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September 8, 2016

State reminds pharmacists of controlled substances protocols

As the state continues efforts to curb opioid addiction, pharmacy overseers recently issued reminders to drug stores on a range of procedures.

The Board of Registration in Pharmacy advisories cover everything from name tag requirements to regulations governing record-keeping of controlled substances.

One advisory outlines the responsibilities of chief pharmacists – covering storage of drugs, labeling, and safety requirements for compounding medications. The other advisory reminds pharmacies of staffing ratio requirements, which require one pharmacist for every three or four support personnel.

Attorney General Maura Healey last Thursday announced a settlement with CVS Pharmacy, alleging the chain was lax in some areas controlling access to addictive narcotics. The agreement will require pharmacists in Massachusetts CVS stores to check the prescription monitoring program (PMP) when filling prescriptions for dangerous drugs.

The advisory issued by the Board of Registration of Pharmacies urges other pharmacists to use the online resource, which tracks prescriptions in an effort to tamp down on abuse of medications.

"Utilization of the PMP is highly recommended," the advisory states.

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