The proposed rules — which will now be subjected to a public comment period — could mandate increased staffing, would set a maximum time (72 hours) to fill prescriptions, and give pharmacists greater authority to suspend non-core services if they believe they’re getting in the way of prompt, safe delivery of medications. Importantly, the rules would expressly prohibit retaliation against workers who follow the new guidelines.
A whopping 89% of large-chain pharmacies said staffing in their workplaces wasn’t adequate to protect patient safety.
The board estimates that among large pharmacy chains the requirement would cost CVS $25 million a year; Walgreens, $17 million; Kroger, $14 million, and Walmart: $10 million. Those amounts would equal 0.4% to 0.6% of the companies’ annual profit from pharmacy, the estimate said.Article Link