CHAPTER 16. DRUG REGIMENS

IC 25-26-16
    Chapter 16. Drug Regimens

IC 25-26-16-1
"Protocol" defined
    Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "protocol" means the policies,procedures, and protocols of a hospital listed in IC 16-18-2-161(a)(1)concerning the adjustment of a patient's drug regimen by apharmacist.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.1-2009,SEC.143.

IC 25-26-16-2
Adjustment
    Sec. 2. For purposes of this chapter, a pharmacist adjusts a drugregimen if the pharmacist:
        (1) changes the duration of treatment for a current drug therapy;
        (2) adjusts a drug's strength, dosage form, frequency ofadministration, or route of administration;
        (3) discontinues the use of a drug; or
        (4) adds a drug to the treatment regimen.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.

IC 25-26-16-3
Protocol upon hospital admission
    Sec. 3. (a) At the time of admission to a hospital that has adopteda protocol under this chapter, the following apply:
        (1) The admitting practitioner shall signify in writing in theform and manner prescribed by the hospital whether theprotocol applies in the care and treatment of the patient.
        (2) A pharmacist may adjust the drug therapy regimen of thepatient pursuant to the:
            (A) written authorization of the admitting practitioner undersubdivision (1); and
            (B) protocols of the hospital.
        The pharmacist shall review the appropriate medical records ofthe patient to determine whether the admitting practitioner hasauthorized the use of a specific protocol before adjusting thepatient's drug therapy regimen. The admitting practitioner mayat any time modify or cancel a protocol by entering themodification or cancellation in the patient's medical record.
    (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), if a protocol involvesparenteral nutrition of the patient, the pharmacist shall communicatewith the admitting practitioner to receive approval to begin theprotocol. The authorization of the admitting practitioner to use theprotocol shall be entered immediately in the patient's medical record,if required by the protocol.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.98-2006,SEC.27.
IC 25-26-16-4
Minimum protocol requirements
    Sec. 4. (a) This section applies to a pharmacist who is practicingin a hospital:
        (1) that is listed in IC 16-18-2-161(a)(1); and
        (2) in which the pharmacist is supervised by a physician asrequired under the protocols of the facility that are developedby health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists,and registered nurses.
    (b) The protocols developed under this chapter must at aminimum require that the medical records of the patient are availableto both the patient's practitioner and the pharmacist and that theprocedures performed by the pharmacist relate to a condition forwhich the patient has first seen a physician or other licensedpractitioner.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.1-2009,SEC.144.

IC 25-26-16-5
Implementation, revision, or renewal of protocol
    Sec. 5. If a hospital or private mental health institution elects toimplement, revise, or renew a protocol under this chapter, thegoverning board of the hospital or private mental health institutionshall consult with that facility's medical staff, pharmacists, and otherhealth care providers selected by the governing board. However, thegoverning board is the ultimate authority regarding the terms,implementation, revision, and renewal of the protocol.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.

IC 25-26-16-6
Modification of written protocol
    Sec. 6. Except for the addition or deletion of authorizedpractitioners and pharmacists, a modification to written protocolsrequires the initiation of a new protocol.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.

IC 25-26-16-7
Annual review
    Sec. 7. A protocol of a health care facility developed under thischapter must be reviewed at least annually.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.

IC 25-26-16-8
Documentation
    Sec. 8. Documentation of protocols must be maintained in acurrent, consistent, and readily retrievable manner. A pharmacist isrequired to document decisions made under this chapter in a mannerthat shows adequate, consistent, and regular communication with anauthorizing practitioner. After making an adjustment or a change tothe drug regimen of a patient, the pharmacist shall immediately enter

the change in the patient's medical record.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.

IC 25-26-16-9
Confidentiality; liability
    Sec. 9. (a) This chapter does not modify the requirements of otherstatutes relating to the confidentiality of medical records.
    (b) This chapter does not make any other licensed health careprovider liable for the actions of a pharmacist carried out under thissection.
As added by P.L.114-1996, SEC.2.