An Evaluation of Pharmacy Regulation Waivers Granted to Arizona Pharmacies from 2002 through 2012

Abstract

Specific Aims: To compile and evaluate the impact of Arizona pharmacy rule waiver requests from 2002 through 2012 and to determine the current status of these waivers. Methods: Minutes of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (ASBP) meetings were reviewed to identify pharmacies which had sought waivers to Arizona state pharmacy regulations. Information was collected from the ASBP meeting minutes and from the ASBP pharmacy permits database. Persons at the pharmacies were contacted regarding their operation, whether the waiver was still in use, and any perceived impact the waiver had made. Main Results: Fifty waivers were requested of the ASBP. All but three of these requests were granted. The most waivers were requested for hospital and mail order pharmacies and the most common requests were for a smaller than required pharmacy floor plan area, no pharmacist final inspection or initialing, and fewer than the required hours of operation. One waiver was associated with a poor outcome and was subsequently rescinded. Three waivers were followed by rule changes. Some waivers improved pharmacy service to underserved or specialty patient groups and others increased patient convenience or eliminated unnecessary labor, facilities or equipment. One waiver reduced product waste and another enabled pharmacy students to get compounding experience. Several waivers allowed technicians to work from home. About half the waivers are either no longer in use or were never used. Conclusion: The waiver process has helped pharmacy evolve. The waiver process has also allowed businesses to serve underserved populations and special patient groups.