TC 8-260 — Pharmacy Specialist
TC 8-260 governs technical pharmacy procedures and pharmacy specialist duties in pharmacy sections and operations environments.
- Publication number: TC 8-260
- Title: PHARMACY SPECIALIST
- Date: 04/07/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 8-260 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers pharmacy laws, pharmaceutical calculations, field operations, medication orders, emergency medication carts, hazardous drugs and waste, and supply functions. It requires pharmacy personnel to follow procedures for dispensing, storage, inventory, quality control, and medication documentation.
Applies to: This publication applies to the active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Pharmacy laws
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Medication dispensing
- Emergency medication carts and kits
- Hazardous drug management
- Medication storage and inventory
- Class VIII supply operations
Questions and answers
What roles can pharmacy specialists perform?
Some roles include, but are not limited to Ordering medications. Assisting license pharmacists with preparing medications for dispensing. Serving as the custodian of controlled substances. Assisting with patient triage. Fulfilling medic roles in austere environments. (paragraph 1-2)
What functions must pharmacies perform under OBRA 90?
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 requires pharmacies to perform the following functions: Maintain patient medication profiles. Offer medication counseling for all new prescriptions. Screen prescriptions for potential interactions, contraindications, duplication, and dosages. (paragraph 1-17)
What does HIPAA require healthcare entities to protect?
The HIPAA requires healthcare entities, including individuals who work for healthcare organizations, to follow rules that protect the privacy and security of sensitive patient health information. (paragraph 1-18)
What must facilities handling hazardous drugs develop?
Whether hazardous drug handling occurs within the continental United States (known as CONUS) or outside the continental United States (OCONUS), healthcare facilities handling hazardous drugs must identify a Hazardous Drug Officer, and develop standard operating procedures, assessments of risks, spill procedures, and training plans. (paragraph 3-9)
How often must pharmacies inventory medications?
A physical inventory will be performed on all medications in the pharmacy weekly. (paragraph 4-6)