Action | Addressing hours of continuous work by pharmacists |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/29/2016 |
I do not think that limiting a pharmacist to a 12 hour day will fix the issue that they are not taking breaks. Pharmacies should be allowed to break/shut down for at least 30 minute a day and not be obligated to take waiters, or fill prescriptions during this time unless there was an emergency situation to arise. However, most emergencies would land the patient in the ER and not their local retail chain store. Pharmacists whether working 8,10,or 13 hours a day shouldn't be limited.The hours worked isn't the problem, it's pharamcist not being allowed in "real life" to take a 30 minute break although their cooporations, etc. tell them to. Many community pharmacists (unless completely caught up or are priviledged to work in a store with overlap) feel too burdened to actually take the time and this is the problem. The problem is the community pharmacy system and the catering to unnecessary customer complaints due to their "fast food" concept of pharmacy drive-thru and dispencing services. Pharmacists need the Board to back them up and legally profess that all pharmacies must halt production for at least 30 minutes each day if the work day is 12 hours or more to insure that a pharmacist can truly rest and restore in order to increase patient safety.