Arkansas: Summary of Important Pharmacy Related Rules, Regulations, Statutes, and Practices That Apply to Practice of Pharmacy

BACKGROUND

As in other states, pharmacy law in Arkansas consists of statutes and rules/regulations. We present herein the most significant considerations. Occasionally, there is duplication because a topic is covered in both the statutes and is then explained further in the rules/regulations sections. For additional information, explanation, or clarification on any specific subjects, see www.pharmacyboard.arkansas.gov. Then under the headline “Rules & Regulations,” click on Pharmacy Lawbook.

MISCELLANEOUS

Optometrists

In Arkansas, optometrists are allowed to prescribe certain medications related to their practice, and pharmacists may fill these prescriptions.

Advanced Practice Nurses

Pharmacists in Arkansas may fill prescriptions written by nurses in this category who have prescriptive authority.

Pharmacist Restrictions

In Arkansas, pharmacists may not treat or examine any eye or related conditions, nor may they prescribe or sell prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Physician Assistant Prescriptions

PAs (under supervision of a physician) may write prescriptions for noncontrolled legend drugs. In addition to all the required information, the prescription label must include:

• PA’s name

• “PA” after the PA’s name

The actual prescription must include the above along with:

• PA’s DEA #

• Supervising physician’s name

Board of Pharmacy

The board has 8 members who are appointed by the governor. Terms are six years long. Five of them are pharmacists who have practiced for a minimum of 5 years, and are recommended by the State Pharmacists Association.

A sixth member is also a pharmacist, a minority, and is recommended by the pharmacy sections of the State Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy associations.

Two additional members are public members—one consumer and one at least 60 years of age. These 2 are appointed from the state at large and are confirmed by the State Senate. Both may vote on board issues, but do not grade pharmacy examinations.

The board appoints a president and a secretary from their own members.

The board has authority to develop rules and regulations that are consistent with the statutes.

With appropriate board authorization, inspectors may conduct pharmacy audits, inspections, etc. for overseeing activities regulated by the board.

The board may obtain copies of documents, prescriptions, etc., with written authorization.

In hospitals, records requested must be presented within 2 working days.

The board may subpoena records.

Medications Administration Advisory Committee

This is an advisory group to the board regarding drug administration and new classifications of medications.

The 5 members are governor appointed. Two are physicians, two are pharmacists, and one is an advanced practice nurse who has a certificate of prescriptive authority. ...