Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:29:59 AM  
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:10:33 AM  
Subject: Ascension Michigan Comment Letter  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules Comment Letter.pdf
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hi Andria,  
Please let me know if this works for you.  
Thanks!  
Alisha  
--  
Alisha Cottrell  
Chief Advocacy Officer  
Ascension Michigan  
110 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000 | Lansing, MI 48933  
Office: 517-482-1422  
Mobile: 517-392-5304  
Executive Assistant: Laurie Piekarski  
Ascension Michigan  
Administration - Corporate Services Building  
T: (586) 753-0662  
Located in Eastern Time Zone  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain  
privileged information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended  
recipient(s), you are hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of  
this message is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named  
recipient(s), please notify the sender at the email address above, delete this email from  
your computer, and destroy any copies in any form immediately. Receipt by anyone other  
than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-client, work product, or other  
applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:36:11 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 1:06:22 PM  
Subject: FW: Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules Comment Letter  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Hi Andria,  
Please see below.  
From: Alisha Cottrell <alisha.cottrell@ascension.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 12:11 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Jeffrey Thomas <jeffrey.thomas@ascension.org>; Gary Blake <gary.blake@ascension.org>; Douglas Apple  
<douglas.apple@ascension.org>  
Subject: Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules Comment Letter  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Dear Department Specialist:  
Please see the attached letter submitted on behalf of Ascension Michigan as our official comment letter for the  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.  
Sincerely,  
Alisha  
Alisha Cottrell  
Chief Advocacy Officer  
Ascension Michigan  
110 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000 | Lansing, MI 48933  
Office: 517-482-1422  
Mobile: 517-392-5304  
Executive Assistant: Laurie Piekarski  
Ascension Michigan  
Administration - Corporate Services Building  
T: (586) 753-0662  
Located in Eastern Time Zone  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain privileged  
information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are  
hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  
If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender at the  
email address above, delete this email from your computer, and destroy any copies in any form  
immediately. Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-  
client, work product, or other applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:27:38 AM  
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 10:10:33 AM  
Subject: Ascension Michigan Comment Letter  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules Comment Letter.pdf
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hi Andria,  
Please let me know if this works for you.  
Thanks!  
Alisha  
--  
Alisha Cottrell  
Chief Advocacy Officer  
Ascension Michigan  
110 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000 | Lansing, MI 48933  
Office: 517-482-1422  
Mobile: 517-392-5304  
Executive Assistant: Laurie Piekarski  
Ascension Michigan  
Administration - Corporate Services Building  
T: (586) 753-0662  
Located in Eastern Time Zone  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain  
privileged information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended  
recipient(s), you are hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of  
this message is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named  
recipient(s), please notify the sender at the email address above, delete this email from  
your computer, and destroy any copies in any form immediately. Receipt by anyone other  
than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-client, work product, or other  
applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
June 2, 2023  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules  
2022-8 LR  
Dear Department Specialist:  
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes to the  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules. Ascension Michigan has the following  
concerns identified below.  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the  
United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention,  
12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not limited to,  
USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost at  
http://www.usp.org/compounding, or at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of  
Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory  
Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
(3) A pharmacy that provides compounding services shall comply with all applicable current  
standards adopted in subrule (1) of this rule.  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in this state or that dispenses, provides, distributes, or  
otherwise furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals in this state shall must be inspected and  
registered as an outsourcing facility by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  
prior to before applying for a pharmacy license in this state.  
Suggestion: Delete the phrase “not limited to” and remove the reference to chapter version  
dates from USP 795 and 797. Update this section to adopt “current compendial chapters of  
USP 795 and 797”.  
Rationale: It is anticipated that other regulatory and accrediting bodies (e.g. Joint Commission)  
will utilize the revised USP standards when evaluating Michigan pharmacies. This would result  
in state licensed pharmacies having to adopt the strict requirements in the updated chapters  
without realizing any of the corresponding benefits (e.g. extended BUDs) and leading to  
increased operational costs and waste. Also, the new standards are more in alignment with the  
FDA definition of compounding. For multi-state health-systems (like Ascension) attempting to  
standardize practice, state-specific compounding policies and metrics would need to be  
established for MI sites. Also, for MI pharmacies licensed outside of the state (e.g. home  
infusion), other states may not accept sterile products from MI pharmacies, which would result  
in a loss of business. Most recognized training programs (e.g. ASHP) will update their training  
and resources to reflect current USP standards, which will result in confusion for pharmacists  
licensed in the state of Michigan and both in-state and out-of-state pharmacy  
students/residents being trained at MI facilities.  
R 338.591 Dispensing emergency supply of insulin.  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may dispense an emergency supply of insulin to an individual if the  
pharmacist complies with all of the following:  
(a) The requirements in section 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
(b) An emergency supply of insulin may only be dispensed from a pharmacy with real time  
access to the qualified prescription for insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as that term is defined in MCL 333.17744f, may be dispensed per  
qualified prescription.0  
(2) If the smallest single package of insulin available exceeds a 30-day supply, dispensing the  
package of insulin that is available complies with this rule and section 17744f of the code, MCL  
333.17744f.  
Suggestion: Change to also include insulin analogs  
Rationale: Since many patients are prescribed insulin analogs (e.g. lispro, as part), adding this  
language would clarify that the emergency supply also pertains to these agents.  
Again, thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any further questions or  
concerns, please contact me at (586) 753-1120 or douglas.apple@ascension.org.  
Sincerely,  
Douglas J. Apple, MD, MS, FHM  
Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Michigan  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:45:58 AM  
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:24:49 AM  
Subject: FW: Comments on Pharmacy General Rules (MOAHR #2022-8 LR)  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
PharmacyGeneralRulesComment.docx
From: Rose M Baran <RoseBaran@ferris.edu>  
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:11 AM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comments on Pharmacy General Rules (MOAHR #2022-8 LR)  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Attention: Departmental Specialist  
Please find attached comments on the Pharmacy General Rules (MOAHR #2022-8 LR) for the public hearing on these Rules  
scheduled for June 2, 2023 at 9:00 AM.  
Sincerely,  
Rose Baran Pharm.D.  
Rose Baran  
This email message and any attachments are for the confidential use of the intended recipient. Please notify me if you have  
received this message by mistake and delete this message and any attachments.  
Comments on Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules  
Rule Set 2022-8 LR  
Rose Baran Pharm.D.  
Rule 338.486  
(d) Furnishing medications There is no rule 338.588c in  
for administration to this rule set or the current rule  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Delete 338.588c.  
registered patients under R set.  
338.588 and 338.588c.  
Delegating the stocking of an  
automated device.  
Technologies must be in  
place and  
utilized to ensure that the  
correct drugs are stocked in  
their appropriate assignment  
utilizing bar-coding or  
another board-approved error  
prevention technology that  
complies with R 338.3154.  
Rule 338.501  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Individual in this section (x)  
should be changed to  
“person”.  
(x)(k) “Virtual manufacturer” Individual means a natural  
means an individual person  
who engages in the  
person (333.1105(1)) while  
person is defined in  
manufacture of prescription  
333.1106(4) as “(4) "Person"  
drugs or devices and meets all means an individual,  
of the following:  
(i) Owns either of the  
following:  
(A) The new prescription  
drug application or  
partnership, cooperative,  
association, private  
corporation, personal  
representative, receiver,  
trustee, assignee, or other  
abbreviated new prescription legal entity. Person does not  
drug application number.  
(B) The unique device  
identification number, as  
available, for a prescription  
device.  
(ii) Contracts with a  
contract manufacturing  
organization for the physical  
manufacture of the drugs or  
devices.  
include a governmental entity  
unless specifically provided.”  
Using individual would  
restrict this to only a natural  
person and would not allow a  
partnership, cooperative,  
association, private  
corporation, personal  
representative, receiver,  
trustee, assignee, or other  
legal entity to be a virtual  
manufacturer.  
(iii) Is not involved in the  
physical manufacture of the  
drugs or devices.  
1
(iv) At no time takes  
physical possession of or  
stores the drugs or devices.  
(v) Sells or offers for sale  
to other individuals persons,  
for resale, compounding, or  
dispensing of, drugs or  
devices, salable on  
prescription only.  
Rule 338.511  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Rule 338.511 lacks a time  
period the licensee needs to  
hold the documentation of  
completing the training for  
identifying the victims of  
human trafficking.  
The current status of this rule Add (3) A licensee or  
would mean the licensee  
would have to retain  
registrant shall retain  
documentation of meeting the  
documentation for as long as requirements of this rule for a  
they are licensed in Michigan. period of 6 years after the  
date of applying for licensure,  
registration, or renewal.  
Rule 338.513  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Add at the end of (6) and rule  
338.7004  
(6) An applicant for an  
educational limited license  
shall meet the requirements  
of R 338.511.  
Rule 338.7004 requires an  
individual applying for  
licensure or registration under  
article 15 of the code, MCL  
333.16101 to 333.18838,  
except those seeking to be  
licensed under part 188 of the  
code to obtain Implicit Bias  
Training.  
Rule 338.517  
Issue  
Suggested change  
In (3)(b) and (3)(c) it quotes  
rule 338.501(ju).  
(u) is the definition for PIC,  
perhaps the u should be v the  
definition for practical  
experience.  
Change the u to v  
Rule 338.523  
Issue  
Suggested change  
338.523(2)(b) Pass the MPJE A pharmacist needs  
Leave the language as is in  
338.523(2)(b) Pass the MPJE  
as required under R 338.519.  
as required under R  
knowledge of both state and  
338.519Provide an  
federal regulations to  
attestation to the  
competently practice in this  
state as identified in the  
department that the  
applicant has sufficient  
knowledge of the code and  
the board’s rules to  
competently practice  
pharmacy in this state.  
competency statements of the  
MPJE exam. This would  
allow an applicant who failed  
the Michigan MPJE to obtain  
a license in another state and  
then by endorsement get  
licensed in Michigan if they  
attest to the department that  
2
they have sufficient  
knowledge of the code and  
the board’s rules even though  
they failed the MPJE. Also,  
there is no attestation here  
that the applicant is attesting  
to sufficient knowledge of the  
laws of the United States  
Code and Code of Federal  
Regulations relevant to the  
practice of pharmacy.  
Rule 338.525(4)  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(f) Examination: retake and  
pass the MPJE as provided in knowledge of both state and  
R 338.519519Provide an  
attestation to the  
department that the  
applicant has sufficient  
knowledge of the code and  
the board’s rules to  
competently practice  
pharmacy in this state.  
Rule 338.532  
A pharmacist needs  
Add this to 338.525(4)(f)  
Must also attest to sufficient  
knowledge of the laws of the  
United States Code and Code  
of Federal Regulations  
federal regulations to  
competently practice in this  
state as identified in the  
competency statements of the relevant to the practice of  
MPJE exam.  
pharmacy.  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(5) The board may rescind  
approval of an organization  
upon just cause. The  
Need timely notice when the Add to 338.532(5) (a) If the  
board the rescinds approval  
of a sterile compounding  
Board rescinds approval, the  
Board must indicate on the  
rescission will not  
accrediting organization. This website that it has, with an  
immediately affect the  
compliance of a pharmacy  
using the accreditation.  
Within 12 months of after the obtain accreditation from an  
rescission date or by the next approved organization.  
licensure renewal date,  
will give notice to the  
pharmacies involved so they  
may plan accordingly to  
effective date.  
(b) If the Board rescinds  
approval the accrediting  
organization or inspection  
entity must notify the  
pharmacies involved.  
whichever is later, the  
accreditation is void, and a  
pharmacy shall obtain  
accreditation or an inspection  
from an organization that  
satisfies subrule (1) of this  
rule.  
Rule 338.537  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(2) In addition to subrule  
(1) of this rule, a pharmacy regarding the sink as  
that dispenses drugs shall proposed a bucket could be  
maintain, at a minimum, all used to collect the effluent  
of the following equipment: draining from the sink.  
The rule needs clarification  
Change (2) to: (2) In addition  
to subrule (1) of this rule, a  
pharmacy that dispenses  
drugs shall maintain, at a  
3
(a) A sink with running  
water.  
