(a) A prescriber, a prescriber’s authorized agent, or a pharmacist may electronically enter a prescription or an order, as defined in Section 4019, into a pharmacy’s or hospital’s computer from any location outside of the pharmacy or hospital with the permission of the pharmacy or hospital. For purposes of this section, a “prescriber’s authorized agent” is a person licensed or registered under Division 2 (commencing with Section 500).

(b) This section does not reduce the existing authority of other hospital personnel to enter medication orders or prescription orders into a hospital’s computer.

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(c) A dangerous drug or dangerous device shall not be dispensed pursuant to a prescription that has been electronically entered into a pharmacy’s computer without the prior approval of a pharmacist.

(d) (1) A pharmacist located and licensed in the state may, on behalf of a health care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, from a location outside of the facility, verify medication chart orders for appropriateness before administration consistent with federal requirements, as established in the health care facility’s policies and procedures.

(2) (A) A health care facility shall maintain a record of a pharmacist’s verification of medication chart orders pursuant to this subdivision.

(B) A record maintained pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall meet the same requirements as those described in Sections 4081 and 4105.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 141, Sec. 1. (AB 1557) Effective September 1, 2023.)