New Jersey pharmacy owners know that every New Jersey pharmacy must appoint a Pharmacist-In-Charge (“PIC”) and a pharmacy cannot operate without a PIC for longer than 30 days. Below we review some of the many responsibilities that go with the title.
The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy regulations require that a PIC be a full-time employee, i.e., employed for a minimum of 35 hours per week. A PIC has to be physically present in the pharmacy or pharmacy department for that amount of time necessary to supervise and ensure that:
- The pharmacy is staffed by sufficient, competent personnel in keeping with the size, scope, and complexity of the pharmaceutical services provided by the pharmacy.
- Accurate records of all prescription medication received and dispensed are maintained.
- Security of the prescription area and its contents are maintained at all times as per regulation.
- The prescription area is maintained in an orderly and sanitary manner.
- Written policies and procedures to ensure the proper storage and delivery of all prescription drugs and chemicals.
- No misbranded, deteriorated, adulterated, improperly stored or outdated drugs or any drugs marked “sample” or with any like designation or meaning are dispensed or present in the active stock in the pharmacy.
- Policies are in place regarding accurate dispensing and labeling of prescriptions and those policies are followed. The New Jersey pharmacy regulations require that certain policy and procedures be reviewed, at a minimum, once every 24 months, while others need to be reviewed on an annual basis. The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy recommends that the best practice is to review and update all policies and procedures annually.
- The pharmacy and all pharmacy personnel must provide pharmaceutical services in accordance with acceptable professional standards and comply with all federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy.
- The PIC is responsible for being up-to-date with rules and regulations governing pharmacy practice in the State of New Jersey.
Whenever a pharmacist assumes or terminates the duties as a PIC, both the outgoing and incoming pharmacist-in-charge and the pharmacy permit holder have to advise the Board in writing within 30 days by completing a form provided by the Board.
Additionally, regulations require that whenever there is a change of a PIC of a pharmacy, an inventory of all controlled dangerous substances needs to be performed by both the outgoing and incoming PIC.
If you have questions regarding PICs and their responsibilities, the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy regulations, pharmacy licensing or inspection questions, or have other health law related questions, please contact our office.