Whether you're starting from scratch or completely redesigning your existing pharmacy, these potential pitfalls can be avoided with some careful planning:
Potential pitfall: Pharmacy design does not address new HIPAA regulations
How to avoid it:
Your new pharmacy design must meet specific HIPAA requirements as follows:
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Security breach thresholds
New regulations as of September 23, 2013 state that you must now report ANY breach of protected health information (PHI) unless it's permitted by the privacy rule. Subcontractors and business associates must comply with the HIPAA Security rule as well; they must sign agreements to this effect and those agreements must be updated regularly.
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Physical safeguarding of PHI
Restrict and control access to electronic hardware or media that stores PHI. Centralize workstations so that PHI is protected from unauthorized access, tampering and theft. Implement policies that state when workstations can be used, and when any PHI storage device, electronic media, hardware, or other methods of access can be moved, reused, or eliminated. Keep PHI storage devices behind the pharmacy counter or in secure pharmacy shelving fixtures to further restrict access.
You must also provide an audit trail feature for equipment that is reused, recycled, or moved to another facility. This will further help ensure that patients' PHI is protected.
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Privacy requirements for PHI
Individual patients can restrict who has access to their PHI, and must have full access to their own PHI. Privacy requirements still allow health professionals to access files for the purposes of patient care or other valid reasons.
Design your pharmacy with security and privacy as your first priority
All workstations, including portable electronic equipment such as laptops, should be in areas that are secured and controlled. Appropriate authentication measures should be used with every login to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing PHI.
Potential pitfall: Unprofessional contractor
How you can avoid it:
Check references, professional certifications, and work history carefully
Because a new pharmacy design requires far more than just reconfiguring pharmacy shelving into a new layout, your contractor must have the expertise necessary to do the job properly. Check to see that the contractor has the necessary certifications and (ideally) experience in pharmacy construction; check references to make sure they're valid and that previous clients are truly satisfied. An experienced contractor can also assist you with building permits and will have full knowledge of local laws pertaining to pharmacy construction and redesign.
Potential pitfall: Failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Any new construction must be fully compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Existing structures must perform "readily achievable" changes that remove current barriers. Failure to meet requirements can result in $55,000 fine for the first offense and $110,000 for each offense thereafter.
How to avoid it:
Meet the following ADA requirements to make sure you're in full compliance:
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Provide disabled parking
The number of spaces provided will depend on your location.
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Provide at least one ramped, accessible entrance
Preferably your main entrance, clearly marked, with doorways 32 inches wide at minimum.
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Accessible bathrooms
Raised toilets, handrails, and lowered sinks and mirrors should be made available in at least one bathroom for each gender.
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Lower service counters
Provide lowered counter surfaces in the pharmacy area and in checkout lanes as applicable, no more than 36 inches above the floor for wheelchair access. Lanes should be at least 36 inches wide.
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Easy to reach merchandise
Pharmacy shelving and displays should place merchandise as low as possible so that disabled customers can reach it easily.
Careful planning ahead of time will ensure that you meet these requirements and that the aforementioned "pitfalls" are nonexistent.
