Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINTH MEETING

             At approximately 9:00 a.m., April 26, 2000, the Board met in the University Room, at the University Park Plaza, 2829 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the purpose of conducting a general business meeting.  All members of the Board were in attendance.  Also in attendance were the Board's Executive Director, Mr. David Holmstrom, and the Board's Legal Counsel, Mr. Robert Holley.

            The meeting began with the introduction of new Board Member Betty Johnson, who was appointed by Governor Ventura to replace Board Member Jeff Lindoo.  Also introduced to the members of the Board was Ms. Michele Boock, recently hired as a Pharmacy Board Surveyor.

            After reviewing, amending, and approving the agenda for this meeting, the Board addressed the minutes of the meeting of March 15, 2000.  Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded that the minutes be approved as written.  The motion passed.

            Board Member Carol Peterson now requested that the Board establish meeting dates for the first quarter of calendar year 2001.  The Board set meeting dates for the beginning of 2001 as follows:

January 9, 2001 Board Examination

January 10, 2001 Business Meeting

March 7, 2001 Business Meeting

April 25, 2001 Business Meeting

            The Board next turned it attention to applications to conduct new pharmacies, which it has received since its last meeting.  The first such application was a reconsideration of an application, submitted on behalf of Custom Compounding Pharmacy in Northfield, Minnesota, by Mr. Rob Anderson, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Anderson now personally appeared before the Board to discuss this application, and how Custom Compounding Pharmacy relates to Medicap Pharmacy, which is housed at the same address.  After thoroughly discussing the issues surrounding this application with Mr. Anderson, and carefully reviewing the application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that the application be approved and a license issued.  The motion passed.

The second application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of HealthEast Woodwinds Hospital Pharmacy, in Woodbury, Minnesota, by Mr. Dean Huska, pharmacist-in-charge.  After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the naming of a permanent pharmacist-in-charge for the pharmacy, and subject also to the successful completion of an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure.  The motion passed.

The third application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Marshall, Minnesota, by Ms. Linda Kunz, pharmacist-in-charge.   After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Mr. Vern Kassekert moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the successful completion on an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure, and with special attention being paid to the adequacy of the patient counseling area.  The motion passed.

The fourth application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, 217 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW, in Bemidji, MN, by Mr. Richard Chernugal, pharmacist-in-charge.  After noting that there is already a licensed pharmacy known as the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy at 217 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW, in Bemidji, MN, operated by Mr. Chernugal, the Board tabled the application and directed Mr. Holmstrom to contact Mr. Chernugal for clarification.

            The next application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Sam’s Pharmacy in Fridley, MN, by Ms. Shirley Paroczai, pharmacist-in-charge.  After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Ms. Jean Lemberg moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the successful completion of an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure.  The motion passed.

            The next application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Sam’s Pharmacy in St. Louis Park, MN, by Mr. George Sarnicki, pharmacist-in-charge.  After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Ms. Jean Lemberg moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the successful completion of an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure.  The motion passed.

            The next application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Sam’s Pharmacy in White Bear Lake, MN, by Mr. Jess Brown, pharmacist-in-charge.  After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Ms. Jean Lemberg moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the successful completion of an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure.  The motion passed.

            The final application to conduct a new pharmacy, to be reviewed by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Walgreens Pharmacy in Burnsville, MN, by Ms. Patricia Hintze, pharmacist-in-charge.  After carefully reviewing this application and a diagram of the proposed pharmacy, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Ms. Betty Johnson seconded that the application be approved and a license issued, subject to the successful completion of an on-site inspection, by a member of the Board's staff, to assure compliance with Pharmacy Board rules dealing with licensure.  The motion passed, with Mr. Vern Kassekert abstaining.

            Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, concerns raised by Pharmacy Board Surveyors Les Kotek, Candice Fleming, and Michele Boock, regarding the proposed operation and the policies and procedures being developed by Stearns Vet Outlet Pharmacy, and the proposed manner of operation of that new pharmacy.  After a brief discussion, of the action taken by the Board at its last meeting, the Board re-affirmed its desire to allow licensure of Stearns Vet Outlet Pharmacy, under the unique circumstances discussed at the March meeting, and indicated its desire to proceed with discussions that may lead to legislation creating a new category of licensure for veterinary-only pharmacies in Minnesota.

            The Board next turned its attention to matters of a quasi-judicial nature.  The first item of a quasi-judicial nature, to come before the Board, was the presentation, by Mr. Robert Holley, Legal Counsel for the Board, of a proposed stipulation and order in the matter of the pharmacist license of Mr. Ronald L. Schipper.  The stipulation was developed subsequent to a conference, held February 29, 2000, with Mr. Schipper, to discuss allegations of unprofessional conduct.  The stipulation has been agreed to and signed by Mr. Schipper.  Mr. Schipper now personally appeared before the Board to discuss the proposed stipulation and order.  After discussing the proposed stipulation and order with Mr. Schipper, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that the Board accept the stipulation and order as proposed, and that Mr. Holmstrom be directed to sign the stipulation and order on the Board's behalf.  The motion passed.

            The Board next turned its attention to the review of variance requests that have been submitted to the Board.  The first variance request, to be reviewed by the Board, was the second reading of an extension request, submitted on behalf of Lake Region Hospital Pharmacy by Mr. Gerald Peterson, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Peterson is requesting an extension of a previously granted variance that allowed after-hours emergency room dispensing at Lake Region Hospital.  The extension request received its first reading at the Board’s March 15 meeting.  After reviewing the additional information, submitted by Mr. Peterson as part of his request for an extension, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded that the previously granted variance be extended for an additional two year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The Board next began consideration of new variances, which are receiving their second readings.  The first such variance request was submitted on behalf of Allina Medical Building Pharmacy by Mr. Matt Huepfel, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Huepfel is requesting an opportunity to accept returns of certain expensive fertility drugs, which have previously been dispensed to patients.  Mr. Huepfel now personally appeared before the Board to discuss his variance request.

            After thoroughly discussing the issues involved with Mr. Huepfel, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded that the Board grant the variance, requested by Mr. Huepfel, but only until September 1, 2000, and that Mr. Holmstrom inform all other pharmacies, that have previously received a similar variance, that those variances will also expire on September 1.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, receiving its second reading, was submitted on behalf of Fairview Pharmacy Services by Mr. Bill Schommer, Fairview Regional Manager.  Mr. Schommer is requesting a variance that would allow Fairview Lino Lakes Pharmacy to utilize an automated drug dispensing system to serve four Fairview Urgent Care Centers with medications.  Mr. Schommer and Mr. Robert Beacher, Administrative Director of Fairview Pharmacy Services, now personally appeared before the Board to discuss the requested variance.  After a lengthy discussion of the issues involved in automated drug dispensing systems/telepharmacy, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved that Mr. Schommer’s request for a variance be approved.  The motion died for lack of a second motion.  President Gibson then requested additional discussion.  After discussing the issue further with Mr. Schommer and Mr. Beacher, Mr. Chuck Cooper again moved that the variance be approved for a one year period of time.  Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, receiving its second reading, was submitted on behalf of Walgreens Pharmacies by Ms. Audrey Neely and Mr. Mike Simko, from Walgreens Corporate Office.  Ms. Neely is requesting an opportunity to utilize a five-technician to one-pharmacist ratio during overnight hours at one specified Walgreens Pharmacy, which is proposed as a pilot project to test the concept of a refill center pharmacy that would serve five regular Walgreens Pharmacies.  During the overnight hours of operation of the refill center pharmacy, the pharmacy would not be open to the public, would not be receiving telephone calls, and would be refilling only those prescriptions that had authorized refills available.  If any DUR problems were detected by the refill center pharmacy, the filling operation would cease and the prescription would be returned to the appropriate community pharmacy.  Under the proposal, no controlled substance prescriptions would be refilled and no partial fills would be dispensed.  After a lengthy discussion, during which conditions of operation were developed, including:  a six month time limit on the variance from the date of beginning operation; feedback from the pharmacies, whose prescriptions were diverted to the refill center, would be made available to the Board; all dispensing errors must be documented and made available to the Board; all technicians involved must have at least six months experience as a technician at Walgreens’ Pharmacies; all technicians must have completed the Walgreens’ Technician Training Program; all technicians must either be certified or working towards certification; a list of the stores involved must be provided to the Board; and a status report must be made to the Board at its September Board meeting.  Ms. Betty Johnson seconded the motion for the sake of formal discussion.  After additional and formal discussion, President Gibson called for the vote.  The motion to approve the variance with the stated conditions was defeated, with Mr. Chuck Cooper and Ms. Carol Peterson voting in favor of the motion, Mr. Carl Benson, Ms. Jean Lemberg, and Ms. Betty Johnson voting in opposition, and Mr. Vern Kassekert abstaining.

