If a pharmacist is not physically present in the prescription department (helping a patient, taking a break, etc.), does the prescription department have to be locked and alarmed?
No one can be present in the prescription department of a pharmacy, and that prescription department must be locked and alarmed, unless a pharmacist is on duty. The term “on duty” as defined in 18 VAC 110-20-10 means that a pharmacist is on the premises at the address of the permitted pharmacy and is available as needed. Further, 18 VAC 110-20-190 (C) provides the pharmacist on duty the discretion to at all times authorize persons to be present in the prescription department or to disallow any person to be in the prescription department.
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