Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 164 - Pharmacy Board
Chapter 6800 - PHARMACIES AND PHARMACISTS
INTERNSHIP
Part 6800.5400 - TRAINING

Subpart 1. Intent.

The intent of this rule is to establish minimum standards for the training of interns so that they are provided with a proper preceptor-intern relationship and a broad base of practical experience that supplements didactic academic training in a manner which prepares them for all aspects of the practice of pharmacy.

Subp. 2. Nonreciprocity.

Nothing in this rule shall imply that the standards described herein are acceptable to other states on a reciprocal basis.

Subp. 3. Training in other state.

When an intern desires to obtain credit for training received in a state other than Minnesota, the intern shall abide by the internship rules in that state, and shall provide evidence from that state's Board of Pharmacy confirming completion of the number of internship hours for which credit is being requested. The board may deny requests for approval of credit for training received in a state other than Minnesota if the training does not meet the standards for internship described in this subpart.

Subp. 4. Maximum number of interns.

A licensed pharmacist shall not be the preceptor for more than two interns at one time.

Subp. 4a. Supervision: intern dispensing and compounding.

An intern performing tasks associated with dispensing or compounding shall be immediately and directly supervised by a licensed pharmacist stationed within the same work area who has the ability to control and is responsible for the actions of the intern. Except in the case of internship experience conducted as part of the experiential education program of an accredited college or school of pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist may not supervise more than one intern who is performing tasks associated with dispensing or compounding. In the case of an internship experience conducted as part of the experiential education program of an accredited college or school of pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist may supervise two interns who are performing tasks associated with dispensing or compounding. The ultimate responsibility for the actions of an intern performing tasks associated with dispensing or compounding shall remain with the licensed pharmacist who is supervising the intern.

Subp. 4b. Supervision, generally.

Immediate and direct supervision by a licensed pharmacist is not required when an intern completes a medication history, gathers information for the purpose of formulating a pharmaceutical care plan or making a drug therapy recommendation, conducts educational activities for patients or staff, provides patient counseling, participates in patient rounds, or performs similar tasks that do not involve dispensing and compounding. However, all drug therapy and related recommendations that an intern proposes to make to other health professionals and patients must be reviewed and approved by a licensed pharmacist before they are made. An intern's supervising pharmacist is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of statements made by the intern while providing counseling to patients or health-related education to patients or staff.

Subp. 5. Competencies.

Upon registration, interns and preceptors will be furnished a copy of the board's internship manual, which lists the minimum competencies that should be the focus of internship training. The competencies are furnished to suggest appropriate types and order of training experience and shall be used to ensure that the intern's practical experiences are commensurate with the intern's educational level, and broad in scope.

Subp. 6. Evidence of completion.

Applicants for licensure as pharmacists who are examined and licensed after September 17, 1973, shall submit evidence that they have successfully completed not less than 1,500 hours of internship under the instruction and supervision of a preceptor. Effective May 1, 2003, candidates for licensure shall submit evidence that they have successfully completed not less than 1,600 hours of internship under the direction and supervision of a preceptor. Credit for internship shall be granted only to registered interns who have completed the third year of the five-year or six-year pharmacy curriculum, provided, however, that: