A nursing home without an in-house pharmacy is using an automated dispensing system for nursing home patients. The automated drug dispensing system in a nursing home is under the direct control of the pharmacy providing services to the nursing home. Does nursing home require a controlled substances registration from the DEA to operate automated dispensing device?
Please answer Yes or No...
Answer: Yes, required. [18VAC110-20-555].
Nursing homes may use automated drug dispensing systems upon meeting the following conditions:
1. Drugs placed in an automated drug dispensing system in a nursing home shall be under the control of the pharmacy providing services to the nursing home, the pharmacy shall have on-line communication with and control of the automated drug dispensing system, and access to any drug for a patient shall be controlled by the pharmacy.
2. A nursing home without an in-house pharmacy shall obtain a controlled substances registration prior to using an automated dispensing system.