Communications

(March 20, 2026) – At its February 2026 meeting, the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy adopted guidance regarding access to automated dispensing machines pending further amendments to administrative regulations. According to the Board of Pharmacy March 2026 Newsletter, a medical care facility pharmacy that manages an automated drug delivery system may allow an advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic to access the automated drug delivery system to retrieve drugs pursuant to K.A.R. 68-9-3 for administration to the patient. The advanced emergency medical technicians and paramedics shall be employed by the medical care facility that shares common ownership with the medical care facility pharmacy. K.A.R. 68-9-3(f) sets out the pharmacist-in-charge's responsibilities, which include controlling access to the automated drug delivery system and maintaining policies and procedures for training and authorization of personnel. For more information, see the Kansas Board of Pharmacy Guidance on Hospital-Employed AEMTs and Paramedics accessing Automated Drug Delivery Systems.
--Karen Braman