Has it been a few years since you've changed your pharmacy's layout? If so, it's probably time to do so. When you change the layout, you can give your store a whole new look very inexpensively; changing the layout and implementing new displays can improve profits, too, because it can make your merchandise more visible and customers more likely to buy.
One really important reason to redesign your pharmacy layout
There are a host of compelling reasons you may want to redesign your pharmacy shelving and other components so as to give your customers a better shopping experience, but there's one reason you may have to.
You must redesign your pharmacy layout if necessary so that it is compliant with new HIPAA regulations that took effect on September 23, 2013. If you don't, you could be breaking the law and be subject to significant fines.
How the new HIPAA regulations potentially affect your pharmacy's layout
- Security breaches
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) no longer requires you to provide notice of a security breach only if it poses a significant risk to the individual(s) affected. Instead, ANY disclosure of protected health information (PHI) will be a reportable breach if not permitted by the privacy rule. Business associates and subcontractors will need to sign agreements that comply with the HIPAA security rule in full.
- Privacy requirements
Individuals can restrict PHI disclosures and have full access to their own files. Health information needed for patient care and for other allowable reasons can still be accessed.
- Physical safeguards
Your pharmacy layout should control and restrict who has access to electronic media or hardware on which patients' health information is stored. This may be done by centralizing workstations so as to protect the information from unauthorized physical access, theft, and tampering. Implement policies that specify when workstations may be used, and when all forms of electronic media, hardware, and other PHI-accessing components can be eliminated, reused, or moved.
Of specific note to changing your pharmacy's layout is that if you choose to recycle or reuse equipment, or if you move it to another facility, it should be the subject of an audit trail so that PHI is not unwittingly accessed by unauthorized personnel.
Redesigning your pharmacy layout with security and privacy in mind
If at all possible, keep all workstations, including laptops and other portable electronic equipment, in secure controlled areas only. Further restrict unauthorized access by requiring the appropriate authentication measures with every login in order to access PHI.
Don't forget your customers
The new HIPAA regulations can be daunting, but when you redesign your layout, don't forget your customers. Your new pharmacy layout should:
- Gently direct traffic flow
Most who enter your store will first look left and then walk right. Construct a "footpath" wide enough for customers to pass each other simply by positioning pharmacy shelving units and other fixtures appropriately; the footpath should move counterclockwise through your store, allowing customers easy access to departments with no crowding or congestion as they move through the store.
- Freshen your look
Products and displays can become "invisible" to your customers when your layout is never changed. Freshen your look – and get your customers to notice your products and displays again – by changing the layout and updating fixtures and pharmacy shelving.
- Change flooring and decor
Today's independent pharmacy doesn't need to look "institutional." Instead, make your store more inviting by forgoing white tile and wall colors. Embrace floor coverings like wood or carpet. Exchange white walls for soft pastels, and swap harsh fluorescent lighting for softer lighting overall.
