Pharmacists, Pharmacies, and Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Distributors (216-RICR-40-15-1)

Purpose and Reason:

The Department is amending this rule to include the following:

• A pharmaceutical redistribution program utilizing donated drugs by January 1, 2023 as required by R.I. Pub. Law 22-402.
• Allowing licensed pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and administer medications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Preexposure (PrEP) and Post-exposure (PEP) Prophylaxis pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-18-93.
• Revisions to the Collaborative Practice Agreement policies
• Updates to wording regarding staffing requirements
• Updates to wording regarding compounding to reflect updates to the language in the USP

Revisions to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-19.1-11, 5-19.1-15, 5-19.1-16, and 5-19.1-20 which implements the following changes:

• Pharmacist licenses will be valid for a period of two years as R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-19.1-20 states that the renewal fee is to be paid biennially. RIDOH lengthened the licensing period to correspond to the change in the statute.
• Pharmacy intern licenses will be valid for a minimum of five years.
• Pharmacy technician licenses will be valid for a minimum of two years.