NAC449.6138. Distribution and administration of drugs and controlled substances.

     1. Each independent center for emergency medical care shall provide for the distribution and administration of drugs in conformance with all federal, state and local laws. A list of the drugs available for use at the center must be maintained.

     2. All dangerous drugs and controlled substances distributed at an independent center for emergency medical care must be:

     (a) Owned by and stored in a licensed pharmacy; or

     (b) Owned by a licensed physician.

     3. If a pharmacy is located on the premises of an independent center for emergency medical care, the pharmacy must be licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy.

     4. If a pharmacy is not located on the premises of an independent center for emergency medical care, the center must contain an area for the storage, administration, quality control and dispensing of drugs. The storage area must include locked storage for drugs and double-locked storage for controlled substances, and refrigerated storage for both drugs and controlled substances. Refrigerators for the storage of drugs and controlled substances must be maintained between 36 degrees Fahrenheit and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Room temperature for the storage of drugs and controlled substances must not exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Facilities for washing hands must be located near the area of distribution.

     5. A drug or controlled substance may not be administered at an independent center for emergency medical care without the order of a physician. The order must be entered in the medical record of the patient and signed by the physician. The order must include the name of the drug or controlled substance, the dosage, the time or frequency of administration and if the drug or controlled substance is not to be taken orally, the method of administration.

     6. The development and training of the medical staff of an independent center for emergency medical care must include training provided by a pharmacist licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy. The training must include policies and procedures concerning the procurement, storage, repackaging and dispensing of drugs. The distribution of drugs at the center must be physically monitored at least quarterly by a licensed pharmacist, who shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the administrator or medical director of the center.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 11-1-95)