Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below is information on topics of interest to Lone Star Pharmacy customers and non-customers alike.

What is a long-term care pharmacy?

The uniqueness of long-term care pharmacy, such as Lone Star Pharmacy, follows logically from the uniqueness of the needs of residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities. In fact, the profession has shaped itself-its training, expertise, flexibility, and controlled dispensing systems-to meet the need of those residents. Since 1974 the federal government has also recognized the distinctive features of long-term care pharmacy. In the past decade, to protect the health and well-being of nursing home residents, it has passed laws (OBRA 1987, OBRA 1990) and promulgated rules (HCFA's 1990 nursing home regulations) that mandate drug therapy services for nursing home residents that are best delivered by long-term care pharmacies and pharmacists.

What is a unique controlled dispensing system?

Lone Star Pharmacy has developed and utilizes specialized dispensing systems uniquely suited to the needs of nursing home and assisted living residents. These systems allow the nursing staff to administer medications with ease and tracking of medication use to maintain accountability. Mobile medication carts help ensure that residents receive the proper medications at the proper times.

What happens if a long-term care resident needs a medication when the pharmacy is closed?

Lone Star Pharmacy is uniquely committed to providing products and services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Lone Star Pharmacy has developed special practices with protocols that gives the ability to provide medications to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in emergencies as well as with regular needs. This service is built on the knowledge that the frail residents of nursing homes may require care in acute settings if their drug therapy needs are not met immediately.