Pharmacy Operations, Records, and Inventory
PIC and facility duties
Every Nebraska pharmacy must have a pharmacist-in-charge responsible for compliance, security, and records. The pharmacy permit, pharmacist licenses, and technician registrations must be current and available as required. The PIC must ensure policies cover dispensing, compounding, storage, and returns.
Records and inventory
Prescription records, purchase records, and controlled substance records are generally retained for at least two years and must be readily retrievable. Controlled substance inventories are taken biennially and on changes of registrant, with exact counts for CII and estimated counts for CIII–V where permitted. Records must show receipt, disposal, and transfer.
Security and operations
Controlled substances must be stored securely and access limited. Temperature-sensitive drugs require monitoring; expired or recalled stock must be segregated. HIPAA privacy and security rules apply to patient information.
Worked example
During a biennial inventory, the pharmacist counts 980 oxycodone tablets but the records show 1,000. The pharmacist documents the discrepancy, reviews invoices and dispensing records, and reports a significant loss as required. The inventory record is signed and dated. Simply adjusting the count without investigation is a violation.
Traps
Do not treat inventory as an annual task; it is biennial and event-driven. Do not store CIIs in an unlocked area. Do not discard recalled stock without documentation.