Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 480 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
Chapter 480-10 - RETAIL PHARMACY REGULATIONS
Rule 480-10-.16 - Security System Approval
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024
As set forth by O.C.G.A. 26-4-110, the Board may provide in its rules and regulations the manner in which the prescription department of a retail pharmacy may be secured. This requirement will be met in the following manner:
(1) Any retail pharmacy located in a general merchandising establishment which does not have a prescription department set aside and permanently enclosed with a partition from floor to ceiling as set forth in O.C.G.A. 26-4-110, must submit to the Board in writing a request to approve its particular security system accompanied by a detailed description of that security system. This request must be made prior to a pharmacy receiving its retail pharmacy permit;
(2) Each security system description shall be reviewed and either approved or disapproved by the Board.
(3) The Board shall notify the pharmacy submitting the security description in writing as to whether or not the Board approves or disapproves the system. In cases in which a system is not approved, the Board may submit suggestions or reasons as to why the system was not acceptable.
(4) Upon receiving a written approval of a security system, a pharmacy MUST maintain a copy of the Board's approval letter, along with a copy of the security system description, making both available in the pharmacy for inspection by the GDNA. This requirement can be met by posting the approval letter with the last GDNA inspection report.
(5) Any change in a security system must first be approved in writing by the Board and a copy of the approval maintained by the pharmacy.
(6) In the case of multiple retail pharmacies being operated by a parent corporation, the parent corporation may submit a request for a blanket approval of the same security system to be used by all pharmacies operated by that corporation. A copy of the written Board approval and the system description must be maintained at each pharmacy operated by the corporation. Thereafter, any new pharmacy operated by that corporation may utilize the same security system which was previously approved by the Board.
(7) Whenever a corporation or business entity operates multiple pharmacies, each of which has a secured prescription department, whether or not it is an electronically secured or permanently enclosed area, the pharmacist in charge (PIC) shall develop a method, approved by the Board, of allowing authorized access to that area. This method may consist of a Board approved lockbox containing a key, security access code, or other means by which security is maintained. Nothing in this rule is meant to prevent the PIC from having the authority to limit access to such area in regards to non-pharmacy related persons.
(8) All pharmacies licensed on or after January 1, 2006 that utilize a drive-through system for the delivery of drugs, or any currently licensed pharmacy that relocates or has construction or modification of the pharmacy or pharmacy department on or after January 1, 2006 that creates a drive-through or alters an existing drive-through system for delivery of drugs, must submit the construction and security plans for utilization of a pharmacy drive-through to the Board before such construction or modification, and any such drive-through must be approved by the Board and must meet the requirements set forth herein. For purposes of this rule, a pharmacy drive-through is a delivery method by which a patient, or their designated agent, hereafter referred to as "patient", leaves a prescription to be filled or receives a filled prescription drug at the licensed pharmacy location other than by physically being inside the pharmacy.
(9) All pharmacies licensed prior to January 1, 2006 that utilize drive-throughs that do not comply with subsection 8(a) through (d) shall be grandfathered in.
O.C.G.A. Secs. 26-4-27, 26-4-28, 26-4-87, 26-4-110.