(b) A refrigerator for the  
exclusive use of prescription pharmaceuticals, including  
drugs. Personal or food  
items must not be stored in counter drugs. Vaccine  
Most pharmacies now have  
frozen vaccines in inventory  
as well as refrigerated  
minimum, all of the following  
equipment:  
(a) A functioning sink of  
adequate capacity, connected  
both prescription and over the to running cold and hot  
water, with sanitary drainage.  
the  
storage practice standards are (b) A purpose-built or  
refrigerator. Refrigeration given by the Centers for  
pharmaceutical-grade unit  
designed to either refrigerate  
must be capable of  
Disease Control (CDC) as  
maintaining temperature  
within a range compatible  
with the proper storage of  
drugs requiring  
well as Michigan Department or freeze, if frozen drugs are  
of Health and Human  
in the pharmacies inventory.  
Personal or food items must  
not be stored in the  
Service, Division of  
Immunization.  
refrigeration or  
Telephone needs further  
clarification. Is the phone  
requirement a separate land  
line with the capacity to  
accept fax prescriptions, or  
can it be a cell phone that is  
carried by the pharmacist?  
refrigerator or freezer. The  
units must be capable of  
maintaining temperature  
within a range compatible  
with the proper storage of  
drugs requiring refrigeration  
or freezing. Temperatures  
freezing. Temperatures  
must be monitored at all  
times for out-of-range  
temperatures during  
business closure.  
(c) A telephone.  
Should there be a requirement must be monitored at all  
for a type of telephone system times.  
(VoIP system, PBX, or multi- (c) A telephone or telephone  
line system).  
system that is HIPAA  
compliant for the exclusive  
use of the pharmacy.  
Suggested change  
Rule 338.569  
Issue  
Rule lacks the requirement to Records required to be kept.  
maintain information required  
by the drug supply chain  
Add to 338.569(1) a (d) All  
information required under  
the drug supply chain  
security act, Public Law 113-  
54.  
security act.  
Rule 338.583a(1)  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(1) A pharmacy must shall  
keep and make available for  
It places a burden on  
pharmacies that sell non-  
Delete “and non-prescription”  
from (1).  
inspection all acquisition and prescription drugs that it  
distribution records for  
prescription and non-  
doesn’t place on other  
retailers that sell non-  
prescription drugs and  
devices, such asincluding  
invoices, packing slips or  
receipts, for 5 years. All  
records, which may be  
electronic, must be readily  
retrievable within 48 hours.  
prescription drugs that are not  
a pharmacy. It doesn’t  
require the retailer to keep the  
records for non-prescription  
drugs as it does the pharmacy.  
This will increase cost for  
pharmacies.  
4
Rule 338.583a(1)  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(1) A pharmacy must shall  
keep and make available for  
inspection all acquisition and substance rule 338.3153(k).  
distribution records for  
prescription and non-  
prescription drugs and  
devices, such asincluding  
invoices, packing slips or  
receipts, for 5 years. All  
records, which may be  
electronic, must be readily  
retrievable within 48 hours.  
Also, rule 383.583a conflicts  
Change rule 338.583a(1) to  
with the Pharmacy controlled read “Except for  
prescriptions, aA pharmacy  
The controlled substance rule must shall keep and make  
states “Except for controlled  
substance prescriptions  
pursuant to subdivision (h) of records for prescription and  
this rule, a licensee shall  
maintain controlled  
substances records for 2  
years.” Also conflicts with  
Rule 338.3154(5) “If a  
controlled substance is  
available for inspection all  
acquisition and distribution  
non-prescription drugs and  
devices, such asincluding  
invoices, packing slips or  
receipts, for 2 5 years. All  
records, which may be  
electronic, must be readily  
dispensed from an automated retrievable within 48 hours.  
device, then documentation  
of all of the following must  
be maintained on-site in the  
pharmacy responsible for the  
automated device for 2 years  
for review by the department,  
an agency, or the board:” So  
this would mean  
noncontrolled acquisition and  
distribution records would  
have to be kept for 5 years  
whereas controlled substance  
records, other than  
prescriptions need only be  
retained for 2 years.” This  
will cause confusion and  
uncertainty.  
Rule 338.588  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Rule 338.588 states “(73)  
Records and electronic data  
kept maintained by  
Rule 338.3154 states “(5) If a These two rules are  
controlled substance is  
inconsistent on how long to  
dispensed from an automated maintain the records. Rule  
automated devices must meet device, then documentation  
338.3154 is undergoing  
revision, recommend  
changing the time period in  
all of the following  
of all of the following must  
be maintained on-site in the  
requirements:  
(a) All events involving  
access to the contents of the  
automated devices must be  
recorded electronically.  
(b) Records must be  
pharmacy responsible for the Rule 338.3154 to 5 years to  
automated device for 2 years maintain consistency  
for review by the department,  
an agency, or the board:….”  
maintained for 5 years by the  
pharmacy or dispensing  
5
prescriber and must be  
retrievable on demand for  
review by an agent of the  
board. The records must  
include all of the following  
information:……..  
These two rules are  
inconsistent on how long to  
maintain the records.  
Rule 338.589  
Issue  
Suggested change  
(5) “Pharmacist delegation of A technician at a remote  
acts, tasks, or functions shall pharmacy is not under the  
Add to (5) Pharmacist  
delegation of acts, tasks, or  
functions shall be in  
be in compliance must  
personal charge of a  
comply with section 16215 of pharmacist.  
the code, MCL 333.16215,  
and be under the personal  
charge of the delegating  
pharmacist, except as  
provided in R 338.486. A  
pharmacist who that  
delegates acts, tasks, or  
functions to a licensed or  
unlicensed individual person  
shall do all of the  
compliance must comply  
with section 16215 of the  
code, MCL 333.16215, and  
be under the personal charge  
of the delegating pharmacist,  
except as provided in R  
338.486 and 17742b of the  
code MCL 333.17742b. A  
pharmacist who that  
delegates acts, tasks, or  
functions to a licensed or  
unlicensed individual person  
shall do all of the  
following:…..”  
following:……..  
Rule 338.591(1)(c)  
Issue  
Suggested change  
Delete 0.  
(c) Only 1 emergency  
supply, as that term is  
defined in MCL 333.17744f,  
may be dispensed per  
qualified prescription.0  
Typo at end of sentence.  
6
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:32:28 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 2:45:02 PM  
Subject: FW: 23_Pharmacy proposed rules comment  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
23_Pharmacy proposed rules comment.docx
From: Belding, Todd <Todd.Belding@sparrow.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 1:46 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Shaski, John <John.Shaski@sparrow.org>  
Subject: FW: 23_Pharmacy proposed rules comment  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Pharmacy proposed rules comments  
Todd Belding, PharmD.  
Director of Pharmacy  
Sparrow Health System  
1215 E Michigan Ave.  
Lansing, MI 48912  
(517)253-2376  
June 2, 2023  
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing– Boards and Committees Section  
Attention: Departmental Specialist  
P.O. Box 30670  
Lansing, MI 48909-8170  
Submitted electronically to: BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov  
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed revisions to the pharmacy  
general rules.  
Related to section R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing  
facilities.  
The current rule mandates compliance with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 795 and 797 to  
versions revised in 2014 and 2008, respectively. We understand there is a new version of USP  
effective November 2023. USP needed to update the chapters because there are inconsistencies  
between the existing chapters and other chapters they have been updated. For example, we are  
required to follow USP to handle hazardous medications and several conflicts exist between  
chapters 800 and 797. The Joint Commission will require compliance with the new standards, and  
it will be impossible to be compliant with both the old and the new standards simultaneously.  
Related to section R 338.534a In-state initial pharmacy license inspections.  
An in-state pharmacy that will compound sterile pharmaceutical products will have a two-step  
inspection process that requires an inspection from the department and, within 6 months, an  
inspection to assess USP compliance or accreditation. We believe the second inspection is  
redundant as we are required to have all rooms and hoods certified semi-annually as well as  
conducting monthly testing for surface growth. The standards for an IV room are far stricter than  
other sterile areas, like surgery.  
We appreciate this opportunity, and we appreciate revisions to the specific sections referenced.  
Sincerely yours,  
Todd Belding, PharmD  
Director of Pharmacy  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:36:49 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 1:05:57 PM  
Subject: FW: Comment on Proposed Revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
MI BOP Proposed Rule- Comment 6-1-23.pdf
Hi Andria,  
Please see below.  
From: Ryan Bickel <ryan.bickel@ascension.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 12:58 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Ryan Bickel <rjbickel@hotmail.com>  
Subject: Comment on Proposed Revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Departmental Specialist,  
I have attached a letter, which shares my comments regarding one of the proposed changes to the Pharmacy General Rules.  
Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to discuss this further.  
Sincerely,  
--  
Ryan J. Bickel, Pharm.D., MHA, FASHP  
Director, Pharmacy Services  
Ascension Borgess  
Ascension.org/Michigan  
Phone: 269-226-6645  
Fax: 269-226-8173  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain privileged  
information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are  
hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  
If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender at the  
email address above, delete this email from your computer, and destroy any copies in any form  
immediately. Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-  
client, work product, or other applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
June 2, 2023  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing– Boards and Committees Section  
P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909-8170  
Dear Departmental Specialist,  
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed change to the  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy - General Rules. As a Michigan-licensed Registered  
Pharmacist, I have identified a couple of concerns below.  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of  
the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the United States Pharmacopeial  
Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This  
includes, but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost  
Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing,  
Michigan, 48909.  
Suggestion 1: Delete the phrase “not limited to” and remove the reference to chapter version  
dates from USP 795 and 797 in subrule (1). Update this section to adopt “current compendial  
chapters of USP Chapter 795 and 797.”  
Rationale: It is anticipated that most regulatory and accrediting bodies (e.g. The Joint  
Commission) will adopt the most current compendial chapters when evaluating Michigan  
hospitals and pharmacies. This would result in state licensed pharmacies having to adopt the  
strict requirements in the updated USP chapters without appreciating any of the benefits (e.g.  
extended beyond use dating) and lead to increased operational costs and waste. This rule also  
creates obstacles for MI pharmacies, who dispense medications to patients in neighboring  
states, thus resulting in a loss of business. Conversely, some out-of-state pharmacies (e.g.  
503B pharmacies) may not be able to send compounded medications to MI customers. This  
may result in exacerbating medication shortages for health-systems and, potentially, adversely  
impact patient care. Finally, most national professional pharmacy organizations (e.g. ASHP)  
accept the current compendial standards of the USP and base their training programs on them,  
which will result in confusion for pharmacists license in the State of Michigan and both in-state  
and out-of-state pharmacy students and residents training at MI facilities.  
Suggestion 2: Strike “at no cost” in subrule (2).  
Rationale: The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) no longer provides copies of these  
chapters for free of charge, as they have transitioned to an online platform.  
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me should you have any  
further questions or concerns.  
Sincerely,  
Ryan J. Bickel, PharmD, MHA, FASHP  
C: (269) 303-1664  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:34:04 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 1:08:06 PM  
Subject: FW: Comment on Proposed Revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Hi Andria,  
Please see below.  
From: GARY BLAKE <gdb42@aol.com>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 11:32 AM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comment on Proposed Revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions to the Pharmacy General Rules.  
I would like to comment on 2 of the proposed rules changes:  
Michigan BOP Proposed Revision  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP),  
published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes,  
but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795 (revised2014) and 797 (revised2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost at http://www.usp.org/compounding, or at a  
cost of 10 cents per page fromthe Board of Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
(3) A pharmacy that provides compounding services shall comply with all applicable current standards adopted in subrule (1) of this rule.  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in this state or that dispenses, provides, distributes, or otherwise  
furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals in this state shall must be inspected and registered as an outsourcing facility by the United  
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to before applying for a pharmacy license in this state.  
Comment/Response  
Suggestion: Delete the phrase “not limited to” and remove the reference to chapter version dates from USP 795 and 797. Update  
this section to adopt “current compendial chapters of USP 795 and 797”.  
