Georgia Board of Pharmacy defines direct supervision

Pharmacists can now come out from behind the counter

On February 8, 2017, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy voted to adopt a definition of “direct supervision” that allows pharmacists to provide care to patients in not only the prescription department, but also consultation rooms, vaccination rooms, and areas where over the counter drugs are sold — provided they are available to provide assistance and direction to pharmacy personnel.

In other words, pharmacists can come out from the prescription department to work with patients for up to five minutes at a time.

It is important to note that pharmacists will still be responsible for all activities performed by pharmacy personnel, and they will need to prepare a final check of prepared products and document such checks before prescriptions are dispensed. (Below is a link to the rule in its entirety. Please read it.)

In short, under this definition of direct supervision, retail pharmacists no longer have to maintain a direct line of sight to pharmacy personnel. They are now free to leave the prescription counter to provide pharmacy care. This will better enable pharmacists to interact with and care for their patients.

As you know, the issue of direct supervision for retail pharmacies has been a hot topic for the past year and half. Obtaining a clear definition of direct supervision has been a GPhA priority.

We would like to thank the Board of Pharmacy and GDNA for working tirelessly on this issue and for including GPhA and GACDS in the process and allowing us to offer input. GPhA would also like to thank GACDS and Steve Georgeson for its work in seeking a definition.

Click here to read the Board of Pharmacy press release for a more detailed definition.