Common database.

Nothing contained in this chapter may be construed to prohibit the dispensing by a pharmacist licensed in this state or another state of a prescription contained in a common database, and such dispensing does not constitute a transfer as defined in s. 465.026(1)-(6), provided that the following conditions are met:

(1) All pharmacies involved in the transactions pursuant to which the prescription is dispensed are under common ownership and utilize a common database.

(2) All pharmacies involved in the transactions pursuant to which the prescription is dispensed and all pharmacists engaging in dispensing functions are properly licensed, permitted, or registered in this state or another state.

(3) The common database maintains a record of all pharmacists involved in the process of dispensing a prescription.

(4) The owner of the common database maintains a policy and procedures manual that governs its participating pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy employees and that is available to the board or its agent upon request. The policy and procedures manual must include the following information:

(a) A best practices model detailing how each pharmacy and each pharmacist accessing the common database will comply with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

(b) The procedure for maintaining appropriate records for regulatory oversight for tracking a prescription during each stage of the filling and dispensing process, identifying the pharmacists involved in filling and dispensing the prescription and counseling the patient, and responding to any requests for information made by the board under s. 465.0156.

(c) The policy and procedure for providing adequate security to protect the confidentiality and integrity of patient information.

(d) A quality assurance program designed to objectively and systematically monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality and appropriateness of patient care through the use of the common database.

Any pharmacist dispensing a prescription has at all times the right and obligation to exercise his or her independent professional judgment. Any pharmacist properly dispensing an alternative medication prescribed for the treatment of COVID-19 is not subject to disciplinary action by the board or the department based solely on such dispensing. Notwithstanding this section, a pharmacist licensed in this state dispensing a prescription pursuant to this section is not responsible for the acts and omissions of another person participating in the dispensing process provided such person is not under the direct supervision and control of the pharmacist licensed in this state.