Rationale: It is anticipated that other regulatory and accrediting bodies (e.g. Joint Commission) will utilize the revised USP  
standards when evaluating Michigan pharmacies. This would result in state licensed pharmacies having to adopt the strict  
requirements in the updated chapters without realizing any of the corresponding benefits (e.g. extended BUDs) and leading to  
increased operational costs and waste. Also, the new standards are more in alignment with the FDA definition of compounding.  
For multi-state health-systems (like Ascension) attempting to standardize practice, state-specific compounding policies and  
metrics would need to be established for MI sites. Also, for MI pharmacies licensed outside of the state (e.g. home infusion),  
other states may not accept sterile products from MI pharmacies, which would result in a loss of business. Most recognized  
training programs (e.g. ASHP) will update their training and resources to reflect current USP standards, which will result in  
confusion for pharmacists licensed in the state of Michigan and both in-state and out-of-state pharmacy students/residents being  
trained at MI facilities.  
Michigan BOP Proposed Revision  
R 338.591 Dispensing emergency supply of insulin.  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may dispense an emergency supply of insulin to an individual if the pharmacist complies with all of the  
following:  
(a) The requirements in section 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
(b) An emergency supply of insulin may only be dispensedfrom a pharmacy with real time access to the qualifiedprescription for  
insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as that term is definedin MCL 333.17744f, may be dispensedper qualifiedprescription.0  
(2) If the smallest single package of insulin available exceeds a 30-day supply, dispensing the package of insulin that is available  
complies with this rule andsection 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
Comment/Response  
Suggestion: Change to also include insulin analogs  
Rationale: Since many patients are prescribed insulin analogs (e.g. lispro, aspart), adding this language would clarify that the  
emergency supply also pertains to these agents.  
Thank you, again, for the opportunity to comment.  
Gary Blake, R.Ph.  
Michigan Registered Pharmacist  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:46:28 AM  
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 7:05:11 AM  
Subject: FW: Michigan Board of Pharmacy General Rules Public Comments  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Randy Burke <burke.randy88@gmail.com>  
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 7:00 AM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Michigan Board of Pharmacy General Rules Public Comments  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
To: Michigan Board of Pharmacy Members  
From: Randy Burke  
Subject: Public Comments for MIPharmacy Rules  
Dear MIBOP,  
The rules Iam writing to comment publicly on are 338.519 (Rule 19) through 523 (Rule 23).  
The main topic is to suggest removal of the MPJE law exam requirement from the rules governing pharmacy  
licensure. I, along with many others in the state and outside of the state believe removing this exam would  
simplify the licensing process and maintain patient safety.  
Iwould like the Board to consider the following points to remove the MPJE requirement:  
Schools of pharmacy are required to have a law course and students are required to memorize, practice,  
and pass multiple assessments. This has been required for some time now in all states, including  
Michigan.  
Our technology has become so advanced and will continue to advance. Even programs such as ChatGPT  
have shown the ability to pass standardized tests. Pharmacies have technology in place these days that  
help with ensuring laws/rules are generally followed and pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are  
held to a high standard. They can look things up in a split second as needed these days.  
The exam is expensive and costs students who take on an average of $170,000 of debt for pharmacy  
school yet another expense. NABP is really who profits and gets the financial gain from making students  
take this meaningless test.  
If NABP submits comments, there is a direct conflict of interest as they have financial gains from keeping  
the test as a state requirement (so those should not be considered by the board to be fair).  
Doctors, nurses, PAs, and almost all other healthcare professionals do not require a law exam to become  
licensed. Why are they not held to the same "standard" if the exam is so important for patient safety and to  
truly protect patients?  
Even Colleges of Pharmacy are calling for removal of the law exam at the national conferences.  
Furthermore, I would like to bring your attention to a published literature article titled "The Impact of  
Jurisprudence Exams on Pharmacy Licensure and Patient Safety". The article underscores the need to reassess  
the role of law exams in pharmacy licensure, focusing on competency assessment and meaningful measures of  
patient care. It provides great examples of how a state like Idaho logically thought through the process and  
provides rationale and level headed insights as to why.  
In light of successful examples set by other states, such as Idaho and Vermont, which have removed the MPJE  
requirement without compromising patient safety, I am asking the Michigan BOP to consider this change.  
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope you will consider my points in your discussions, as well as  
the insights provided by the literature.  
Sincerely,  
Randy  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:30:27 AM  
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 7:04:26 AM  
Subject: FW: feedback on the Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules.  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Michelle Dehoorne <dehoornesmith@gmail.com>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 4:57 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: feedback on the Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules.  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
June 2, 2023  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules  
2022-8 LR  
Dear Department Specialist:  
As a pharmacist who practices in the role of a Director at a hospital, I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on  
the Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the  
proposed changes.  
1. R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the  
United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention,  
12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not limited to,  
USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost at  
http://www.usp.org/compounding, or at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of  
Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory  
Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
(3) A pharmacy that provides compounding services shall comply with all applicable current  
standards adopted in subrule (1) of this rule.  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in this state or that dispenses, provides, distributes, or  
otherwise furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals in this state shall must be inspected and  
registered as an outsourcing facility by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  
prior to before applying for a pharmacy license in this state.  
Recommedation:  
Remove the phrase “not limited to”  
Remove the reference to chapter version dates from USP 795 and 797  
Update this section to adopt “current compendial chapters of USP 795 and 797”.  
Rationale: The administrative rules going foward would encourage utilizattion of the most current and up to date USP  
standards. This likely will establish standards that align with other accreditating bodies such as the Joint Commission.  
Lastly, this will decrease confusion for Michigan pharmacies and promote best practice.  
2. R 338.591 Dispensing emergency supply of insulin.  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may dispense an emergency supply of insulin to an individual if the  
pharmacist complies with all of the following:  
(a) The requirements in section 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
(b) An emergency supply of insulin may only be dispensed from a pharmacy with real time  
access to the qualified prescription for insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as that term is defined in MCL 333.17744f, may be dispensed per  
qualified prescription.0  
(2) If the smallest single package of insulin available exceeds a 30-day supply, dispensing the  
package of insulin that is available complies with this rule and section 17744f of the code, MCL  
333.17744f.  
Recommendation;  
Expand definition of insulin to include insulin analogs such as lispro and aspart.  
Rationale: Many patients are prescribed insulin analogs (e.g. lispro, as part) and are a standard of care. By clarifying the  
scope of insulin to include insulin analogs, we would improve patient safety and accessibility resulting in improved  
patient care. .  
3 R 338.588a Automated devices in non-inpatient settings.  
Recommendation:  
Remove(a) The automated device may only deliver non-controlled drugs.  
Remove(b) the restriction that automated devices can only be used to deliver non-narcotics  
Remove limitation prohibiting a remote pharmacy from operating an automated device as long as a pharmacist is  
available  
4. R 338.588b Automated devices in medical institutions.  
Rule 88b. (1) An automated device used by staff to administer1 store medications to registered  
patients1 in any hospital, county medical care facility, nursing  
home, hospice, or another skilled nursing facility, as defined in section 20109(4) of the code, MCL  
333.20109, must comply with all of the following:  
(a) The automated device must be supplied stocked, maintained, and controlled by a pharmacy  
that is licensed in this state.  
(b) If a pharmacist delegates3 the stocking of the automated device is performed 4 then technologies must be in place  
and utilized to ensure that the correct  
drugs are stocked in their appropriate assignment utilizing bar-coding or another board-approved  
error-prevention technology that complies with R 338.3154.  
Recommendation:  
1Remove administer from "to administer store medications"  
2Remove "to registered patients" and adjust to intended for patient administration  
3 Remove a pharmacy delegates  
3 Add is performed by non-pharmacist personnel  
Rational: currently there is confusion as to who stocking may be delegated to.  
Respectfully Submitted,  
Michelle Dehoorne, PharmD, BSPharm  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:31:21 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 4:57:54 PM  
Subject: RE: Public Comments for MI General Rules (Pharmacy)  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
CVS Health Comments on General Rules-MI 2023.pdf
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Andria,  
Please see the attached pdf for public comments from CVS Health on the Pharmacy General Rules. Thanks so much!  
Thank you for your time!  
Upcoming PTO: I will be out of the office with no access to work email and phone from 5/24 to 6/4 .  
Deeb D. Eid, PharmD, RPh | One CVS Drive | Mail Code 2325 | Woonsocket, RI 02895 | T: 616-490-7398  
May 30th, 2023  
Andria Ditschman, JD  
Senior Policy Analyst  
Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)  
611 W. Ottawa St. PO Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909  
Telephone: 517-241-9255  
Re: CVS Health Comments Rules Public Hearing for Pharmacy General Rules (2022-8 LR)  
Dear Andria and Board Members:  
I am writing to you in my capacity as Senior Advisor of Regulatory Affairs for CVS Health and its family of pharmacies.  
CVS Health, the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States, is uniquely positioned to provide diverse  
access points of care to patients in Michigan through our integrated offerings across the spectrum of pharmacy care.  
CVS Health appreciates the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed rules for Pharmacy General Rules. We  
would also like to thank the Department and Board for their vigilance to continuously improve the laws and  
regulations that guide pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians serving Michigan’s patients.  
After review, CVS Health has comments for the Department and Board to consider strengthening and better align  
with national trends, improve patient safety, and overall outcomes. These recommended changes are in the  
Appendix section below which highlights the rules, comments, proposed language, and any citations or additional  
information or questions to consider.  
CVS Health appreciates the opportunity to submit comments for the Board’s review. Please contact me directly at  
616-490-7398 if you have any questions.  
Sincerely,  
Deeb D. Eid, PharmD, RPh  
Sr. Advisor, Pharmacy Regulatory Affairs  
CVS Health  
Deeb D. Eid, PharmD, RPh | One CVS Drive | Mail Code 2325 | Woonsocket, RI 02895 | T: 616-490-7398  
Appendix  
1. Suggested Rule Language Changes:  
Rule 88a  
R338.588a  
(2) A pharmacy licensee may locate a non-dispensing storage and pick up device inside of on the premises of the  
pharmacy that is used for a patient or agent of the patient to pick up prescription medication if the pharmacy  
meets both of the following:  
(a) The automated device is secured, lockable, and privacy enabled.  
(b) The automated device is located on the inside of the premises of the licensed pharmacy.  
Comments: CVS Health supports the Board’s efforts to simplify and create access to care for non-dispensing storage  
and pick up devices. These efforts will continue to allow Michigan patients to access medications and join along 29  
other states that have had jurisdictional successes in allowing this type of access. Furthermore, we recommend  
simplifying (2) by adding the word “inside ofafter “device” as shown above and deleting the word on, along with  
letter (b) for clarity and simplification.  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:32:00 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 3:46:07 PM  
Subject: FW: Public Comment - General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Rony Foumia <ronyfoumia10@gmail.com>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 3:40 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Rony Foumia <ronyfoumia10@gmail.com>  
Subject: Public Comment - General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Good Afternoon - My name is Rony Foumia and I am a pharmacist in the State of Michigan. Even though I am a regional leader for  
a pharmacy chain and a Michigan Board of Pharmacy Member, my comments are those of my own and don't represent the views  
of my organization or the BOP.  
1. R 338.531 Pharmacy license; remote pharmacy license; applications; requirements.  
Rule 31. (1) An applicant for a pharmacy license or a remote pharmacy license shall submit to the department a completed  
application on a form provided by the department together with the requisite fee.  
(2) An applicant shall submit all of the following information:  
(a) Certified copies of articles of incorporation or partnership certificates and certified copies of assumed name certificates, if  
applicable.  
(b) Submission of fingerprints for the purpose of a criminal history background check required under section 17748(6) of the  
code, MCL 333.17748.  
(c) A federal employer identification number (FEIN) certificate.  
(d) The name and license number of the pharmacist in this state designated as the pharmacist in charge (PIC) pursuant tounder  
section 17748(2) of the code, MCL 333.17748, who must have a valid and unrestricted license. If a PIC is unable to fulfill  
his or her duties for 120 consecutive days, the pharmacy shall appoint a new PIC and notify the department as  
required in section 17748(4) of the code, MCL 333.17748.  
