32-1970

32-1970. Implementing, monitoring and
modifying drug therapy and use; conditions; definitions

A. A pharmacist licensed pursuant to this chapter may implement, monitor and modify
drug therapy and use only under the following circumstances:

1. The patient's drug therapy and use are pursuant to a diagnosis by a physician
licensed pursuant to chapter 13 or 17 of this title in an inpatient setting except for
health care provided pursuant to paragraph 4, subdivisions (b) and (d) of this
subsection.

2. The pharmacist complies with rules adopted by the state board of pharmacy that
have been approved by the Arizona medical board and the board of osteopathic examiners in
medicine and surgery.

3. The pharmacist follows the written drug therapy management protocols prescribed
by the physician who made the diagnosis.

4. The pharmacist implements, monitors or modifies a person's drug therapy and use
only in the following health care institutions:

(a) A hospital as defined in section 32-1901.

(b) A staff model of a health care services organization.

(c) A nursing care institution that has a contractual relationship between a
limited service pharmacy or a long-term care consultant pharmacist or has an on-site
pharmacy.

(d) A qualifying community health center as defined in section 32-1921 that has an
on-site pharmacy.

5. The pharmacist includes the approved guidelines and protocols in the patient's
chart or file and makes the chart or file available for review by the patient's other
health care providers.

B. A licensee who violates this section commits an act of unprofessional conduct.

C. A pharmacist is responsible for the pharmacist's negligent acts that are the
result of the pharmacist's change of medication or that relate to patient drug usage
pursuant to drug therapy management protocols. This subsection does not limit a
physician's liability for negligent acts that are not related to a pharmacist's change of
medication pursuant to the protocols.

D. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Implement, monitor and modify" means that a pharmacist may perform specific
acts as authorized by a physician pursuant to written guidelines and protocols. This does
not include the selection of drug products not prescribed by the physician unless
selection of the specific drug product is authorized by the written guidelines and
protocols.

2. "Long-term care consultant pharmacist" means a pharmacist providing consulting
services to a long-term care facility.

3. "Protocol" means a physician's written order, written standing medical order or
other written order of protocol as defined by rules adopted by the Arizona medical board
and the board of osteopathic examiners in medicine and surgery and that are patient,
physician and pharmacist specific for prescriptions or orders given by the physician
authorizing the written protocol.

4. "Staff model of a health care services organization" means an organization that
is licensed pursuant to title 20 and that employs its health care providers.