Maine § 13786-D. - Prescribing and dispensing insulin

§ 13786-D.. Prescribing and dispensing insulin

1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Insulin" includes various types of insulin analogs and insulin-like medications, regardless of activation period or whether the solution is mixed before or after dispensation.   [PL 2019, c. 666, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

B. "Insulin-related devices and supplies" means needles, syringes, cartridge systems, prefilled pen systems, glucose meters and test strips. "Insulin-related devices and supplies" does not include insulin pump devices.   [PL 2019, c. 666, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

2.  Authorization.  As authorized by the board in accordance with rules adopted under subsection 3, a pharmacist may dispense emergency refills of insulin and associated insulin-related devices and supplies by prescription drug order or standing order or pursuant to a collaborative practice agreement authorizing insulin to be dispensed. The insulin dispensed under this subsection must be in a quantity that is at least a 30-day supply unless the intended recipient requests a lesser quantity upon consultation with the pharmacist. The intended recipient shall provide evidence of a previous prescription from a practitioner and attest that a refill of that previous prescription may not be readily or easily obtained under the circumstances. Upon receiving evidence of a previous prescription from a practitioner, the pharmacist shall immediately notify that practitioner that an emergency refill of insulin was dispensed and instruct the recipient to seek follow-up care from the practitioner as soon as possible.

3.  Rules; protocols.  The board by rule shall establish standards for authorizing pharmacists to dispense insulin in accordance with subsection 2, including protocols for notifying practitioners when emergency refills of insulin are dispensed. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.