North Carolina Board of Pharmacy approves direct-to-patient dispensing system
New board rules effective September 1, 2023 authorize the use of direct-to-patient dispensing systems, either as a "locker" system (a secure container where pharmacy personnel place labeled patient-specific prescriptions to be picked up) or a "kiosk" system (where an automated system fills, labels, and dispenses prescriptions to patients). An existing pharmacy must update its pharmacy services with the board to establish a DTP system on-site and must obtain a limited-service permit to establish a system off-site. Among other requirements are the need to be able to identify each patient, an option to real-time audio and video consultation with a pharmacist, continuous supervision of the system (remote supervision permitted) by a pharmacist employed by the home pharmacy, and continuous video surveillance of the system.