Every state has a law covering in-office dispensing, and the provisions of this law vary per state. Certifications for dispensing medication will also be dependent on the state.
Some states have more lenient requirements, but it is generally a must for clinics to complete specific requirements and earn a certification before they can add in-office medication dispensing to their list of services.
Some of the necessary steps that have to be complied with are to ensure that your in-office dispensing facility provides proper labeling of medications, logging of prescriptions dispensed, and inventory tracking.
Fortunately, First Coast Health Solutions provides customizable in-office medication dispensing software, meets pre-packing requirements, and includes inventory management to make compliance easier. If you want to dispense medications in your clinic, it would be best to invest in software that does the job for you.
Get a State License and DEA Number
As a physician, you will already have a state license to practice. You will also need to secure a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number that will allow you to write and hand out prescriptions, especially of regulated medications.
To apply, you will fill out form 224 online to get approval from the DEA to dispense controlled substances. This requirement must be renewed every year, so it’s best to keep documents and records of your patients and their prescriptions in order.
Complete State Regulation Requirements
To receive state approval to dispense medications in your practice, states that allow physician dispensing commonly require the following:
- Approval from the DEA, especially for scheduled drugs
- The credentials of the physician and all of the practitioners who will be dispensing in-office medications
- The physician’s state license
In some states, a Pharmacy Board certification might also be needed. As with all state regulations, this will also vary depending on where your practice is situated.
You might be asked to submit documentation of your patients and their medications, such as the quantity prescribed and the dates these were prescribed or refilled. You may also have to declare your practice’s financial status, as well as provide details about your staff’s training and eligibility.
Dispensing medications at the point of care has many benefits, not only for your medical practice but also for patients under your care. If you would like more information about in-office dispensing, we are more than happy to help.
Learn more about First Coast Health Solutions medication dispensing software
First Coast Health Solutions is a turnkey solution provider of an intuitive, web-based medication dispensing software and the highest quality, FDA-approved pre-packaged drugs.
When you choose First Coast Health solutions as your vendor for in-office medication dispensing, we will help you create a new and simple revenue source. We will ensure that you establish an environment that is fully compliant and delivers complete quality patient care.
Contact us today at 904-350-1155 or visit our website to find out more about our pharmacy claims processing model, pre-packaged medications, physician dispensing programs, and medication dispensing software. We will be happy to assist you!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
