SRC-CTC S.B. 65 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 65
By: Moncrief
Health & Human Services
3/12/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, an automated pharmacy system (APS) is permitted to dispense a
maximum of 36 different medications.  The Texas State Board of Pharmacy
(board) recently recommended that this number be increased and approved the
use of automated pharmacy systems for nursing homes.  As proposed, S.B. 65
allows for the use of an APS at a healthcare facility regulated by the
state if always under the supervision of a pharmacist.  The board is
granted rulemaking authority to ensure such systems are properly used. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas State Board of
Pharmacy in SECTION 1 (Section 562.109, Occupations Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 562C, Occupations Code, by adding Section
562.109, as follows: 

Sec. 562.109. AUTOMATED PHARMACY SYSTEMS. Defines "automated pharmacy
system."  Requires that an automated pharmacy system and authorized
technical personnel be under continuous direct or indirect supervision by a
pharmacist.  Defines "authorized technical personnel."  Authorizes an
automated pharmacy system to be located only at a health care facility
regulated by the state.  Grants rulemaking authority regarding the use of
an automated pharmacy system to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (board),
including certain features and requirements. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage.

SECTION 3. Requires that the board adopt rules consistent with this Act by
February 28, 2002.