(1) A physician may delegate authority to a
pharmacist certified under this chapter to modify drug therapy through a
protocol for a patient under the physician's direct medical care and
supervision. The protocol shall meet the applicable requirements for the
issuance of prescriptions provided in O.C.G.A. Section
16-13-41 or
16-13-74, which ever is applicable.
(2) A
protocol shall be in writing and must contain the following:
(a) The printed name and signature of the
physician, along with the license number issued to the physician by the Georgia
Composite Board of Medical Examiners;
(b) The printed name and signature of the
pharmacist, along with the license number issued to the pharmacist by the
Board;
(c) The date the protocol
was established, and the date the protocol becomes effective;
(d) The length of time the protocol shall be
in effect;
(e) The identity of each
patient covered by the protocol, and a mechanism to inform the patient the
physician has authorized the pharmacist to modify the patient's drug therapy
pursuant to this protocol, including information as to how the patient may opt
out of the protocol;
(f) The
physician's diagnosis of condition or disease state for each patient identified
in the protocol, along with a listing of the initial drug therapy prescribed by
the physician for each patient;
(g)
A description of the parameters and responsibilities for drug therapy
modification;
(h) Description of
the monitoring required by the pharmacist and physician for each patient
identified in the protocol;
(i) The
procedures the pharmacist must follow when modifying drug therapy including,
but not limited to, the method and frequency of notification to the physician
of any drug therapy modification;
(j) For each patient's drug therapy
modification, the identification of types and categories of medications allowed
to be utilized, and the maximum/minimum dosage levels within each type and
category of medication; and
(k)
Identification of the documentation required by the pharmacist when drug
therapy has been modified, including, but not limited to, a record of any
problems or complications encountered, a list of recommendations, and a list of
all drug modifications.
(3) No protocol can be longer than two (2)
years. Protocols shall terminate immediately when the pharmacist's or
physician's license and/or certificate has lapsed, been revoked, or has not
been renewed.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
16-13-41, 16-13-74, 26-4-6, 26-4-27, 26-4-28, 26-4-50, 26-4-81, 43-1-7, 43-34-26.2.
