Must every pharmacy have a Pharmacist In Charge (PIC)?

Every pharmacy is required to have a Pharmacist In Charge (PIC) as part of the regulatory framework guiding pharmacy practice. The role of the PIC is to ensure that all aspects of pharmacy operations comply with local, state, and federal laws, as well as to maintain proper standards of pharmaceutical care. The appointment of a PIC is essential for accountability, oversight, and quality assurance within the pharmacy setting.

Having a PIC also helps establish a point of responsibility for compliance with both pharmacy laws and medication management practices. This necessity applies universally across all types of pharmacies, whether they are retail, hospital, long-term care, or compounding pharmacies, rather than being limited to those that dispense controlled substances or those operating in specific sectors. Therefore, the requirement for a PIC serves to promote safe and effective pharmacy services for the public.