            Mr. Carl Benson then moved to reconsider and to have additional discussion.  Mr. Chuck Cooper seconded.  That motion passed and additional discussion was held.  At the conclusion of additional discussion, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that the requested variance be approved, subject to the previously outlined conditions.  The motion passed, with Ms. Betty Johnson voting in opposition, and Ms. Jean Lemberg and Mr. Vern Kassekert abstaining.

            The next request for a variance, receiving its second reading, was submitted on behalf of Fairview Northland Pharmacy-Elk River and Fairview Northland Pharmacy-Princeton by Ms. Lisa Ganske, Regional Manager.  Ms. Ganske is requesting a variance for the opportunity to provide a secure supply of prepackaged medications in the Elk River and Princeton urgent care clinics, to be dispensed after regular pharmacy hours by physicians in those clinics.  After again discussing this variance, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that the variances, requested by Ms. Ganske, be approved for a one year period of time, and that Mr. Holmstrom encourage Ms. Ganske to explore the use of an automated drug dispensing system in

lieu of prepackaged medications at these two clinics, and further, that Mr. Holmstrom provide Ms. Ganske with a copy of the Board’s guidelines for use in such prepackaged medication dispensing operations.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, to receive its second reading, was submitted on behalf of the Minnesota Veterans Home Pharmacy by Ms. Mary Walquist, pharmacist-in-charge.  Ms. Walquist is requesting a variance that would allow a key to the pharmacy to be placed in a sealed envelope and kept in the Administrator’s office for use in the event of emergencies.  After reviewing the additional information, provided by Ms. Walquist since the Board’s first reading of this variance at its meeting of March 15, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that the Board deny the variance being requested.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, receiving its second reading, involved a request submitted jointly by Lakewood Health Pharmacy and Noble Drug, both in Baudette, Minnesota.  This issue was read for the first time at the Board’s June 1999 meeting, and was submitted to FDA for review and comment.  FDA has now replied, and the variance is once again before the Board.  The variance allows Noble Drug to contract with Lakewood Hospital Pharmacy to prepare sterile IV solutions for IV home care patients in the Baudette area.

            After noting that the Board had previously approved the variance requested, and that FDA did not oppose the proposal, on condition that several federal laws addressing the issue are complied with, the Board directed Mr. Holmstrom to inform Pharmacists Thomas Mio and Stuart Noble that they may proceed with the implementation of the proposal at their convenience.

            The next request for a variance, to receive its second reading, involved FDA’s response to a proposal by HealthPartners, that HealthPartners be able to utilize its refill center to fill prescriptions for its contract pharmacies.  FDA’s response to this proposal indicates that the proposed arrangement may conflict with the provisions of Robinson-Patman Act.  As a result, the Board directed Mr. Holmstrom to inform Mr. Bruzek, from HealthPartners, that the proposal to expand the use of the HealthPartners Refill Center to its contract pharmacies is not acceptable.

