SB391 Summary

• Amends Section 34-23-74 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow prescription drugs in nursing homes to be stored in and dispensed from automated pharmacy systems located in medicine/drug rooms under supervision of a licensed pharmacist who may be located at an off-site pharmacy.

• Requires drugs to be dispensed in individual sealed containers for each patient and establishes comprehensive definitions and regulations for "automated pharmacy systems," "coordinating pharmacy," and "remote dispensing site" operations.

• Mandates written agreements between coordinating pharmacies and remote dispensing sites outlining services, responsibilities, and compliance with federal and state laws, unless parties are under common ownership.

• Establishes detailed security, storage, access control, recordkeeping, and quality assurance requirements including electronic supervision capabilities, pharmacist oversight, controlled substance handling, and system testing at minimum every six months.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.