| Automated Dispensaries

| Automated Dispensaries Recognizing the emergence of sophisticated technology which allows certain levels of automation to the usual and customary process of seeing a provider, to include obtaining a prescription and then filling that prescription at a pharmacy, automated dispensary systems which provide the patient’s medications pursuant to a valid telemedicine visit with a licensee of the Board will not be considered in violation of Part 2640, Rule 1.9 Requirements for Dispensing Physicians. Any physician utilizing the automated dispensary will be responsible for the proper maintenance and inventory/accountability requirements as if the physician were personally dispensing the medications to the patient from his or her stock in their personal practice, as required in Rule 1.9 of Part 2640. An automated dispensary may not dispense controlled substances, and refills of medications may not be issued without a follow-up visit with the physician. Of paramount importance to any automated dispensary process is the continued emphasis on a patient’s freedom of choice, as it pertains to selecting a pharmacy to fill any prescriptions authorized. The failure of any system utilizing an automated dispensary to appropriately advise the patient of his or her right to choose where their medications are filled will constitute a violation of Part 2640, Rule 1.12 Freedom of Choice. Any telemedicine service devices or systems which contain automated dispensaries, containing medications ordered and maintained by physician licensees, shall be subject to the oversight of the Board and the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, as stated in Part 2640, Rule 1.9, and may not operate in this state until approved by both Boards.