            Mr. Holmstrom now presented, to the Board, the revised medication list, submitted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, in response to the variance that was approved for the Department of Corrections at the Board’s March meeting.  The submission, by the Department of Corrections, was reviewed and discussed, but no formal action was required.

            The Board now addressed itself to variances that have been submitted since its last meeting and which are receiving their first reading.

            The first request for a variance, to be considered, was submitted on behalf of Central Minnesota Group Health Pharmacy by Mr. Dean Frolek, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Frolek is requesting an extension of a previously granted variance that allowed the pharmacy to maintain control over the storage and distribution of drug samples for the clinic.  After suspending the Board’s procedure calling for two readings of variances, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that the previously granted variance be extended for an additional one year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The second variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Fairview Northland Pharmacy-Zimmerman, Fairview Medical Arts Pharmacy-Minneapolis, and Fairview Eagan Pharmacy in Eagan by Ms. Lisa Ganske, Regional Manager.  The variance requests an extension, of previously granted variances, that allows these pharmacies to stock and dispense sample medications for physicians in each of the respective clinics.  After again suspending the policy requiring two readings of all variance requests, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded that the previously granted variances be extended for an additional one year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Greater Staples Hospital Pharmacy by Ms. Pat Ryle, pharmacist-in-charge.  Ms. Ryle is requesting an extension of a previously granted variance relating to the maintenance of an emergency supply of medications, including narcotics, for hospice patients.  The Board did not act on this variance at this time, and directed Mr. Holmstrom to contact Ms. Ryle to obtain additional information prior to the Board’s next meeting.

            The next request for a variance was submitted on behalf of PharMerica by Mr. Joseph Miller, Consultant Pharmacist.  Mr. Miller is requesting the extension of previously granted variances that allow PharMerica to provide expanded emergency kits at the Maplewood Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Maplewood, and to the Lakeridge Health Center in Roseville.  The Board did not act on this variance at this time, and directed Mr. Holmstrom to obtain additional information from Mr. Miller prior to the Board’s next meeting.

            The next request for a variance, to receive its first reading, was submitted on behalf of Coborn’s Pharmacy in Foley, Minnesota, by Mr. Brent Thompson, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Thompson is requesting an extension of a previously granted variance that allowed Coborn’s Pharmacy to accept returns of medications that were dispensed to Benton County Jail inmates, packaged in the 7-day Opus airtight system, which Coborn’s uses for nursing home patients.  After suspending the policy calling for two readings of variances, Ms. Betty Johnson moved and Mr. Chuck Cooper seconded that the previously granted variance be extended for an additional one year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The Board next addressed seven variance requests it has received relating to expiration dates of unit of use and blister card packages.  All of these variances cite the recent change in standards by the USP relating to expiration dates.  After a brief discussion, the Board directed Mr. Holmstrom to send a letter to all pharmacies that are requesting expiration date variances, authorizing the request, as long as the proposed expiration date is in conformity with the USP standards.

            The next request for a variance, to receive its first reading, was submitted on behalf of Colonial Management Group and the Metro Treatment Centers of Minnesota.  This variance seeks authorization of Pharmacist Kathy Ivanov to be on record as pharmacist-in-charge at both the Dakota Treatment Center in Burnsville and the Metro Treatment Center in Maplewood.  After reviewing the limited nature of pharmacy services at these treatment centers, the Board waived its operating procedure of two readings and Ms. Carol Peterson moved and Ms. Betty Johnson seconded that the variance authorizing Kathy Ivanov to be pharmacist-in-charge at both treatment centers be approved for a two year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Fairview Northland-Princeton Pharmacy by Ms. Lisa Ganske, Regional Manager of Fairview Pharmacy Services.  Ms. Ganske is requesting a variance that would allow Fairview Northland-Princeton Pharmacy to stock and dispense sample medications for the physicians of the Fairview Northland Clinics, which are located within the Fairview Northland Hospital Complex.  After suspending its operating policy regarding two readings of variance requests, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that the requested variance be approved for a one year period of time.  The motion passed.

