What is an option for a pharmacy or physician who never or rarely dispenses controlled substances?

Requesting permission from the board to be entirely exempt is a viable option for a pharmacy or physician who rarely dispenses controlled substances. This is relevant because certain pharmacy practices may operate primarily in areas that do not require the dispensing of controlled substances regularly. By seeking an exemption, the facility can avoid the regulatory burdens associated with controlled substances, such as specific record-keeping, monitoring, and compliance obligations that can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

The process to obtain such an exemption often involves demonstrating to the board that the practice truly does not engage in the dispensing of controlled substances in a way that necessitates compliance with the standard regulations. This allows the facility to maintain focus on other areas of practice without the complications that can arise from the management of controlled substances.

Options that involve stopping practice or altering operational hours do not address the regulatory needs succinctly and may disrupt care continuity unnecessarily. Additionally, notifying patients of non-dispensation does not provide a clear resolution for regulatory compliance and may not be sufficient in a legal context. Overall, seeking an exemption directly addresses the challenges of regulatory compliance for those pharmacies or physicians that do not typically engage in the dispensing of controlled substances.