Originally published in January/February 2016 issue of the OVMA Observer.

By Jack Advent, CAE
OVMA Executive Director

Under Ohio Pharmacy law, when a compounded drug is ordered for a patient, it is to be sent by the compound pharmacy directly to the client. There are, however, circumstances in which a veterinarian believes that the medication needs to be sent to the clinic for subsequent pick up by the client. Ohio pharmacy law does allow for an exemption to shipment directly to the client when circumstances warrant. Known as the “Prescription Pick-Up Station” rule (Ohio Administrative Code 4729-5-10), this provision allows for the medication to be sent to the prescriber providing the following:

• Where the medication being sent is licensed by the pharmacy board. (For veterinarians, this is a Terminal Distributor of Dangerous Drugs license.)
• The delivery of the medication directly to the client would result in either a danger to public health/safety or a danger to the patient without the additional involvement by the prescriber (i.e., proper demonstration/explanation of administration of the drug).

This rule was recently modified to allow for an expedited manner in which to file as a prescription pick-up station. A separate form needs to be filed for every compound pharmacy with which you utilize this option; this process can be completed online. A new form does not need to be filed for each instance and remains in effect until changed by the prescriber, compound pharmacy or pharmacy board.