            The next request for a variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Fairview-University Clinic Pharmacy and Fairview-University Discharge Pharmacy by Ms. Lisa Ganske, Regional Manager of Fairview Pharmacy Services.  Ms. Ganske is requesting a variance that would allow these two pharmacies, which are located in the Fairview-University Hospital Complex, to store pharmacy records in an area outside of the licensed pharmacy areas, but is limited to pharmacy personnel only.  In keeping with its established policy of requiring two readings for variance requests, the Board took this request under consideration and will give it its second reading at the Board’s meeting of June 7.

            The next request for a variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of LTC Prescription Providers by Mr. Doug White, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. White is requesting a variance that would allow the return of medications in the Select Series II 7-day System from the Wesley Residence in Duluth in the same manner as medications packaged in this type of system are returned from nursing homes, also serviced by LTC Prescription Providers.  In keeping with its policy of requiring two readings of variance requests, the Board did not act on Mr. White’s request at this time, and directed Mr. Holmstrom to obtain additional information prior to the Board’s meeting of June 7.

            The final request for a variance, to be considered by the Board, was submitted on behalf of Setzer Pharmacy in Roseville, Minnesota, by Mr. Peter Haas, pharmacist-in-charge.  Mr. Haas is requesting a variance that would allow an LPN, employed at the pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, to receive new prescription orders from physician offices over the phone.  In keeping with its previously established policy of requiring two readings of all variance requests, the Board did not take action on Mr. Haas’s request at this time, and directed Mr. Holmstrom to obtain additional information prior to the Board’s June 7 meeting.

            Mr. Holmstrom next provided the Board with scores from candidates for licensure by reciprocity.  After a review of the performance of the candidates for licensure by reciprocity, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that, having passed the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, required of candidates for licensure by reciprocity, the following candidates be granted such licensure based on their current license to practice in the state listed with their name:

CERTIFICATE #                   NAME                         STATE OF ORIGINAL LICENSURE

7521                            MICHELLE L. GERTEN                                 OH

7525                            KRISTA K. HAEGELE                               IA

7422                            MELISSA K. KADLEC                                ND

7523                            PATRICIA A. KRAMER                                ND

7524                            DAVID M. OSTERBERG                          IN

The motion passed.

            Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a list of continuing education programs submitted to and reviewed by the Continuing Education Advisory Task Force between the dates of February 8, 2000 and March 21, 2000, and between March 21, 2000 and April 11, 2000.  After reviewing the list of programs, submitted to and reviewed by the Continuing Education Advisory Task Force, Mr. Chuck Cooper moved and Mr. Vern Kassekert seconded that those programs recommended for approval be so approved, and that those programs for which denial of approval was recommended be denied.  The motion passed.

            Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a list of pharmacists who are delinquent in renewal of their license to practice pharmacy for the years 1998 and 1999, and who are now candidates to be permanently dropped from the rolls of licensees in Minnesota, effective March 1, 2000.  Mr. Chuck Cooper then moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the pharmacists listed be permanently dropped from the Board of Pharmacy roll of licensees.  The motion passed.

            President Gibson now began a discussion of appointments to the Board’s standing committees.  The following appointments were made for the Year 2000:

A)                Committee on Professional Standards (Carl Benson & Carol Peterson, with Jean Lemberg as alternate)

B)                Continuing Education Advisory Task Force (Vern Kassekert & Stu Vandenberg)

C)                Internship (Don Gibson & Chuck Cooper)

D)                Examination (all pharmacist members)

E)                 Rules and Legislation (Carl Benson, Chuck Cooper, Vern Kassekert, Betty Johnson, & Jean Lemberg)

F)                 Health Professional Services Program (Henry Capiz, with Don Gibson as alternate)

G)                Board President’s Council (Don Gibson)

Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a summary of the Board’s current financial statement and status of expenditures versus revenues for the Fiscal Year 2000.