Comment: We also require that a PIC works on average 8 hours a week in a pharmacy to be compliant as a PIC. Are  
we saying that if a pharmacist in charge goes on a leave of absence i.e., are we forgoing the requirement for them to  
maintain the 8 hours a week average?  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia  
(USP), published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-  
1790. This includes, but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost at http://www.usp.org/compounding,  
or at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of  
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
Comment: USP 795 and 797 (2022 revisions are set to be implemented on 11-1-23, has this been taken into account?  
Furthermore, I am hearing that the rule website listed above (USP.org) is no longer free to obtain.  
\
R 338.588a Automated devices in non-inpatient settings.  
Rule 88a. (1) A pharmacy that operates an automated device to deliver prescription medication directly to an  
ultimate user that is not included in R 338.588(2)(a) to (h) shall comply with all of the following requirements:  
(a) The automated device may only deliver non-controlled drugs.  
Comment: Have we added a definition of an "Automated Device"? I think we need to clearly define what that is.  
R 338.538 Closing pharmacy.  
Rule 38. (1) A pharmacy that is ceasing operations shall return to the department the pharmacy license and the controlled  
substance license, if applicable, and provide the department with written notification of all of the following at leastnot less than  
15 days prior to before closing:  
Comment: Pharmacies are now allowed to print and download copies of their pharmacy licenses. I don't think it is  
necessary to have closed pharmacies return these licenses as many times they are not even originally printed by the  
department.  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:42:55 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 4:05:51 PM  
Subject: FW: FW: State of Michigan Board of Pharmacy National Accrediting Organization Approval List  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
compendial-applicability-of-usp-800.pdf
For Pharmacy General Rules Comments.  
Andria M. Ditschman, JD  
Department Specialist  
Boards and Committees Section  
From: Denise Frank <denise.frank@gatesconsult.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:47 PM  
To: Ditschman, Andria (LARA) <DitschmanA@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Dan Parisi <dan.parisi@gatesconsult.com>  
Subject: Re: FW: State of Michigan Board of Pharmacy National Accrediting Organization Approval List  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Sure!  
When the revised USP Chapters 795 and 797 become official on November 1, 2023, because they reference USP 800, then USP  
800 will become compendially required (and enforceable) for compounding. I don't know if you will need to specifically  
reference USP Chapter 800, (although it would be prudent to specifically point out that it is now required!!) because you do  
not also point out and specifically approve all the other chapters referenced in USP 795 and 797 when the compounding  
chapters say you must perform an activity according to another chapter of USP. An example would be USP 797 references USP  
Chapter 71, Sterility Tests and USP 795 references Chapter 51, Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing.  
And, would you want to adopt USP 800 in its entirety (not limited to only those pharmacies only when they are compounding)  
to protect all pharmacy personnel? I would think, in the spirit of protecting the public, that this would make sense!  
For reference:  
I included the information from USP about applicability of 800 when the new 795 and 797 that reference 800 are made official  
in the email above.  
This is an excerpt directly from the USP document that addresses USP 800 from this  
You could supply them with the document itself (it's a PDF). I have also attached a copy to this email.  
This is the excerpt:  
" On December 1, 2019, USP’s standard on the safe handling of hazardous drugs, General Chapter <800>,  
became official. General Chapter <800> is informational and not compendially applicable. USP General  
Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings describes practice and quality standards  
for handling hazardous drugs. USP is committed to maintaining patient access to medicines, while  
supporting patient safety, healthcare worker safety, and environmental protection when handling HDs  
(hazardous drugs) in healthcare facilities."  
"USP General Chapters, monographs, and related programs are intended to help protect and improve the  
health of people, in part by facilitating access to high quality, safe, and beneficial medicines. A general  
chapter numbered below 1000 becomes compendially applicable and thus is considered a required  
standard only when:  
1. the chapter is referenced in a monograph;  
2. the chapter is referenced in another General Chapter below 1000; or  
3. the chapter is referenced in General Notices.  
General Chapter <800> is informational and not compendially applicable because it is not referenced in  
General Notices, a monograph, or another applicable general chapter numbered below <1000>.  
Revisions to General Chapters <795> Pharmaceutical Compounding—Nonsterile Preparations and <797>  
Pharmaceutical Compounding—Sterile Preparations, published on June 1, 2019, include cross-references  
to <800>. This would have made <800> compendially applicable for facilities that are required to  
implement <795> and <797>. Due to the appeals received on certain provisions in revised USP <795> and  
<797>, the chapters have been remanded to the Compounding Expert Committee with the  
recommendation for further engagement on the issues raised in the appeals (see Compounding  
Appeals).  
This means that the currently official chapters of <795> (last revised in 2014) and <797> (last revised in  
2008) remain official. These currently official compounding chapters do not reference USP <800>.  
In the future, if the revised USP <795> and <797> contain reference to USP <800>, <800> would be  
applicable and compendially required only to the extent to which USP General Chapters <795> and <797>  
apply. For hazardous drugs, this means only when a practitioner is “compounding” (as that term is defined  
in USP <795> and <797>) <800> would be applicable and compendially required. Since administration is out  
of scope of USP <795> and <797>, General Chapter <800> would not be applicable or compendially  
required in this context."  
Warm regards,  
Denise  
(she/her/hers)  
Denise M. Frank, RPh, FACA, FAPC  
Senior Associate  
Gates Healthcare Associates, Inc.  
Innovative Healthcare Solutions  
1 Central Street, Suite 201, Middleton, MA 01949  
Phone: 978-646-0091  
Cell: 612-860-1705  
P
Please consider the environment before printing this email  
Sign Up for our Newsletter!  
Important Notice: This communication may be confidential, contain information that is privileged, and/or contain  
information that is exempt from disclosure under applicable law. It is only authorized for use or review by the intended  
recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, distribution, disclosure, or copying of this communication, or any part thereof, is  
strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that this has been sent to you in error, do not read the communication,  
immediately contact the sender by return e-mail or telephone, 978/646-0091, and destroy this communication and all copies  
thereof, including all attachments. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses.  
Gates Healthcare, Inc. accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.  
Role and Applicability of  
USP General Chapter <800>  
Related to Safe Handling of  
Hazardous Drugs  
Summary  
On December 1, 2019, USP’s standard on the safe handling of hazardous drugs, General Chapter <800>, became official. General  
Chapter <800> is informational and not compendially applicable. USP General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in  
Healthcare Settings describes practice and quality standards for handling hazardous drugs. USP is committed to maintaining  
patient access to medicines, while supporting patient safety, healthcare worker safety, and environmental protection when  
handling HDs (hazardous drugs) in healthcare facilities.  
Compendial Applicability  
USP General Chapters, monographs, and related programs are intended to help protect and improve the health of people, in  
part by facilitating access to high quality, safe, and beneficial medicines.  
A general chapter numbered below 1000 becomes compendially applicable and thus is considered a required standard only when:  
1. the chapter is referenced in a monograph;  
2. the chapter is referenced in another General Chapter below 1000; or  
3. the chapter is referenced in General Notices.  
General Chapter <800> is informational and not compendially applicable because it is not referenced in General Notices, a  
monograph, or another applicable general chapter numbered below <1000>.  
Revisions to General Chapters <795> Pharmaceutical Compounding—Nonsterile Preparations and <797> Pharmaceutical  
Compounding—Sterile Preparations, published on June 1, 2019, include cross-references to <800>. This would have made  
<800> compendially applicable for facilities that are required to implement <795> and <797>. Due to the appeals received on  
certain provisions in revised USP <795> and <797>, the chapters have been remanded to the Compounding Expert Committee  
with the recommendation for further engagement on the issues raised in the appeals (see Compounding Appeals). This means  
that the currently official chapters of <795> (last revised in 2014) and <797> (last revised in 2008) remain official. These currently  
official compounding chapters do not reference USP <800>.  
In the future, if the revised USP <795> and <797> contain reference to USP <800>, <800> would be applicable and compendially  
required only to the extent to which USP General Chapters <795> and <797> apply. For hazardous drugs, this means only  
when a practitioner is “compounding” (as that term is defined in USP <795> and <797>) <800> would be applicable and  
compendially required. Since administration is out of scope of USP <795> and <797>, General Chapter <800> would not be  
applicable or compendially required in this context.  
March 12, 2020  
Role and Applicability of USP General Chapter <800>  
Related to Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs  
Enforcement  
State agencies (e.g., State Boards of Pharmacy), other regulators (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and  
oversight organizations (e.g., The Joint Commission) may make their own determinations regarding the applicability and  
enforceability of <800> for entities within their jurisdiction. USP continues to engage and inform regulators, accreditation  
organizations, and stakeholders about the compendial status of the chapter. USP plays no role in enforcement.  
USP Standards for the Handling and Compounding of Hazardous Drugs  
The known risks associated with hazardous drug exposure present a compelling public health challenge. General Chapter  
<800> was developed based on public health need and potential exposure of approximately 8 million U.S. healthcare workers  
to hazardous drugs each year. There were also published reports of adverse eects in healthcare personnel from occupational  
exposure to hazardous drugs. Although General Chapters <795> and <797> contained some information on handling of  
hazardous drugs, there was no public standard aimed to minimize the potential risk of exposure. To meet this need, the  
Compounding Expert Committee sought to expand on the principles of hazardous drug compounding established in USP  
<795> and <797> and to develop a general chapter specific to the handling of hazardous drugs through the development of USP  
<800>. USP is committed to maintaining patient access to medicines, while supporting patient safety, healthcare worker safety,  
and environmental protection when handling HDs (hazardous drugs) in healthcare facilities.  
Additional Resources  
For additional information on General Chapter <800>, see:  
March 12, 2020  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:32:51 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 2:44:37 PM  
Subject: FW: Comments for proposed Pharmacy General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
Comment MI BOP Proposed Revisions 6.2.23.pdf
From: Marc Guzzardo <marc.guzzardo@ascension.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 2:32 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comments for proposed Pharmacy General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Please accept these comments to the proposed revisions to the Pharmacy General Rules.  
Thank you  
--  
Marc Guzzardo  
t: 810-606-6095  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain privileged  
information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are  
hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  
If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender at the  
email address above, delete this email from your computer, and destroy any copies in any form  
immediately. Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-  
client, work product, or other applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
Michigan BOP Proposed Revision  
Proposed Ascension Michigan Response  
Suggestion: Delete the phrase “not limited to” and remove the reference to chapter  
version dates from USP 795 and 797. Update this section to adopt “current  
compendial chapters of USP 795 and 797”.  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the  
United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not limited to, USP  
Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule are available at no cost at http://www.usp.org/compounding, or at a cost of 10  
cents per page from the Board of Pharmacy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa  
Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
(3) A pharmacy that provides compounding services shall comply with all applicable current standards adopted in subrule (1) of this rule.  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in this state or that dispenses, provides, distributes, or otherwise furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals in this  
state shall must be inspected and registered as an outsourcing facility by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to before  
applying for a pharmacy license in this state.  
Rationale: It is anticipated that other regulatory and accrediting bodies (e.g. Joint  
Commission) will utilize the revised USP standards when evaluating Michigan  
pharmacies. This would result in state licensed pharmacies having to adopt the strict  
requirements in the updated chapters without realizing any of the corresponding  
benefits (e.g. extended BUDs) and leading to increased operational costs and waste.  
Also, the new standards are more in alignment with the FDA definition of  
compounding. For multi-state health-systems (like Ascension) attempting to  
standardize practice, state-specific compounding policies and metrics would need to  
be established for MI sites. Also, for MI pharmacies licensed outside of the state  
(e.g. home infusion), other states may not accept sterile products from MI  
pharmacies, which would result in a loss of business. Most recognized training  
programs (e.g. ASHP) will update their training and resources to reflect current USP  
standards, which will result in confusion for pharmacists licensed in the state of  
Michigan and both in-state and out-of-state pharmacy students/residents being  
trained at MI facilities.  
Suggestion: Change to also include insulin analogs  
R 338.591 Dispensing emergency supply of insulin.  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may dispense an emergency supply of insulin to an individual if the pharmacist complies with all of the  
following:  
(a) The requirements in section 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
(b) An emergency supply of insulin may only be dispensed from a pharmacy with real time access to the qualified prescription for insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as that term is defined in MCL 333.17744f, may be dispensed per qualified prescription.0  
(2) If the smallest single package of insulin available exceeds a 30-day supply, dispensing the package of insulin that is available complies  
with this rule and section 17744f of the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
Rationale: Since many patients are prescribed insulin analogs (e.g. lispro, aspart),  
adding this language would clarify that the emergency supply also pertains to these  
agents.  
1
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:45:29 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 6:42:07 AM  
Subject: FW: Comment Submission for April 2023 Pharmacy General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
UMH Comments on BOP General Rules Revisions 2023 copy.docx
From: Lisa Herz <lisamarieherz@gmail.com>  
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 3:45 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comment Submission for April 2023 Pharmacy General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hello,  
I am a Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist and have been a Compounding Supervisor for over 10 years at an  
acute care hospital in Michigan.  
I support the general and specific comments submitted by Jamie Tharp on May 26, 2023. Please review and revise as  
described in the attached document.  
Thank you,  
Lisa Herz, PharmD, BCSCP  
586-524-3039  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:44:48 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 1:41:25 PM  
Subject: FW: Public comment on proposed revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: King, Lee <Lee.King@Sparrow.Org>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 1:00 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Public comment on proposed revisions to Pharmacy General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Questioning the undue burden and redundancy that would be caused by enforcement of the two proposed changes:  
An in-state pharmacy that will compound sterile pharmaceutical products will have a two-step inspection  
process that requires an inspection from the department and, within 6 months, an inspection to assess  
USP compliance or accreditation.  
- We all understand that there is not complete alignment in rules between the State of Michigan and USP  
compliance. In the many areas that rules are conflicting, which source would prevail? In any situation  
where the expectation that the State of Michigan rule were to be followed as opposed to USP, any Joint  
Commission accreditation would be in immediate noncompliance for not conforming with USP standards.  
- Additional burden of record keeping and standard compliance with having to maintain two separate  
sterile compounding surveys  
- From a safety perspective, Iwould suggest that compliance with the USP standards are sufficient to  
attain sterile compounding compliance.  
- A suggestion would be to consider the dual inspection for any site that previously failed inspection by the  
accrediting body as the first path back towards compliance with sterile compounding standards.  
Mandates compliance with USP 795 and 797 to versions revised in 2014 and 2008, respectively.  
- Iwould question if the recommendation to hold pharmacies accountable to both the 2008 and 2014  
versions of USP 795 and 797 came from USP themselves? What is the purpose in enforcing both  
versions simultaneously?  
- There is significant overlap and even contradicting standards between the 2008 and 2014 versions. It  
will be extremely difficult to enforce both versions at the same time.  
- Having to maintain compliance with two separate versions of USP puts our patients at risk when there  
are standards that are in disagreement.  
I have no other additional feedback on other public comment changes at this time.  
Thank you for your time and consideration.  
Regards,  
Lee M. King, PharmD  
Medication Safety Officer | Sparrow Health System | lee.king@sparrow.org |Phone: 517/ 364-5564  
“Quality’s core is Safety. Safety’s core is reliability. Reliability’s core is culture. Culture’s core is fairness, justice,  
teamwork and transparency.” – Barbara Balik  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:43:54 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:51:52 PM  
Subject: FW: Comments for Proposed Rules for 6/2/23 Public Hearing  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Bradley McCloskey <brad@univrx.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:51 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comments for Proposed Rules for 6/2/23 Public Hearing  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hello, please find my comments below regarding the Proposed Draft Rule Language and our Requests for Change. I agree  
with proposed changes suggested by the MPA  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.533 (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the  
compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP),  
published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601  
Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This  
includes, but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and  
797 (revised 2008).  
MPA opposes the addition of dates to this rule language. We  
second this opposition. The proposed language creates a situation  
in which pharmacies are required to comply with outdated  
standards rather than the most current versions. Pharmacies may  
also be put in a situation where they might need to comply with the  
latest versions under federal law or for the purpose of  
accreditation by a non-governmental entity. This may not be  
possible as revised standards may conflict sufficiently with older  
versions that simultaneous compliance with both old and new  
versions is not feasible. Additionally, adding these dates punishes  
pharmacies that have sought to become compliant with upcoming  
versions of the standards in advance of official publication.  
Suggested Revision:  
R 338.555 (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the  
current good manufacturing practice for finished pharmaceuticals  
regulations set forth in 21 CFR 211.1 to 211.208 (20212022).  
Do not specify the revision dates for USP 795 and 797 in R  
338.533(1).  
Remove the 2021 revision date for cGMP in R 338.555 (1), but do  
not replace it with the 2022 date.  
Thank you,  
Brad McCloskey, PharmD  
President/CEO  
University Compounding Pharmacy  
6054 Livernois Rd.  
Troy, MI 48098  
Helping one patient at a time live their best life  
The documents in this correspondence may contain confidential health information that is privileged and legally protected from disclosure by federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and  
Accountability Act (HIPAA). This information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that reading,  
disseminating, disclosing, distributing, copying, acting upon or otherwise using the information contained in this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please  
notify the sender immediately and delete.  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:46:55 AM  
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2023 8:20:17 PM  
Subject: FW: Comment regarding your USP law language  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: David Medina <dmedinarph@gmail.com>  
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2023 9:44 AM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comment regarding your USP law language  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Good morning,  
I am a NYS pharmacist and I became aware of your recent updates to your pharmacy law via a post on LinkedIn from a  
Michigan based based pharmacist. Upon reading the language in the law, as it's written, professionally speaking, you are  
putting your patient population, and even the livelihood of your Compunding pharmacists on the line.  
If you are specifically stating in law that your standards for compounding will be based on the old rules, as a Board of  
Pharmacy you are willfully stating that increased protection for the public as a whole is not a vital concern.  
For years now stakeholders have been meeting to discuss the revisions to USP 797. These revisions are now final and serve as  
the benchmark for any compounding pharmacist in the country as a gold standard.  
If you are going to hold your pharmacies to an outdated standard, what will happen to them when they pursue JCAHO, ACHC,  
or URAC accreditation? Failing those could mean loss of business. That aside, if you hold pharmacies to less than the standard,  
what will the board be saying to the public at large should harm come to them as a result of this? What would happen to the  
business or Pharmacist in charge if the FDA decides to come into a 503a pharmacy and sees way less than they should be  
seeing as a result of this law?  
I urge you as a Board of Pharmacy to reconsider your language on this. Remove your specificity to the old years and just state  
the the Board will uphold the mist current revisions to the USP standards as they come. Not doing this could have dramatic  
consequences for your pharmacists and your people.  
Sincerely  
David Medina R.ph  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:45:06 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 1:41:14 PM  
Subject: FW: Board of Pharmacy Comments on Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Jasmin Mehta <jasminmehta43@gmail.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 12:30 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Board of Pharmacy Comments on Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hello Michigan Board,  
My name is Jasmin and I am writing to you about the pharmacy rules that are open for public comments. I have been reading  
your meeting minutes over the past year as part of a project I am working on and noticed you have had many discussions on  
the topic of removing the state law exam or MPJE.  
In looking at your proposed rules, I am suggesting you look at rule 19, 21, 23 and any others that mention the MPJE or law  
exam as a requirement. My comment is to remove the law exam as a requirement for licensure.  
You all have had some great discussions based on your meeting minutes in the past on this topic. Don't let the opinion of just  
1 or 2 board members change your minds and you had some great arguments for why to remove this exam.  
Other states have removed the exam and talked about this based on researching the topic.  
Please consider removal of the exam from your rules as it is a pointless exam that is outdated.  
Best,  
Jasmin Mehta  
Sent from my iphone  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:37:40 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 7:07:55 AM  
Subject: FW: Comments to proposed changes to R338.533(1)  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
smime.p7s
From: Dr. Dave <drdave@keystonepharm.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 7:06 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Eric Roath <eroath@michiganpharmacists.org>; Lawrence Curtis <lcurtis@centerforcompounds.com>;  
Subject: Comments to proposed changes to R338.533(1)  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Dear board of pharmacy members,  
I oppose the addition of dates to this rule language. The 2014 and 2008 revisions for USP<795> and USP<797> respectively are antiquated  
and about to officially change on November 1, 2023. The proposed language creates a situation in which pharmacies are required to comply  
with outdated standards rather than the most current versions. This will put compounding pharmacies at odds with accrediting bodies.  
Public Act 280 of 2014 requires pharmacies to receive PCAB, or equivalent accreditation for sterile compounding. Accreditation cannot be  
obtained unless the most current chapters of USP are followed. This revision will also put compounding pharmacies at odds with the Food  
and Drug Administration who will require the most current revisions of the USP chapters to be followed. Additionally, adding these dates  
punishes pharmacies that have sought to become compliant with upcoming versions of the standards in advance of official publication.  
Suggested Revision:  
Do not specify the revision dates for USP 795 and 797 in R 338.533(1). Simply state:  
R 338.533 (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by  
the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not limited to,  
USP Chapters 795 and 797.  
Thank you for considering my comments when considering the proposed revisions.  
David J Miller, RPh, PhD, FAPC, FACA  
Keystone Pharmacy  
4021 Cascade Rd SE, STE 50  
Grand Rapids, MI 49546  
616-974-9792  
616-464-3469 fax  
This email may contain certain privileged content. This content is intended for the listed recipient(s) and cannot be forwarded or copied with the express written permission of the original owner. If  
you are not the intended receiver of this information, you must delete this email immediately and notify the sender of this error using the contact information provided.  
From: Jessica Morris  
Mail received time: Wed, 24 May 2023 03:35:47  
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 11:35:47 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport  
Cc: Ditschman, Andria (LARA)  
Subject: Michigan General Rules Pharmacy Public Comments  
Importance: Normal  
Sensitivity: None  
Archived: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 10:57:14 AM  
___________________________________  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Dear Members of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy,  
I hope this letter finds you well. This letter is in relation to the  
Pharmacy General Rules you have open for public comments. On behalf of  
myself, I am writing to respectfully request the removal of the MPJE  
(Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) law exam requirement  
from the rules governing pharmacy licensure in Michigan. After careful  
consideration and review of the relevant statutes and regulations, I  
believe that eliminating this exam would be a progressive step towards  
streamlining the licensing process without compromising patient  
safety. Your Board has also discussed this topic in the past and has  
had ample and colorful discussions on why the exam is baseless and no  
longer relevant.  
Upon conducting an in-depth analysis of the existing laws and  
regulations, it is evident that there is no explicit requirement for  
the MPJE in the statutes pertaining to pharmacy licensure in Michigan.  
Therefore, I present the following arguments in favor of removing the  
MPJE requirement within your current proposed rules. Relevant rules  
are: R338.519, R 338.521, R 338.523 and anywhere else in these rules  
that require this exam.  
Pharmacy is among a minority of health professions that impose a  
jurisprudence exam as a prerequisite for licensure. It is worth  
considering which other health professions require a similar exam and  
if it is truly necessary for ensuring public safety. What evidence or  
published literature shows that an individual passing this exam one  
time improves patient safety or outcomes? There are none to my  
knowledge. When asked, even NABP can not produce an answer to this  
day-old question.  
Some arguments in favor of a law exam may stem from conflicts of  
interest, such as individuals or entities that benefit financially  
from creating study materials (such as state associations or  
colleges), generating exam questions, or providing educational content  
related to the exam. It is important to question the motivations  
behind such arguments and consider whether they truly contribute to  
public safety or simply serve vested interests. In addition, NABP has  
a vested financial interest in making this exam a requirement to  
ensure they are receiving revenue each year from students and  
licensees who are taking the test in multiple states.  
The historical belief that a law exam is required due to the  
complexity of pharmacy laws may not be entirely applicable today.  
Technological advancements and electronic pharmacy dispensing systems  
have greatly facilitated adherence to professional practice standards.  
Many of the specific details, such as information on prescription  
labels or permissible refills, are now automatically checked and  
enforced by these systems, alleviating the burden on pharmacists to  
memorize every minute aspect of the laws.  
It is worth noting that there are currently no published articles  
demonstrating a direct correlation between jurisprudence competence  
exams and patient safety. Without concrete evidence that passing such  
an exam leads to safer care provided by pharmacists, the burden of  
cost and time associated with the MPJE becomes difficult to justify.  
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant example of how additional  
examinations can exacerbate delays in equipping the pharmacy workforce  
and addressing staffing shortages. Executive orders were required to  
waive regulations and increase access to pharmacists during this  
critical time. By removing the MPJE requirement, Michigan can ensure a  
more efficient and timely process for licensing pharmacists.  
To address potential counterarguments, I offer the following responses:  
The argument that pharmacists need to know the law when other  
healthcare professionals may not overlooks the fact that each  
profession has its own set of laws and rules that its members must  
adhere to. If passing an exam directly equates to comprehensive  
knowledge of the laws and rules, then why don't other health  
professions impose a similar requirement?  
Technological advancements have significantly improved compliance with  
laws and regulations. Many aspects of pharmacy practice that  
previously required manual vigilance are now automated and integrated  
into computer software and systems. This reduces the reliance on  
individual pharmacists to memorize every detail, as the technology  
itself enforces compliance.  
Removing the MPJE requirement does not necessarily lower the bar for  
licensure or allow anyone to become a pharmacist. On the contrary, it  
could attract highly qualified candidates who are seeking a more  
efficient pathway to licensure and practice. Incompetence exists in  
every profession, and passing an exam does not guarantee competence. A  
comprehensive evaluation of candidates' qualifications, including  
their educational background and performance in pharmacy school,  
remains critical in ensuring the competency of licensed pharmacists.  
Concerns about NABP's opinion and potential loss of support should not  
overshadow the primary objective of protecting public safety. While  
NABP may experience financial losses due to the removal of the exam,  
it is the responsibility of the Board of Pharmacy to prioritize  
patient safety and outcomes over financial considerations. If patient  
safety remains unaffected by the removal of this administrative  
requirement, then it should not hinder progress.  
The responsibility of ensuring pharmacy graduates' competence in state  
and federal laws lies with the colleges and schools of pharmacy.  
Accreditation standards set by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy  
Education (ACPE) require educational institutions to adequately  
prepare graduates in this regard. The role of the Board of Pharmacy is  
to evaluate whether passing one exam equates to sufficient competence  
in all state laws and rules, thus protecting public safety.  
Last July, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)  
which is the association that houses all colleges of pharmacy and  
faculty as members passed a national emerging resolution in which the  
academy supports removal of a stand alone examination of federal  
and/or state pharmacy laws as a requirement for licensure. This was  
endorsed by members from neighboring states such as WI, OH, IL, and  
IA.  
It is also worth considering the examples set by other states that  
have revised their requirements:  
Idaho (ID): Since 2018, Idaho has operated without an MPJE requirement  
and has transitioned to an enforcement approach based on the standard  
of care. They have reported no increase in complaints to the board and  
no known patient safety issues resulting from the removal of the exam.  
Vermont (VT): Vermont recently voted to remove the MPJE requirement,  
aligning itself with the evolving trends in pharmacy licensure.  
Ohio (OH): Ohio does not require license transfer applicants to  
maintain their license by original examination. However, license  
transfer applicants must have a license in good standing from a member  
board and transfer their license through the NABP clearinghouse. This  
approach prioritizes evaluating the equivalence and thoroughness of  
the examination taken in another state.  
Wisconsin (WI): Wisconsin currently has a bill being heard by the  
legislature that would remove unnecessary and unproven licensure  
requirements for healthcare professionals. The MPJE is amongst those  
exams/requirements. The state association in WI has publically  
supported this bill and removal of the MPJE.  
In conclusion, I urge the Michigan Board of Pharmacy to carefully  
consider the arguments presented in favor of removing the MPJE  
requirement. Doing so would represent a progressive and  
forward-thinking approach to pharmacy licensure without compromising  
patient safety. By streamlining the licensing process, Michigan has  
the opportunity to attract highly qualified candidates and ensure a  
competent pharmacy workforce that can meet the evolving healthcare  
needs of the state. This move also ensures that the Board and staff  
are utilizing evidence and logical thinking to remove undue barriers  
while protecting the public.  
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that you will  
carefully evaluate this request, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of  
protecting public safety while fostering an efficient and effective  
pharmacy licensing process.  
Sincerely,  
Jessica Morris  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:37:13 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 7:08:12 AM  
Subject: FW: Michigan Pharmacists Association - Pharmacy General Rules Comments  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
Pharmacy General Ruels Comments 05-2023.docx
From: Eric Roath <eroath@michiganpharmacists.org>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 5:36 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Farah Jalloul <fjalloul@michiganpharmacists.org>; Mark Glasper <mark@michiganpharmacists.org>  
Subject: Michigan Pharmacists Association - Pharmacy General Rules Comments  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Department Specialist,  
Please see the attached letter for MPA’s formal comments on the Pharmacy General Rules. I can be reached at this email  
address if you have any questions.  
Sincerely,  
Eric Roath, PharmD, MBA  
Director of Government Affairs  
Michigan Pharmacists Association  
408 Kalamazoo Plaza, Lansing, MI 48933  
Cell (906) 282-8930  
Direct (517) 377-0254  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Boards and Commiꢀees Secfion  
P.O. Box 30670  
Lansing, MI 48909-8170  
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Pharmacy General Rules. Michigan  
Pharmacists Associafion (MPA) represents pharmacy pracfifioners across the state of Michigan. We  
represent pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in all pracfice areas, from community outpafient pracfice  
to inpafient health systems.  
The areas of the proposed rules we wish to comment on are outlined in the following table:  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.513 (1) An applicant for an educafional limited  
The phrase “or is within 180 days of complefing”  
license shall submit to the department a completed  
seems redundant. If an individual is within 180 days of  
applicafion on a form provided by the department with complefing a program, it would stand to reason they  
the requisite fee. In addifion to safisfying the  
requirements of secfions 16174 and 17737 of the code,  
MCL 333.16174 and MCL 333.17737, the applicant shall  
establish either 1 of the following:  
are acfively enrolled in the program.  
We believe that this phrasing may have been an  
oversight, and that the original intent of the rule was  
to allow individuals who had recently completed an  
educafion program to secure an educafional limited  
(a) That the applicant is acfively enrolled in, or is  
within 180 days of complefing, an approved educafional license. This grace period is important for allowing  
program.  
new graduates from out of state to work in the  
pharmacy while their full license is pending.  
(b) That the applicant has received a Foreign  
Pharmacy Graduate Examinafion Commiꢀee (FPGEC)  
cerficafion from the Nafional Associafion of Boards of  
Pharmacy (NABP) Foreign Pharmacy Graduate  
Examinafion Commiꢀee, 1600 Feehanville Drive.,  
Mount Prospect, Illinois, 60056,  
Suggested revision:  
“(1)(a) That the applicant is acfively enrolled in an  
approved educafional program or has completed an  
approved educafional program within the past 180  
days.”  
“(2)(a) At the fime of renewal, the applicant shall  
submit vericafion to the department that the  
applicant is acfively enrolled in an approved  
educafional program, or has completed an approved  
educafional program within the past 180 days.”  
annually as follows:  
(a) At the fime of renewal, the applicant shall submit  
vericafion to the department that he or she the  
applicant is acfively enrolled in, or is within 180 days of  
complefing, an approved educafional program. The  
educafional limited license is valid for 1 year.  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.523 (2)(ii)(C)(b) Pass the MPJE as required under  
R 338.519Provide an aꢀestafion to the department  
that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the  
code and the board’s rules to competently pracfice  
pharmacy in this state.  
MPA is opposed to removing the requirement to pass  
the MPJE if seeking licensure via endorsement. We  
believe an applicant must demonstrate competency in  
pharmacy pracfice law in the State. Failure to  
demonstrate this competency increases the likelihood  
that pharmacists may inadvertently pracfice outside  
of Michigan’s state-specic regulafions. This  
represents not only a risk to pafient safety but also  
increases liability exposure for the pracfifioner.  
Suggested Revision:  
Retain the old language for R 338.532 (2)(ii)(C)(b):  
“Pass the MPJE as required under R 338.519.”  
R 338.533 (1) The board approves and adopts by  
reference the compounding standards of the United  
States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the United  
States Pharmacopeial Convenfion, 12601 Twinbrook  
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This  
includes, but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795  
(revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
MPA opposes the addifion of dates to this rule  
language. The proposed language creates a situafion  
in which pharmacies are required to comply with  
outdated standards rather than the most current  
versions. Pharmacies may also be put in a situafion  
where they might need to comply with the latest  
versions under federal law or for the purpose of  
accreditafion by a non-governmental enfity. This may  
not be possible as revised standards may conflict  
sufficiently with older versions that simultaneous  
R 338.555 (1) The board approves and adopts by  
reference the current good manufacturing pracfice for  
nished pharmaceuficals regulafions set forth in 21 CFR compliance with both old and new versions is not  
211.1 to 211.208 (20212022).  
feasible. Addifionally, adding these dates punishes  
pharmacies that have sought to become compliant  
with upcoming versions of the standards in advance of  
official publicafion.  
Suggested Revision:  
Do not specify the revision dates for USP 795 and 797  
in R 338.533(1).  
Remove the 2021 revision date for cGMP in R 338.555  
(1), but do not replace it with the 2022 date.  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.588a Automated devices in non-inpafient  
seꢁngs.  
MPA advocates for removing the restricfion that  
automated devices only be used to deliver non-  
Rule 88a. (1) A pharmacy that operates an automated controlled drugs in subsecfion (1)(a). Current  
device to deliver prescripfion medicafion directly to an technology allows for the capture of posifive  
ulfimate user that is not included in R 338.588(2)(a) to idenficafion of a pafient at the point of dispensing  
(h) shall comply with all of the following requirements: via an automated device. We suggest that rather than  
(a) The automated device may only deliver non-  
controlled drugs.  
(b) The automated device is operated as an  
extension of a pharmacy, under the control of a  
pharmacist, however, a remote pharmacy may not  
operate an automated device.  
(c) A pharmacist shall be available for the automated  
device to be operable.  
(d) The automated device is secured, lockable, and  
privacy enabled.  
(e) Prescripfions must contain a label that idenfies  
the automated device where the medicafion was  
dispensed.  
(f) A pharmacist shall be available to provide pafient  
consultafion through real-fime audio and visual  
communicafion. The pharmacist may provide  
consultafion from a remote locafion.  
prohibit dispensing controlled medicafions via an  
automated device, the board introduces language  
requiring posifive vericafion of a pafient’s ID at the  
point of delivery.  
Addifionally, MPA advocates for removing the  
limitafion prohibifing a remote pharmacy from  
operafing an automated device in subsecfion (1)(b). If  
a pharmacist is available, as required by subsecfion  
(1)(c), and a pharmacist may be available for real-fime  
consult in subsecfion (1)(f), then a remote pharmacy  
should be permiꢀed to operate an automated device.  
Further, the added safety features implemented by an  
automated device stocked and maintained by a  
pharmacist will enhance the safe delivery of  
medicafions in a remote pharmacy.  
Suggested Revision:  
R 338.588a (1) A pharmacy that operates an  
automated device to deliver prescripfion medicafion  
directly to an ulfimate user that is not included in R  
338.588(2)(a) to (h) shall comply with all of the  
following requirements:  
(a) The automated device may only deliver non-  
controlled drugs.  
(b) The automated device is operated as an  
extension of a pharmacy, under the control of a  
pharmacist, however, a remote pharmacy may not  
operate an automated device.  
(c) A pharmacist shall be available for the automated  
device to be operable.  
(d) The automated device is secured, lockable, and  
privacy enabled.  
(e) Prescripfions must contain a label that idenfies  
the automated device where the medicafion was  
dispensed.  
(f) A pharmacist shall be available to provide pafient  
consultafion through real-fime audio and visual  
communicafion. The pharmacist may provide  
consultafion from a remote locafion.  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.588a Automated devices in non-inpafient  
seꢁngs.  
