofancillary personnel; payment of $2,500 costsEffective: September 3, 1997

SAIL DRUG AND DISCOUNT CENTER, PHY 18305,Yucaipa, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto failing to provide patient consultation for a new patient on twodifferent occasions.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s probation; payment of$2,500 costsEffective: September 3, 1997 See Disciplinary, Page 11


JOHN MCCLOSKEY, RPH 24080, Cameron Park, CAViolation: Failing, as PIC, to maintain a correct and currentinventory of all dangerous drugs—an audit revealed discrepanciesand missing controlled drugs administration recordsAction: Revoked; payment of $3,277.25 costsEffective: September 18, 1997

ROBERT KIYOSHI NISHIZAKI, RPH 26280, Montebello,CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto dispensing controlled substances and dangerous drugs underinvalid prescriptions and forging prescriptions.Action: Revoked, stayed; 30 days’ suspension, three years’probation; may not supervise nor hold pharmacy ownership;payment of $5,500 costsEffective: September 26, 1997

CLARK JENKINS, RPH 40452, Riverside, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto illegally possessing controlled substances and administering tohimself while on duty; denying patients the benefit of full dosagesof pain medications when preparing dosages; intentionally falselylabeling syringes and stealing narcotic controlled substances forhis own use.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s suspension; five years’probation; supervised practice; no ownership; payment of $7,250costsEffective: November 4, 1997

FEDCO PROFESSIONAL PHARMACIES CORP, dbaFEDCO PROFESSIONAL PHARMACIES, PHY 10417, LosAngeles, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto having significant inventory discrepancies of Vicodin (and itsgeneric equivalent); failing to keep a current inventory, includingcomplete accountability for, at least, Schedule III controlledsubstances; and failing to provide adequate measures to guardagainst theft of controlled substances.Action: Revoked, stayed; two years’ probation; communityservice; retain consultant; payment of $2,360 costsEffective: November 4, 1997

CHARLES SIK WOO, RPH 28620, Los Angeles, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto having significant inventory discrepancies of Vicodin (andgeneric equivalent); failing to keep a current inventory, includingcomplete accountability for, at least, Schedule III controlledsubstances.Action: Revoked, stayed; two years’ probation; pass law exam; noownership; payment of $1,179 costsEffective: November 4, 1997

LARRY WRIGHT, RPH 26513, San Diego, CA 92109Violation: Being convicted of knowingly and intentionallyfurnishing false and fraudulent material information to the U.S.Drug Enforcement AdministrationAction: RevokedEffective: November 4, 1997

ROBERT KASTIGAR, RPH 23805, Manhattan Beach, CAand MEDICINE SHOPPE, PHY 33159, Lawndale, CAViolation: Failing to completely and accurately account forshortages (revealed in an audit) of three controlled substances;failing to maintain adequate records of inventory, acquisition anddisposition of restricted dangerous drugsAction: RPH—180 days’ suspension; payment of $7,782.15costs, PHY—180 days’ suspensionEffective: November 12, 1997

RICHARD REEL, RPH 37626, Chula Vista, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto unlawfully possessing a controlled substance, cocaine, beingunder the influence of cocaine, and illegally possessing a hypoder-mic syringe and needle.Action: Revoked, stayed; five years’ probation; suspension untilrespondent can safely practice pharmacy; pass the law exam withinsix months; no ownership; payment of $1,509.25Effective: December 20, 1997

MICHAEL A. LIAUTAUD, RPH 24158, Toluca Lake, CAand INDIAN HILLS PHARMACY, PHY 35822/34711,Mission Hills, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondents admittedto substituting and dispensing dangerous drugs without authoriza-tion from the subscriber or patient; dispensing a substandard anddefective drug in an improperly labeled container; substituting adrug but billing Medi-Cal for the prescribed drug; failing tocommunicate the drug substitution to the patient; assisting anonregistered employee to compound dangerous drugs; and failingto meet regulation requirements in the pharmacy area designatedfor the preparation of sterile products.Action: RPH—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; 90 days’suspension; no ownership; payment of $6,549.75 costs, PHY—revokedEffective: December 20, 1997

DONALD PAYNE, RPH 22640, Granada Hills, CA andMOORPARK PHARMACY, PHY 40525, Moorpark, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto signing a document falsely representing the nonexistence offacts relevant to his association with a licensee who had beenpreviously disciplined and admitted to knowing that the statementwas false; and permitting that licensee to act as agent for thepharmacy in lease negotiations.Action: RPH—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; pass thelaw examination; community service; no ownership; payment of$3,000 costs, PHY—accusation dismissed; permit cancelled dueto change of ownershipEffective: January 28, 1998