Ms. Jean Lemberg next presented, to the Board, information on the problems associated with indiscriminate taking of herbal remedies and the potential for herb-drug interactions.  Ms. Lemberg urged the Board to explore ways in which the Board can encourage pharmacists to take a more active role in monitoring the use of herbal remedies by patients.

Mr. Holmstrom next provided the Board with a letter, received from Pharmacist Dick Bleck, Director of Pharmacy at Park Nicollet Clinic Pharmacy in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  Mr. Bleck is seeking guidance as to whether the Board would accept on-line pharmacy references in lieu of bound versions of the references required by Minn. Rule 6800.1050.  After a brief discussion, Mr. Vern Kassekert moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that Mr. Bleck’s proposal for the use of on-line references at Park Nicollet Pharmacy be approved.  The motion passed.

Mr. Holmstrom next presented a letter from Mr. Mohamed N. El-Basuony requesting internship credit for his work as a pharmacy technician at PharMerica.  Mr. El-Basuony is a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate who recently completed the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Exam and is now qualified to register as a pharmacist intern.  Mr. El-Basuony is requesting internship credit for his previous work as a pharmacy technician.  After discussing the pro’s and con’s of this issue, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the Board deny Mr. El-Basuony’s request, and require that he obtain the 1,500 hours of practical experience as a pharmacist intern after he qualifies for and becomes registered as a pharmacist-intern.  The motion to deny passed.

Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a letter from Ms. Joselyn Raymundo.  Ms. Raymundo is a licensed pharmacist in California and Washington, having become licensed in California in July of 1998, and in Washington in November of 1999.  Ms. Raymundo is aware of the Board’s requirement of one year of pharmacy practice and one year of licensure in a state participating in the license transfer system, mediated by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.  While Ms. Raymundo has in excess of one year of experience as a pharmacist, she only became licensed in Washington in November of 1999 and, thus, has not been licensed in a state participating in reciprocity for one year.  Nevertheless, Ms. Raymundo is requesting that the Board authorize her to sit for the Reciprocity Examination.  After thoroughly discussing this issue, Mr. Vern Kassekert moved and Ms. Betty Johnson seconded that the Board authorize Ms. Raymundo to sit for the Reciprocity Examination.  The motion passed.

Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a letter from Ms. Tania Poyzer.  Ms. Poyzer graduated from North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy in May of 1999, and became licensed as a pharmacist in Wisconsin on July 3, 1999.  Ms. Poyzer is also requesting an opportunity to take the Reciprocity Examination in Minnesota prior to being licensed for one year and having worked in the profession for one year.

After observing that Ms. Poyzer is very close to being licensed and working in the profession for one year, as is required for reciprocity, Ms. Betty Johnson moved and Mr. Carl Benson seconded that the Board authorize Ms. Poyzer to participate in the Reciprocity Examination.  The motion passed.

Mr. Holmstrom next presented, to the Board, a letter he received from Total Pharmacy Supply, Inc., requesting Board of Pharmacy authorization to market Ohaus® Adventurer® model AV-310 or AV-150 electronic balances to Minnesota Pharmacies.  These electronic balances would be used in place of the torsion balance, commonly found in pharmacies.

After reviewing the standards and statistics applicable to these electronic balances, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Ms. Carol Peterson seconded that the Board authorize the use of these electronic balances as a replacement for the traditional torsion balance.  The motion passed.

Mr. Holmstrom next provided the Board with an update on the status of the Board’s proposed rule changes and various pieces of legislation that impact the Board of Pharmacy.  No official action of the Board was required.

Mr. Holmstrom next provided the Board with information on the Letter of Agreement between the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Foundation and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy regarding the continuation of the Board’s quarterly newsletter.  After noting the many benefits derived from being able to notify all licensees of important issues through the quarterly newsletter, Mr. Carl Benson moved and Ms. Jean Lemberg seconded that Mr. Holmstrom sign the Letter of Agreement on the Board’s behalf, in order to continue to deliver the Board’s quarterly newsletter.

            There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. 

_______________________________

PRESIDENT  

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR