Members present: President Jeff Nielsen, Steve Statz, Arvid Liebe, and Marla Hayes by audio link. Excused absent: Arlene Ham-Burr.
Staff present: Executive Secretary Ron Huether; Inspectors Earl McKinstry and Randy Jones, Senior Secretary Rene Hixon.
Others present: Sue Schaefer, Executive Director, SD Pharmacists Association, Pierre; Chris Sonnenschein, President, SD Pharmacists Association; Dennis Hedge, Dean, SDSU College of Pharmacy.
The meeting was called to order by President Nielsen at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting agenda was approved by the board members, with the addition of election of officers.
Election of Officers: Arvid Liebe moved to elect the following for the coming year - Steve Statz, President; Arlene Ham-Burr, Vice-President. Seconded by Marla Hayes. Motion carried. Statz assumed chairmanship of the meeting.
Minutes
Liebe moved to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2009, board meeting. Motion seconded by Hayes. The minutes were posted on the Board of Pharmacy website after preliminary electronic approval of the board members. Motion carried.
REPORTS
Financial Reports
The Board financial reports were reviewed and approved. Ron Huether also reported on his recent meeting with the Government Operations and Affairs Committee of the SD Legislature. He responded to the committee’s questions regarding sources of revenue, use of funds, and current cash balance. The current cash reserves may be reduced by projects that may be implemented in the future - software updates to allow more on-line services and license verifications; and on-going funding for a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
Activity Reports
The Inspector’s Activity Reports were reviewed. Jones reported that he is emphasizing security for pharmacies since there have been several break-ins at pharmacies. McKinstry reported on the NABP Task Force on Technician Education and Training meeting that he recently attended. The first telepharmacy will begin operations mid-December at Eagle Butte on a part-time basis.
SD Pharmacists Association – Sue Schaefer reported on SDPhA activities and the fall district meetings. Chris Sonnenschein presented results of survey responses by South Dakota pharmacists that the Association will use in planning meetings and events to increase pharmacist participation.
SDSU College of Pharmacy – Dean Dennis Hedge reported on the process the college is undergoing to maintain the 6-year accreditation. Additional faculty positions have been added on campus and in the Black Hills. The new pharmacy building is close to completion. Once again, SDSU pharmacy graduates scored well above average on the NAPLEX. The outlook for job placement of graduating pharmacists is good even though internships are more difficult to obtain than in previous years.
SD Society of Health System Pharmacists – Jodi Wendte, President of SDSHP, submitted a written report of activities.
SD Association of Pharmacy Technicians – Phyllis Sauer is now president of SDAPT. Past-president Ann Oberg and Earl McKinstry are planning a review session for pharmacy technicians preparing for the technician certification exam. This program is planned for April in Rapid City concurrent with the SDSHP annual meeting.
Approvals
Huether reported on approval requests:
Automated Mechanical Dispensing Device –
St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre – Sandy Jacobson
Randall Pharmacy, Redfield, Hugh Mack
Off-site Storage of Prescription Drugs –
MedVantx, Sioux Falls – Lora Van Dyke
OLD BUSINESS
Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)
Jones and Huether have reviewed nearly 10,000 questions to make up the question pool for the MPJE. Target date for implementation is February 1, 2010.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Statz, Jones and Huether are participating on a Task Force reporting to the SD Healthcare Commission. Several meetings have been held to discuss issues related to this program. Implementation of PDMP will require a law passed by the SD Legislature. The Board reaffirmed its support for administering this program if implemented.
Access to Student Information Agreement
Huether reported that an agreement with SDSU has been approved and signed. The Board previously approved the agreement but DOH approval was also required. The Board will have access to student information related to the SDSU curriculum pharmacy practice experiences that meet our internship requirements. This will reduce redundant paperwork for students, preceptors and board staff.
Software Updates
The board staff is working on establishing the software requirements so that we can submit an RFP to qualified vendors. The Boards of Nursing and Dentistry are also planning upgrades and we are learning from their experiences as we plan for our needs.
NEW BUSINESS
Reports
Jones reported on the NABP Fall Symposium held December 3-4, 2009. This program presented the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana. McKinstry reported on his participation on the NABP Task Force on Technician Education and Training. NABP is on record recommending that pharmacy technicians should be required to complete an approved educational program and be certified.
Rules Updates
Items needing attention are the ARSD 20:51:04:02.1 where a minor change needs to be addressed regarding pharmacist registration by license transfer; and ARSD 20:51:28 for modification and possible expansion of the pharmacist immunization rules.
Prescription Drug Disposal
Discussion held on a take-back program for prescription medications. There is growing concern that unused medications present environmental and diversion risks. DEA regulations mandate law enforcement participation if controlled substances are involved. A take-back program must include proper disposal in order to protect the environment.
New Pharmacy Permit
The Board reviewed and approved an application for a pharmacy permit for Avera Medical Associates, Pierre; Steve Lee, pharmacist-in-charge.
OTHER BUSINESS
NABP Annual Meeting
A motion was made by Liebe, seconded by Statz, to allow per diem and expenses for three board members and one staff member for the NABP annual meeting in Anaheim, California. Motion carried.
2010 Board Meetings
The next meeting will be held March 5 in Sioux Falls. Other meeting dates are June 3 in Pierre, October 1 at SDSU, Brookings, and December 2 in Sioux Falls. The June meeting will be held prior to the SD Pharmacists Convention on June 4-6, 2010, in Chamberlain.
Liebe made a motion the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Nielsen. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