LONG’S DRUG STORE #273, PHY 34918, RanchoCucamonga, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedthat a basis for discipline was established under findings mandat-ing a duty to maintain medication profiles, a duty to consult, andpost a Notice to Consumers.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s probation; payment of$3,000 costsEffective: January 10, 1998

DisciplinaryContinued from Page 10

See Disciplinary, Page 12


GLEN SIDNEY SELDEN, RPH 25112, Upland, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto failing to maintain patient medication profiles and providepatient consultation.Action: Revoked, stayed; one year’s probation; payment of $800costs; 16 hours of CE related to patient consultationEffective: January 10, 1998

STEVEN LEUCK, RPH 41319, Santa Cruz, CAViolation: For purposes of stipulation only, respondent admittedto diverting controlled substances from his employers for self-administration.Action: Revoked, stayed; five years’ probation; no supervision ofancillary personnel; supervised practice; no ownership; payment of$3,366.25 costsEffective: February 6, 1998

MIKE AVEDISSIAN, RPH 43996, Glendale, CA and ABMPHARMACY, PHY 37875, Glendale, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto maintaining prescription drug containers containing dangerousdrugs in an area outside the pharmacy; billing to and being paid byMedi-Cal for part of the prescriptions that were never dispensed orprovided to the patients.Action: RPH—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; 14 days’suspension, no supervision of ancillary personnel, pass law exam,no ownership; maintain separate file of all records pertaining to thedisposition/acquisition of controlled substances and report suchdisposition/acquisitions to the Board; payment of $6,000 costs,PHY—revoked (previously sold)Effective: February 7, 1998

PAUL AUGER, RPH 32925, Palo Alto, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto obtaining and taking controlled substances without a prescrip-tion.Action: Revoked, stayed; five years’ probation; 180 days’suspension; pass law exam; supervised practice; no ownership;payment of $1,582 costsEffective: February 24, 1998

MARLIN EUGENE MILLER, RPH 30983, Los Angeles, CAViolation: Failing to comply with the terms and conditions ofprobation that were required in a petition for reinstatementdecisionAction: RevokedEffective: February 24, 1998

MARSHALL H. BERGER, RPH 24272, Los AngelesViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto being convicted of illegally selling, purchasing or trading ofdrug samples.Action: Revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; pass law exam;may not be PIC; payment of $5,000 costsEffective: March 20, 1998

RUBIN SNYDER, RPH 24189, Woodland Hills, CA andTAFT PHARMACY, PHY 39979, Woodland Hills, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto filling prescriptions for controlled substances with improperlabelling; dispensing prior to consent of prescriber; and dispensingamounts inconsistent with prescriptions.Action: RPH—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; pass lawexam; cannot act as PIC; payment of $8,000 costs, PHY—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; share in payment of $8,000costsEffective: March 20, 1998

RICHARD JAMES LIAUTAUD, RPH 26385, Los Angeles, CAViolation: Being convicted of felony assault with a deadlyweaponAction: RevokedEffective: April 29, 1998

JAE GAB KIM, RPH 30029, Redlands, CA and SANJACINTO PHARMACY, PHY 32401, San Jacinto, CAViolation: Furnishing dangerous drugs without a prescription;maintaining expired drugs on pharmacy shelves; mislabelling andmisbranding a prescription; and failing to maintain pharmacy in aclean and orderly conditionAction: RPH—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; 90 days’suspension; cannot supervise ancillary personnel; payment of$3,000 costs, PHY—revoked, stayed; three years’ probation; 30days’ suspension; share in payment of $3,000 costsEffective: April 29, 1998

WHOLESALERS/EXEMPTEES

B & B MEDICAL SUPPLIES, WLS 2821, Bell Gardens, CAViolation: Furnishing dangerous drugs to an unauthorized person;allowing an unauthorized person to possess a key to the licensedarea of the premises; and failing to make written policies andprocedures available to the BoardAction: RevokedEffective: September 9, 1997

CONSUELO DY, EXM 12266, Bell Gardens, CAViolation: Furnishing dangerous drugs to an unauthorized person;allowing an unauthorized person to possess a key to the licensedarea of the premises; and failing to make written policies andprocedures available to the BoardAction: RevokedEffective: September 9, 1997