(3) If an automated device is used in a dispensing  
prescriber's office, and the automated device is not  
affiliated with a pharmacy, the device must be used  
only to dispense medicafions to the dispensing  
MPA advocates for parity in the requirements for  
automated devices operated by pharmacies and  
automated devices managed by dispensing  
prescribers. In addifion to the recommended revisions  
noted below, if the Board believes it necessary to  
confinue the prohibifion of dispensing controlled  
prescriber's pafients and only under the control of the substances from an automated device controlled by a  
dispensing prescriber. All of the following apply to the  
use of an automated device in a dispensing  
prescriber's office:  
(a) If a dispensing prescriber delegates the stocking  
of the automated device, then technologies must be in  
place and ufilized to ensure that the correct drugs are  
stocked in their appropriate assignment ufilizing a  
board-approved error prevenfion technology that  
complies with R 338.3154.  
(b) A dispensing prescriber operafing an automated  
device is responsible for all medicafions that are  
stocked and stored in that device, as well as removed  
from that device.  
pharmacy, a similar prohibifion should be put in place  
for the offices of a dispensing prescriber.  
Suggested Revision:  
MPA recommends adding the following language:  
R 338.588a (3) (d) The dispensing prescriber shall be  
available for the automated device to be operable.  
(e) The automated device is secured, lockable, and  
privacy enabled.  
(f) Prescripfions must contain a label that idenfies  
the automated device where the medicafion was  
dispensed.  
(c) If any medicafion or device is dispensed from an  
automated device in a dispensing prescriber’s office,  
then documentafion as to the type of equipment,  
serial numbers, content, policies, procedures, and  
locafion within the facility must be maintained by the  
dispensing prescriber for review by an agent of the  
board. This documentafion must include all of the  
following informafion:  
(i) Manufacturer name and model.  
(ii) Quality assurance policy and procedure to  
determine confinued appropriate use and  
performance of the automated device.  
(iii) Policy and procedures for system operafion that  
addresses, at a minimum, all of the following:  
(A) Accuracy.  
(B) Pafient condenfiality.  
(C) Access.  
(D) Data retenfion or archival records.  
(E) Downfime procedures.  
(F) Emergency procedures.  
(G) Medicafion security.  
(H) Quality assurance.  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.591 Dispensing emergency supply of insulin.  
MPA recommends the addifion of language to clarify  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may dispense an emergency that although an emergency supply of insulin may  
supply of insulin to an individual if the pharmacist  
complies with all of the following:  
(a) The requirements in secfion 17744f of the code,  
MCL 333.17744f.  
only be dispensed once per qualied prescripfion, this  
does not change the ability of a pharmacy to issue  
three such emergency supplies per pafient per year  
(MCL 333.17744f (2)).  
(b) An emergency supply of insulin may only be  
dispensed from a pharmacy with real fime access to  
the qualied prescripfion for insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as that term is defined  
in MCL 333.17744f, may be dispensed per qualified  
prescripfion.  
Suggested Revision:  
Add R338.591 (d) a pharmacist may dispense an  
emergency supply of insulin for up to three qualified  
prescripfions within a calendar year for an individual  
pafient.  
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments on these rules. If you have any  
quesfions or require claricafion regarding our remarks, please do not hesitate to reach out.  
Respecffully submiꢀed,  
Eric Roath, PharmD, MBA  
Director of Government Affairs  
Michigan Pharmacists Associafion  
(906) 282-8930  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:43:23 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 3:26:53 PM  
Subject: FW: R 338.521 and 338.523 of the Pharmacy – General Rules  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Colleen Ryan <cryan4710@gmail.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 3:07 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: R 338.521 and 338.523 of the Pharmacy – General Rules  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
My comment pertains to R 338.521 and 338.523 of the Pharmacy – General Rules.  
The rules should allow licensure by examination by new grads even though they may be licensed in another state with a  
score transfer.  
Thank you,  
Colleen Ryan  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:33:36 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 1:08:24 PM  
Subject: FW: MHA Comments - Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules 2022-8 LR  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
MHA Comments Pharmacy-General Rules 2022-8 LR.pdf
Hi Andria,  
Please see below.  
From: Renee Smiddy <rsmiddy@mha.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 11:58 AM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: MHA Comments - Administrative Rules for Pharmacy-General Rules 2022-8 LR  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Good morning,  
On behalf of Michigan hospitals, the MHA appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the Administrative Rules for Pharmacy  
– General Rules 2022-8 LR. Please see our attached feedback.  
Thank you,  
Renée Smiddy, MS | Senior Director, Finance Policy  
Michigan Health & Hospital Association  
110 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200 | Lansing, MI 48933  
(517) 285-0881 | rsmiddy@mha.org  
June 2, 2022  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Administrative Rules for Pharmacy General Rules  
2022-8 LR  
Dear Departmental Specialist:  
On behalf of Michigan hospitals, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) appreciates the  
opportunity to provide comments on the Administrative Rules for Pharmacy General Rules.  
The MHA has significant concerns related to the automated device sections and how the draft rules try to  
delineate practices between different types of facilities, specifically related to inpatient and non-inpatient  
settings. Some hospital settings are not considered inpatient but reside within the hospital footprint. The  
MHA has received multiple questions from members requesting clarification related to hospital emergency  
departments and distinct part units, are these areas considered inpatient or non-inpatient?  
Please see our feedback and commentary below:  
R 338.533 Compounding standards and requirements; outsourcing facilities;  
requirements.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts the latest available by reference the compounding  
standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the United States Pharmacopeial  
Convention.12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not limited  
to, USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and 797 (revised 2008).  
(6) An outsourcing facility shall do all of the following:  
(a) Compound drugs by or under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.  
(b) Compound drugs pursuant to under current good manufacturing practices for finished  
pharmaceuticals set forth in 21 CFR 211.1 to 211.208 (20212022).  
The MHA recommends removing date references to avoid confusion and pharmacies inadvertently using  
outdated guidance. Clear and concise language should be adopted.  
R 338.588a Automated devices in non-inpatient settings. Please define and clarify areas of impact.  
The MHA recommends using definitions such as, outpatient clinics, infusion centers, etc., rather than the  
term non-inpatient settings.  
Rule 88a. (1) A pharmacy that operates an automated device to deliver prescription medication  
directly to an ultimate user that is not included in subdivision (a) to (h) of subrule (2) of R 338.588  
shall comply with all of the following requirements:  
MHA Comments Administrative Rules for Pharmacy General Rules  
June 2, 2023  
Page 2  
(a) The automated device may only deliver non-controlled drugs not be used to deliver  
controlled substances.  
The MHA recommends striking R 338.588a or updating to the suggested language above.  
(b) The automated device is operated as an extension of a pharmacy, under the control of a  
pharmacist, however, a remote pharmacy may not operate an automated device.  
(c) A pharmacist shall be available for the automated device to be operable.  
The MHA has received direct feedback from hospitals that this section is unclear and they’re not sure this  
would apply to their non-inpatient units. Would the pharmacist need to be onsite, available by phone or  
virtually?  
(d) The automated device is secured, lockable, and privacy enabled.  
Please clarify ‘privacy enabled’, is the intent to ensure patient privacy? If patient privacy is the intent, the  
MHA recommends clarifying language that ensures the privacy of the end-user.  
(e) Prescriptions must contain a label that identifies the automated device where the medication  
was dispensed.  
Please clarify if this would be in-addition to the dispensing pharmacy. For non-inpatient settings within a  
hospital, would this be satisfied by a room number if the dispensing pharmacy and automated device  
share the same address.  
(f) A pharmacist shall be available to provide patient consultation through real-time audio and  
visual communication. The pharmacist may provide consultation from a remote location.  
The MHA suggests combining (f) and (c) subsections.  
(g) Before the automated device is put into service, the pharmacy shall notify the department of  
the location of the automated device on a form provided by the department.  
Please clarify who the department is?  
(h) Dispensing activities through the automated device must comply with all recordkeeping,  
drug utilization review, and patient counseling requirements that are applicable to a pharmacy.  
(2) A pharmacy licensee may locate a non-dispensing storage and pick up device on the premises of the  
pharmacy that is used for a patient or agent of the patient to pick up prescription medication if the  
pharmacy meets both of the following:  
(a) The automated device is secured, lockable, and privacy enabled.  
(b) The automated device is located on the inside of the premises of the licensed pharmacy.  
Please clarify if acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, specialty hospitals, inpatient psychiatric  
facilities, etc. are excluded from R 338.588a 2(b).  
R 338.588b Automated devices in medical institutions.  
Rule 88b. (1) An automated device used by staff to administer store medications to registered  
patients intended for patient administration in any hospital, county medical care facility, nursing  
home, hospice, or another skilled nursing facility, as defined in section 20109(4) of the code, MCL  
333.20109, must comply with all of the following:  
(a) The automated device must be supplied stocked, maintained, and controlled by a pharmacy  
that is licensed in this state.  
(b) If a pharmacist delegates the stocking of the automated device is performed by non-  
pharmacist personnel, then technologies must be in place and utilized to ensure that the correct  
drugs are stocked in their appropriate assignment utilizing bar-coding or another board-approved  
error-prevention technology that complies with R 338.3154.  
The suggested modifications attempt to reduce confusion related if the pharmacist is the default standard  
for stocking the automated device, since there is not an explicit language referencing stocking by a  
pharmacist. Above statements reference ‘controlled by a pharmacy’, not controlled by a pharmacist.  
MHA Comments Administrative Rules for Pharmacy General Rules  
June 2, 2023  
Page 3  
Please contact me at rsmiddy@mha.org if you have any questions regarding these comments or if you  
need additional information.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Renée Smiddy  
Senior Director, Finance Policy  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:47:19 AM  
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2023 3:11:21 PM  
Subject: FW: Attention Departmental Specialist- BOP General Rules Comments  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
Attachments:  
UMH Comments on BOP General Rules Revisions 2023.docx
Hi Andria,  
Please see below and attached.  
-Kimmy  
From: Tharp, Jamie <jcburke@med.umich.edu>  
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2023 3:07 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Cc: Tharp, Jamie <jcburke@med.umich.edu>  
Subject: Attention Departmental Specialist- BOP General Rules Comments  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Attention Departmental Specialist-  
I am writing to submit comments and suggested revisions to the Board of Pharmacy General Rule draft revisions. Please see  
attached for a copy of the changes suggested by me as the Assistant Director of Compounding Compliance for the University  
of Michigan Health.  
Deadline for comment: 6/2/23 17:00  
Thoughtfully,  
Jamie Tharp  
Jamie Tharp, PharmD, BCSCP | she/her/hers  
Assistant Director, Compounding Compliance | Department of Pharmacy  
jcburke@med.umich.edu |page:7730 | 734-678-7933 (prefer texts)  
**********************************************************  
Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not be used for urgent or sensitive issues  
Page 1 of 2  
Comment Submission for: April 2023 Pharmacy-General Rules  
Comment Deadline: June 2, 2023  
Comments Submitted: May 26, 2023  
Commenter’s Name:  
Jamie Tharp, PharmD, BCSCP  
Position:  
Full Contact Details:  
Assistant Director of Pharmacy- Compounding Compliance jcburke@med.umich.edu  
University of Michigan Health  
General Comments:  
The 2023 revisions to the Pharmacy-General Rules that restrict the applicable compounding standards to fixed version dates will result in  
o
disparities with standards adherence for pharmacies and outsourcing facilities that are surveyed/inspected for out-of-state licenses, federal  
entities (FDA, CMS, etc) and other accrediting agencies who will update their evaluation criteria to be aligned with revised USP standards.  
licensees will also find it difficult to obtain continuing education that aligns with past versions of USP and may become confused by learning  
opportunities that reflect the revised standards.  
o
USP chapters are periodically revised to reflect changing expert consensus and scientific advancements. The chapter revisions are led by expert  
committees made up of individuals with significant expertise in the field and also include FDA representatives.1 Revisions undergo public comment period  
review and subsequent revisions. Chapter revisions are generally released 6-12 months before their official dates. USP provides guidance about their  
recommendations if the revised chapters should be early adopted. In the case of the 2022 revisions of USP 797/795, USP encouraged compounders to  
early adopt the chapters.2  
It is my recommendation that the Michigan Board of Pharmacy allow the adoption of revised versions of USP chapters, with the adoption to early adopt  
before the official date if so recommended by USP. Additionally, I recommend that revisions to cGMP standards be allowed for outsourcing facilities.  
