18VAC110-20-200: Storage of drugs, devices, and controlled paraphernalia; expired drugs

A. Prescriptions awaiting delivery. Prescriptions prepared for delivery to the patient may be placed in a secured area outside of the prescription department, not accessible to the public, where access to the prescriptions is restricted to individuals designated by the pharmacist. With the permission of the pharmacist, the prepared prescriptions may be transferred to the patient at a time when the pharmacist is not on duty. If a prescription is delivered at a time when the pharmacist is not on duty, written procedures shall be established and followed by the pharmacy that detail security of the dispensed prescriptions and a method of compliance with counseling requirements of § 54.1-3319 of the Code of Virginia. Additionally, a log shall be made and maintained of all prescriptions delivered to a patient when a pharmacist is not present to include the patient's name, prescription number, date of delivery, and signature of the person receiving the prescription. Such log shall be maintained for a period of one year. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, prescriptions prepared for delivery to the patient may also be secured in an area outside of the prescription department in a remote dispensing system as defined in § 54.1-3401 of the Code of Virginia and pursuant to subsection A of 18VAC110-20-490.

B. Dispersion of Schedule II drugs. Schedule II drugs shall either be dispersed with other schedules of drugs or shall be maintained within a securely locked cabinet, drawer, or safe or maintained in a manner that combines the two methods for storage. The cabinet, drawer, or safe may remain unlocked during hours that the prescription department is open and a pharmacist is on duty.

C. Safeguards for controlled paraphernalia and Schedule VI medical devices. Controlled paraphernalia and Schedule VI medical devices shall not be placed in an area completely removed from the prescription department whereby patrons will have free access to such items or where the pharmacist cannot exercise reasonable supervision and control.

D. Expired, or otherwise adulterated or misbranded drugs; security. Any drug that has exceeded the expiration date or is otherwise adulterated or misbranded shall not be dispensed or sold; it shall be separated from the stock used for dispensing. Expired prescription drugs shall be maintained in a designated area within the prescription department until proper disposal.