See Disciplinary, Page 13


TECHNICIANS

RHONDA JO PERKINS, TCH 8775, San Luis Obispo, CAViolation: Taking dangerous drugs and controlled substances forself-use; unlawfully possessing and using controlled substancesand dangerous drugs without prescriptionsAction: RevokedEffective: August 1, 1997

CECELIA A. GONZALEZ, TCH 11, Huntington Park, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto obtaining dangerous drugs from place of employment without aprescription.Action: Revoked, stayed; suspended pending successful comple-tion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification ExaminationEffective: August 28, 1997

MARIA GUADALUPE CASILLAS, TCH 3139, BaldwinPark, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto dispensing controlled substances and dangerous drugs underinvalid prescriptions and forging prescriptions.Action: Take and pass the Pharmacy Technician CertificationBoard within one year; payment of $311 costsEffective: September 26, 1997

KENNETH CHARLES MORTENSEN, TCH 9361, SanDiego, CAViolation: Being convicted of a crime substantially related to thepractice of pharmacyAction: RevokedEffective: November 4, 1997

SAMIA MICHELLE WHEELOCK, TCH 14598, Temecula, CAViolation: Being convicted of prescription forgery and makingfalse statements on applicationAction: RevokedEffective: April 29, 1998

JANET MARIE MCDOWELL, TCH 13904, Antioch, CAViolation: Being convicted of felony possession of a non-narcoticcontrolled substanceAction: RevokedEffective: April 23, 1998

VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSE

RUBEN D. GODINEZ, aka RUBEN GODINEZ DIAZ, TCH13222, Freedom, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto being convicted of evading arrest, burglary, challenging a personto fight in a public place, and possession of a firearm by a con-victed felon.Action: License surrenderedEffective: August 1, 1997

THOMAS WALTER BODENDORFER, RPH 30655,Whitmore Lake, MIViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto filling and refilling a telephonic prescription by a fictitiousdentist for a controlled substance and forging and filling controlledsubstance prescriptions for use by a family member.Action: License surrendered; payment of $21,817.25 costsEffective: April 22, 1998

L.K.W. ENTERPRISES, INC., dba HILLCREST NORTHPHARMACY, PHY 40300, San Diego, CAViolation: For purposes of settlement, respondent admitted tobeing convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifica-tions of a pharmacist.Action: License surrenderedEffective: October 24, 1997

STATEMENT OF ISSUES

DANNY DOLLINS, Palmdale, CA, applicant for pharma-cist licensureViolation: Failing to disclose on an application conviction of acrime and pharmacist license revocation in IdahoAction: Application deniedEffective: December 24, 1997

VISTA PHARMACY, Granada Hills, CA, applicant forpharmacy permitViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto knowingly signing a document which falsely represented thenonexistence of a state of facts relevant to association with adisciplined licensee and permitted that licensee to act as agent forthe pharmacy lease negotiations.Action: Application withdrawnEffective: January 28, 1998

THOMAS ALAN POWELL, JR., Carlsbad, CA, applicantfor exemptee licenseViolation: Being convicted of illegal possession of a controlledsubstanceAction: Application deniedEffective: March 20, 1998

WILLIAM PAUL ARGENTINO, Menlo Park, CA, applicantfor pharmacy technician licenseViolation: Obtaining dangerous drugs for own use from apharmacist whose license is revokedAction: Application deniedEffective: March 20, 1998

GEORGE KEMMLER and QUALITYMEDS, INC.,Carlsbad, CA, applicant for pharmacy and wholesalerlicensesViolation: For purposes of settlement only, respondent admittedto operating a wholesale business without Board-issued license.Action: Applications denied; may not hold interest in any firmlicensed by the BoardEffective: April 24, 1998



RegulationsContinued from Page 9

required for common dosage determination, employing both themetric and apothecary systems.

(E). Knowledge and understanding of the identification ofdrugs, drug dosages, routes of administration, dosage forms andstorage requirements.

(F). Knowledge of and ability to perform the manipulative andrecord-keeping functions involved in and related to dispensingprescriptions.

(G). Knowledge of and ability to perform procedures andtechniques relating to manufacturing, packaging, and labeling ofdrug products.

(b) A current enrollee of a course of training that meets therequirements of this section may obtain part or all of his orher practical instruction as an enrollee of that course in apharmacy.

(c) An enrollee of a technician training course who is obtainingpractical instruction in a pharmacy shall, at all times while inthe pharmacy, wear a badge which clearly identifies him orher as a “pharmacy technician trainee.”

