Counseling (Pharmacist or Pharmacy Intern) may include:

• Medication name, description, and purpose
• Dosage form, amount, route, and duration
• Preparation directions and precautions
• Common severe side effects, interactions, and contraindications
• Self-monitoring techniques
• Storage instructions
• Refill information
• What to do if a dose is missed

• Dispensing to a new patient
• Dispensing a new medication to an existing patient
• Changes in dose, strength, route, or directions

• Counseling should be face-to-face when possible, or by phone
• Refusal must be documented
• For refills or continued therapy, an offer to counsel may be conveyed

Requirements:

• Written offer to counsel must accompany each prescription
• Must include:
• Topics available for counseling
• Contact info for a pharmacist or intern
• Toll-free number for mail-order pharmacies

• Same written offer and toll-free contact requirements as off-premises counseling

• Pharmacies part of a group of 8+ in NY under the same corporate ownership

• Free, competent oral interpretation and translation services
• Services may be provided by staff or third-party, and must be immediate
• Notification signage required at drop-off, pick-up, and register areas
• Must say: “Point to your language. Language assistance will be provided at no cost to you.”
• Format: 20-point, bold, Arial font