sterile compounded products

Lance O. Leider, J.D., The Health Law Firm and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The Florida Board of Pharmacy announced a new law which will be required for pharmacies that compound sterile products. Effective September 23, 2013, Rule 64B16-28.100(8), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), requires most pharmacies that engage in the preparation of sterile compounded products in Florida to obtain a Special Sterile Compounding Permit. Pharmacies compounding sterile products under their current pharmacy permit may continue to do so, but must obtain the new Special Sterile Compounding Permit on or before March 21, 2014.

Click here to read the notice from the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

We believe the updated requirements are a result of the recent recalls of tainted compounded medications that have spread across the country and infected thousands of patients. These new standards will make it easier for authorities to quickly spot where tainted batches of medications were produced.

Special Sterile Compounding Permit Exceptions.

All permitees that are currently compounding sterile products are required to submit an application to obtain the Special Sterile Compounding Permit.

However, the exceptions are for stand-alone Special Parenteral/Enteral pharmacies, Special Parenteral/Enteral Extended Scope pharmacies, pharmacies that only perform non-sterile compounding, and non-resident pharmacies.

How to Apply for the Special Sterile Compounding Permit.

To obtain the new Special Sterile Compounding Permit, an applicant must already hold another pharmacy permit and must submit an application for the new permit. Those applying for this permit will be required to submit information from current policies and procedures which will be reviewed before an inspection is requested from the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

The application is available by clicking here.

Once approved, the Florida Board of Pharmacy will issue a new Special Sterile Compounding Permit. This means pharmacies that compound sterile products will have two pharmacy permits.

New Standards Most Likely Triggered by Tainted Compounded Medications.

These new standards are being implemented about a year after a nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to contaminated drugs made by a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts. Click here to read our previous blog. Florida is no stranger to allegations of tainted compounded products. In May 2013, Franck’s pharmacy in Ocala, Florida, was accused of distributing eye medications that contained a fungal infection. Click here for the first blog and here for the second blog on this.

It’s likely this new permit is a direct result of the recent issues with compounded medications and compounding pharmacies. The aim of the permit is to help authorities, such as the Department of Health (DOH) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), track Florida pharmacies compounding sterile products.

New Requirements Released for Physician Medical Records Related to Compounded Medications.

Similarly, on September 5, 2013, the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine published new requirements for medical record documentation related to compounded medications administered to patients in an office setting.  These standards became effective on September 9, 2013. The standards are contained in Florida Administrative Code Rules adopted by each board. Click here to read our previous blog on this.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Pharmacies and Pharmacists.

The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists and pharmacies in DEA, DOH and FDA investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, administrative hearings, inspections and audits. The firm’s attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Had you heard of this new permit? How will this affect pharmacies compounding sterile products? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

About the Authors: Lance O. Leider is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the OrlandSeptember 18, 2013o, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.