What is required for the transfer of prescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV and V?

The transfer of prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules III, IV, and V must be conducted in accordance with specific regulations to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. In Massachusetts, the law allows the transfer of these prescriptions between pharmacies, provided that the transaction occurs between licensed individuals.

When the transfer of a controlled substance prescription is executed, it can legally be performed by various combinations of individuals, including licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy interns. This flexibility is necessary to accommodate various staffing configurations within pharmacies and acknowledges the roles that both pharmacists and interns play in the pharmacy environment.

The inclusion of both licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy interns as acceptable participants in the transfer process reflects a broader understanding of the training and responsibilities these individuals have. Licensed pharmacists are responsible for the final verification of the prescription transfer, while pharmacy interns, under the supervision of a pharmacist, are capable of performing many of the tasks related to this process.

This rationale confirms that having either two licensed pharmacists, two registered pharmacy interns, or a combination thereof (one pharmacist and one intern) satisfies the legal requirements for the transfer of prescriptions for controlled substances in the specified schedules. Therefore, the correct response encompasses all the options, allowing for a range of professional involvement based on the specific circumstances within a pharmacy.