Electronic Supervision of Pharmacy Technicians

Abstract: The pharmacist controls the medication use process.

The Envision Imaging System^‡ allows our pharmacists the ability to electronically supervise pharmacy technicians in the performance of medication related activities.

Under the electronic supervision of a pharmacist, technicians may perform duties that include the following: work pursuant to medication order, unit or multiple dose prepackaging, medication order entry and entry of drug distribution information, compounding sterile pharmaceuticals, distributing orders from stock supplies to patient care areas, and accessing/restocking automated medication supply systems.

The system allows for pharmacist availability on a daily basis and full pharmacy operations at an affordable price. Ideal candidates for this service are hospitals without a full time pharmacist, or facilities with a full time pharmacist that want to extend their days and/or hours of coverage. The system is the next best thing to a pharmacist being there!

State laws and rules vary regarding the use of Electronic Supervision of Pharmacy Technicians. Please contact us regarding information about your location and needs.

Additional Benefits:

Increased medication safety

• Error reduction
• Prospective RPh review of medication related processes
• Increased availability of optimally prepared, packaged & compounded pharmaceuticals

Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance

• In Texas
• In order to perform any of their duties delineated in Texas Pharmacy Rules, including medication order entry, pharmacy technicians must be under the direct on-site supervision of a pharmacist.
• When the pharmacy is closed, the only function that nursing may perform is to enter the pharmacy and remove medication in sufficient quantities for the (immediate) therapeutic needs of the patient.
• In Texas, the State Board of Pharmacy approved a pilot project which granted Envision Telepharmacy™ exclusive ability to electronically supervise Texas registered pharmacy technicians in the performance of normal duties in small institutional pharmacies with the use of our system. This is possible through a provision in the Texas Pharmacy Act which allows TBSP to grant Board Rule variances for projects involving "innovative applications in the practice of pharmacy".
• JCAHO - February 2006 issue of JCAHO's newsletter, Patient Safety
• Discusses imaging in the absence of a pharmacist as an example of a great technological opportunity.
• Envision Telepharmacy System^‡ is precisely the type of innovative, low cost technology solution that is a "digital solution that make the most sense" for smaller facilities.

Improves consistency in services and operations

Provides a cost effective pharmacy practice model

• Pharmacy technicians utilized to their fullest potential
• Pharmacist's time utilized in an effective and efficient manner
• Nurse's time utilized in a more effective and efficient manner
• Eliminates nursing medication removals from the pharmacy