Does the Board of Pharmacy need to be notified when a pharmacy is closing?

Notifying the Board of Pharmacy when a pharmacy is closing is essential, particularly if there are plans to dispose of controlled substances. The reason behind this requirement is to ensure the safe and lawful handling of controlled substances, which are strictly regulated due to their potential for abuse and harm. When a pharmacy closes, any remaining controlled substances must be managed according to specific regulations, including proper disposal or transfer, to prevent diversion and maintain public safety.

This requirement balances operational needs with regulatory compliance, safeguarding against the risks associated with controlled substances not being appropriately accounted for during a closure. Although notifying the Board is also important in other scenarios, such as changes in location or ownership transfer, the specific concern with disposal of controlled substances underscores the necessity of informing the Board when closing a pharmacy, as it pertains to public health and safety regulations.