Rule 4729:5-18-07 | Security requirements for a remote dispensing pharmacy.
(A) There shall be a fully functioning surveillance system in the remote dispensing pharmacy that is operational at all times.
(1) No operations of the remote dispensing pharmacy shall commence if the surveillance system is not functional.
(2) The video produced by the surveillance system must be stored for sixty days in a readily retrievable manner.
(3) The surveillance system shall be capable of providing not less than four simultaneous camera views of the pharmacy operation at the remote dispensing pharmacy.
(B) The surveillance system must allow the supervising pharmacist to determine who has accessed the pharmacy. A supervising pharmacist shall complete a training program on proper use of the surveillance system and documentation of this completion must be maintained at, or accessible by, the remote dispensing pharmacy and be produced for review immediately upon request of agent, officer, or inspector of the board.
(C) The supervising pharmacist shall supervise the remote dispensing pharmacy via the pharmacy surveillance system to deter and detect theft or diversion.
(D) The supervising pharmacist shall ensure that all dangerous drugs, drug devices, controlled substances, and hypodermics that are delivered onto the premises of the remote dispensing pharmacy are immediately placed and secured in the pharmacy.
(E) Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns who meet the qualifications of rule 4729:5- 18-05 of the Administrative Code and are employed by the remote dispensing pharmacy may only access the pharmacy if the supervising pharmacist is providing supervision via the pharmacy's surveillance system.
(F) An unlicensed person is permitted to enter the remote dispensing pharmacy if all the following apply:
(1) The person is performing maintenance or repair of the pharmacy;
(2) The supervising pharmacist provides supervision of the unlicensed person via the pharmacy's surveillance system; and
(3) There are two certified pharmacy technicians or pharmacy interns present in the pharmacy to provide on-site supervision of the unlicensed person.
(G) All schedule II controlled substance dangerous drugs shall be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or safe and shall not be dispersed throughout the stock of dangerous drugs maintained by the pharmacy. The cabinet or safe shall remain locked and secured when not in use. Schedule III through V controlled substance dangerous drugs may be stored with Schedule II controlled substance dangerous drugs.
(H) A remote dispensing pharmacy shall be secured by both:
(1) A physical barrier (i.e., barricade) with suitable locks approved by the board. Except for extraordinary circumstances beyond the pharmacy's control, a pharmacy shall notify the board, in a manner determined by the board, of any installation or modification to a physical barrier prior to implementation.
(2) An alarm system approved by the board that is monitored by a central station for control and can detect unauthorized access to the pharmacy. The alarm system shall be tested on a biannual basis. The pharmacy or the entity that manages security for the pharmacy shall maintain testing records for three years from the date of testing and shall make such records readily retrievable. The pharmacy shall be responsible for obtaining testing records if such records are maintained by a third-party. Except for extraordinary circumstances beyond the pharmacy's control, a pharmacy shall notify the board, in a manner determined by the board, of any installation or modification to an alarm system prior to implementation.
(I) The remote dispensing pharmacy shall contain all dangerous drugs, hypodermics, and D.E.A. controlled substance order forms and every other item or product that requires the supervision or sale by a pharmacist.
(J) Only the supervising pharmacist, certified pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns employed by the remote dispensing pharmacy may have access to keys or other methods of gaining access to the pharmacy.
(K) All keys, combinations, or access codes, including alarm codes, shall be changed upon termination of employment of an employee having knowledge of the combination or access code.
(L) No prescription, dangerous drug, hypodermic, nor any other item or product that requires the supervision or sale by a pharmacist may be sold, given away, or disposed of at any time the pharmacy is closed or the surveillance system is inoperable.
(M) New or refill prescriptions may be deposited into a secure area within the building where the pharmacy is located when the pharmacy is closed.
(N) If a remote dispensing pharmacy provides services by means of a drive-through facility, the drive-through facility shall be constructed and maintained in a manner, and with materials, that secures the premises of the pharmacy from unauthorized access.
Last updated April 7, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Supplemental Information