(d) The tasks performed by a pharmacy technician trainee arelimited to obtaining practical instruction on the tasksdescribed in section 1793.2 and shall not include anyfunction in connection with the dispensing of a prescription,including repackaging from bulk, and storage of pharmaceu-ticals. The supervision requirements contained in section1793.7 (c) shall apply to a pharmacy technician trainee.Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any traineeauthorized by this section shall be present in a pharmacy inlieu of a non-licensed person as specified in section 1793.3.A pharmacy technician trainee may perform tasks specifiedin section 1793.3.

(e) Except as provided in this section, no person shall act as apharmacy technician trainee in a pharmacy.

(Effective 09/24/98 to 01/01/99)

By focusing the same type of widespread public attention onthe importance of patient medication compliance as is given tofood labeling and health fitness, we will have a better informedpatient population, achieve more effective health care, and savevaluable healthcare resources. Pharmacists who initiate programsthat help patients better manage their medications and meet theirtreatment objectives can help reduce healthcare costs and untoldhuman suffering.

Health Notes regularly features articles that deal with suchhealthcare topics as pain management, the impact of pain onpatients and their families, coronary artery disease in women,breast cancer treatment, the pharmacist’s role in the treatment ofdepression, and the importance of weighing the benefits and risksof hormone replacement therapy.

In an effort to help consumers learn more about medications,the Board has also developed a public awareness program thatencourages consumers to talk with their pharmacists. Theprogram has created newspaper columns in English and Spanishcovering such topics as “How Asking Questions About YourMedicines Can Help Save Your Life,” “The Patient’s Bill ofRights,” and “Pain Management: A Pain Rating Scale to HelpYou Describe Your Pain.”

“We are urging consumers to talk with their pharmacistsabout any problems they anticipate in using their medications,”states Sandra Bauer, Vice President of the California Board ofPharmacy. “If a patient gets a prescription refilled and it has adifferent appearance or the directions on the label have changed,the patient should discuss it with a healthcare provider.”

For a free copy of Health Notes, write to the State Board ofPharmacy, 400 R Street, Suite 4070, Sacramento, CA, 95814.

Health NotesContinued from Page 3

Check your license’s expiration date!Delinquent licenses may be cancelled!

Section 4402 of the Business and Professions Code mandates that any pharmacist license that is not renewed, restored, or reinstatedwithin three years following its expiration date shall be cancelled by operation of law.

Any other Board-issued license registration (e.g., pharmacy technicians, interns, exemptees, pharmacies, clinics, drug rooms,wholesalers, medical device retailers) are automatically cancelled by operation of law if the license is not renewed within 60 days afterits expiration date.

Pharmacists-in-charge are responsible for ensuring that all licenses (site and personnel) of the pharmacy are current. Wholesalersand medical device retailers should also ensure that the licenses of their exemptees and qualifying pharmacists have been renewedproperly. Failure to renew exemptee licenses can block the renewal capabilities of the company to which the license is related.

Licenses cancelled under this provision will not be reissued. Instead, a new application will be required.

Mail or FAX your order to:

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This newsletter is published by the

California State Board of PharmacyDepartment of Consumer Affairs

400 R Street, Suite 4070Sacramento CA 95814

(916) 445-5014Fax: (916) 327-6308

BOARD MEMBERS

Thomas S. Nelson, R.Ph., PresidentSaundra Bauer, Public Member, Vice President

Caleb Zia, Public Member, Treasurer

Robert Elsner, Public MemberDarlene Fujimoto, Pharm.D.

John Jones, R.Ph.Steve Litsey, Pharm.D.Rich Mazzoni, R.Ph.

M. Standifer Shreve, R.Ph.Holly Strom, R.Ph.

Kenneth Tait, Public Member

Patricia HarrisExecutive Officer

Hope Tamraz, Editor

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 685

Sacramento, CA

Have You Moved?Business and Professions Code section 4100 requires

licensees to report your new address to the Board within30 days of moving (section 4100 of the Business andProfessions Code). Please mail or fax your full name,license number, old address and new address to:

California State Board of Pharmacy400 R Street, Suite 4070Sacramento CA 95814

FAX: (916) 327-6308

Your “address of record” is accessible to the public,so if you wish to use a post office box as your address ofrecord, the law requires that you must also provide yourresidence address to the Board.

in this issue a reminder—cures is in effecta reminder—cures is in effect as of september 18,...

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