References: 1 USP and FDA Working Together to Protect Public Health https://www.usp.org/public-policy/usp-fda-roles accessed 5/11/23;  
2 USP Chapter Revision announcement and encouragement to early adopt https://go.usp.org/Revisions_Announcement_USP_GC_USP_795_and_797 accessed 5/11/23  
Specific Comments:  
Section(s)  
Suggested change:  
Comment/Rationale  
(Provide the revised suggestion to replace the existing text.)  
Suggest deleting the chapter version dates from USP 795 and 797  
and adding a statement to allow adoption of future revisions as  
follows:  
The board approves and adopts by reference the compounding  
standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), published by  
the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601 Twinbrook  
R 338.533  
Rule 33. (1)  
Allowing pharmacies to adopt USP standards as they are revised will  
minimize confusion between state and federal inspections and  
accrediting bodies. It is expected that most other states and federal  
agencies will recognize revised USP standards and will expect Michigan  
licensed pharmacies and licensees to adhere to the current versions of  
USP Chapters.  
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This includes, but is not Michigan licensed pharmacies will likely have to adopt the strictest  
limited to, USP Chapters 795 and 797.Revisions to USP chapters  
shall be adopted by the official date or earlier as encouraged by  
USP, unless otherwise stated by the Board.  
standards of all chapter versions to ensure compliance with Michigan  
General Pharmacy Rules and external state licenses and federal  
agencies. This will disadvantage Michigan Pharmacies and likely cause  
undue financial and labor resources to maintain compliance with  
multiple versions of USP.  
Page 2 of 2  
Section(s)  
Suggested change:  
(Provide the revised suggestion to replace the existing text.)  
Comment/Rationale  
R 338.533  
Rule 33. (2)  
(2) The standards adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule  
are available for purchase at http://www.usp.org/compounding, or Pharmacies and licensees must purchase or subscribe to USP to gain  
USP no longer provides free copies of compounding chapters.  
at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of Pharmacy, Bureau  
of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box  
30670, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
access the chapters.  
R 338.533  
Rule 33. (3)  
(3) A pharmacy that provides compounding services shall comply  
with all applicable current standards adopted in subrule (1) of this  
rule.  
The use of the phrase “current standards” is in conflict with the  
proposed fixed versions of USP being proposed in subrule (1) of this  
rule. I support leaving “current standards” in this sentence if my  
proposed changes to subrule (1) are adopted.  
R 338.533  
Rule 33. (4)  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in this state or that dispenses,  
provides, distributes, or otherwise  
furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals in this state shall must be  
It may not be possible for an outsourcing facility to coordinate an FDA  
inspection before applying for a pharmacy license in the state if they  
are operating within the state of Michigan. Consider aligning this  
standard with the Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Licensing  
inspected and registered as an outsourcing facility by the United  
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to before applying requirement R 338.534a (2) An applicant for an in-state pharmacy  
for a pharmacy license in this state.  
license that intends to compound sterile pharmaceutical products shall  
complete both of the following:  
(a) Obtain an inspection from the department or its designee for the  
purpose of meeting R 338.536 and R 338.537 for initial licensure.  
(b) Within 6 months after initial licensure under this subrule, a  
pharmacy shall obtain, and provide to the department, a subsequent  
inspection to assess adherence to cGMP  
R 338.533  
Rule 33. (5)  
Suggest deleting a fixed reference date to cGMP standards  
(b) Compound drugs pursuant tounder current good manufacturing processes. Holding outsourcing facilities to outdated cGMP standards  
Similar to USP standards, cGPM standards are revised through rigorous  
practices for finished pharmaceuticals set forth in 21 CFR 211.1 to  
211.208 ().  
will cause significant issues with their ability to meet expectations from  
out of state and federal entities, who will likely require adherence to  
future standards revisions.  
Per the FDA 503B Registration FAQ(LINK)- it is the FDAs intention to  
visit newly registered 503B entities within 2 months of registration.  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:30:57 AM  
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 7:04:12 AM  
Subject: FW: Administrative Rules for Pharmacy - General Rules Comments  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Jeffrey Thomas <jeffrey.thomas@ascension.org>  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 4:16 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Administrative Rules for Pharmacy - General Rules Comments  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Dear Departmental Specialist,  
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions to the Pharmacy General Rules. Please see my  
comments below. Thank you for your time and consideration.  
Michigan BOP Proposed  
Revision  
Comments  
R 338.533 Compounding standards  
and requirements; outsourcing  
facilities;  
Suggestion: Delete the phrase “not limited to” and remove the reference  
to chapter version dates from USP 795 and 797. Update this section to  
adopt “current compendial chapters of USP 795 and 797”.  
requirements.  
Rationale: It is anticipated that other regulatory and accrediting bodies  
(e.g. Joint Commission) will utilize the revised USP standards when  
evaluating Michigan pharmacies. This would result in state licensed  
pharmacies having to adopt the strict requirements in the updated  
chapters without realizing any of the corresponding benefits (e.g.  
extended BUDs) and leading to increased operational costs and waste.  
Also, the new standards are more in alignment with the FDA definition of  
compounding. For multi-state health-systems (like Ascension)  
attempting to standardize practice, state-specific compounding policies  
and metrics would need to be established for MI sites. Also, for MI  
pharmacies licensed outside of the state (e.g. home infusion), other  
states may not accept sterile products from MI pharmacies, which would  
result in a loss of business. Most recognized training programs (e.g.  
ASHP) will update their training and resources to reflect current USP  
standards, which will result in confusion for pharmacists licensed in the  
state of Michigan and both in-state and out-of-state pharmacy  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and  
adopts by reference the compounding  
standards of the United States  
Pharmacopeia (USP), published by the  
United States Pharmacopeial  
Convention, 12601 Twinbrook  
Parkway, Rockville, Maryland,  
20852-1790. This includes, but is not  
limited to, USP Chapters 795  
(revised 2014) and 797 (revised  
2008).  
(2) The standards adopted by  
reference in subrule (1) of this rule are  
available at no cost at  
at a cost of 10 cents per page from the students/residents being trained at MI facilities.  
Board of Pharmacy, Bureau of  
Professional Licensing, Michigan  
Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building,  
611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670,  
Lansing, Michigan, 48909.  
(3) A pharmacy that provides  
compounding services shall comply  
with all applicable current standards  
adopted in subrule (1) of this rule.  
(4) An outsourcing facility located in  
this state or that dispenses, provides,  
distributes, or otherwise  
furnishes compounded pharmaceuticals  
in this state shall must be inspected  
and registered as an outsourcing facility  
by the United States Food and Drug  
Administration (FDA) prior to before  
applying for a pharmacy license in this  
state.  
R 338.591 Dispensing emergency Suggestion: Change to also include insulin analogs  
supply of insulin.  
Rationale: Since many patients are prescribed insulin analogs (e.g.  
lispro, aspart), adding this language would clarify that the emergency  
supply also pertains to these agents.  
Rule 91. (1) A pharmacist may  
dispense an emergency supply of  
insulin to an individual if the  
pharmacist complies with all of the  
following:  
(a) The requirements in section  
17744f of the code, MCL  
333.17744f.  
(b) An emergency supply of  
insulin may only be dispensed from  
a pharmacy with real time access to  
the qualified prescription for  
insulin.  
(c) Only 1 emergency supply, as  
that term is defined in MCL  
333.17744f, may be dispensed per  
qualified prescription.0  
(2) If the smallest single package  
of insulin available exceeds a 30-  
day supply, dispensing the package  
of insulin that is available complies  
with this rule and section 17744f of  
the code, MCL 333.17744f.  
Jeffrey Thomas, BS, PharmD  
Area Clinical Operations Manager - MI & NY Markets  
Pharmacy Clinical Operations  
t: 734-560-5071  
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  
This email message and any accompanying data or files is confidential and may contain privileged  
information intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are  
hereby notified that the dissemination, distribution, and or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  
If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender at the  
email address above, delete this email from your computer, and destroy any copies in any form  
immediately. Receipt by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney-  
client, work product, or other applicable privilege.  
®
This message was secured byZix .  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:44:23 AM  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:50:31 PM  
Subject: FW: Comments for Proposed Rules for 6/2/23 Public Hearing  
Response requested: No  
Sensitivity: Normal  
From: Chad Whitefield <chad@univrx.com>  
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 2:36 PM  
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>  
Subject: Comments for Proposed Rules for 6/2/23 Public Hearing  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Hello, please find our comments below regarding the Proposed Draft Rule Language and our Requests for Change.  
Proposed Language  
Comment  
R 338.533 (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the  
compounding standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP),  
published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 12601  
Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1790. This  
includes, but is not limited to, USP Chapters 795 (revised 2014) and  
797 (revised 2008).  
MPA opposes the addition of dates to this rule language. We  
second this opposition. The proposed language creates a situation  
in which pharmacies are required to comply with outdated  
standards rather than the most current versions. Pharmacies may  
also be put in a situation where they might need to comply with the  
latest versions under federal law or for the purpose of  
accreditation by a non-governmental entity. This may not be  
possible as revised standards may conflict sufficiently with older  
versions that simultaneous compliance with both old and new  
versions is not feasible. Additionally, adding these dates punishes  
pharmacies that have sought to become compliant with upcoming  
versions of the standards in advance of official publication.  
Suggested Revision:  
R 338.555 (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the  
current good manufacturing practice for finished pharmaceuticals  
regulations set forth in 21 CFR 211.1 to 211.208 (20212022).  
Do not specify the revision dates for USP 795 and 797 in R  
338.533(1).  
Remove the 2021 revision date for cGMP in R 338.555 (1), but do  
not replace it with the 2022 date.  
Thank you,  
Chad Whitefield, RPh, BCSCP  
Pharmacist-In-Charge  
University Compounding Pharmacy  
6054 Livernois Rd.  
Troy, MI 48098  
Fax:  
Helping one patient at a time live their best life  
The documents in this correspondence may contain confidential health information that is privileged and legally protected from disclosure by federal law , the  
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the  
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, disclosing, distributing, copying, acting upon or otherw ise using the information contained  
in this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete.  
Archived: Thursday, June 22, 2023 11:33:14 AM  
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 2:14:34 PM  
Subject: Public Comments for Pharmacy General Rules  
Sensitivity: Normal  
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov  
Andria,  
These comments for the Pharmacy General Rules are submitted in my individual capacity as a pharmacist licensed to practice  
Pharmacy in the state of Michigan and are not being offered in my official capacity as a member of the Board of Pharmacy and  
do not represent the views of the Board.  
Below are areas I wish to review for the Rules Committee and Board to address.  
R 338.517 – Modify references to R 338.501(1)(u) in the rules to R 338.501(1)(v).  
There is a Typo  
R 338.525(1)(f) and (4)(g)– Delete reference to English language requirement  
English language only required with initial licensure.  
R 338.533 –  
(1) – If the new versions of USP 795 and 797 are adopted, provide an exception for flavoring, and review  
the range for monitoring relative humidity in cleanrooms  
Review the adoption of USP 800.  
(2) – Delete the statement that the public can request a copy of the USP from the Department as it is no  
longer available except to review in person.  
R 338.589 – there is a line in the word “prescription” in (2).  
R 338.589 – Add the exception for pharmacy technicians doing remote work for performing certain prescription  
processing functions, if the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy and security of confidential  
records.  
R 338.589 – Add ability for the licensed Pharmacist to access pharmacy database from home or other remote  
location for remote order entry verification including performing a drug regimen review. If the pharmacy  
establishes controls to protect the privacy and security of confidential records.  
R 338537 – update Rule 37 (1)(b) Most recent printed, and or unabridged computerized versions of the Michigan  
pharmacy laws and rules, plus at least 2 comprehensive pharmaceutical reference text(s). Which will encompass the  
general practice of pharmacy that pertains to pharmacology, drug interactions, drug composition, or other information  
necessary for the delivery of safe and effective practice of pharmacy.  
Reason for unabridged computerized version is to ensure that the licensed pharmacy is using the most  
complete version of the reference text versus the shortened “google” reference text and to make sure the  
reference material is pertinent to the practice setting.  
Thank you  
Maria Young,  
University Pharmacy  
Sent from my tether...  
excuse my brevity and any spelling errors.  
;