The process to become a licensed pharmacist takes much time and effort, and to own a pharmacy comes with more expectations and requirements. If you own a pharmacy, you may expect to have pharmacy compliance audits run from time to time. There are many factors in pharmacy audits that you need to know in order to meet guidelines to keep the pharmacy intact.

Definition of Pharmacy Audit

A pharmacy audit is a formal review of operations and processes to make sure that pharmacies are compliant with pharmacy regulations and other related agreements. The pharmacy audit process can come in many different types, including desktop, onsite, prepay claims review, and investigational pharmacy audits.

Studying to become a pharmacist will take several years, from taking extensive biology and chemistry classes in college to attending pharmacy school. Receiving one’s license to become a pharmacist proves to be very rewarding. In order to apply for a pharmacist license, one needs to know, in complete detail, how to apply and what is required in the application process.

Required Licensing Fees

To apply to become a licensed pharmacist, the applicant must pay $75 at the time of the application process. Also, the applicant must pay a fee to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation that covers the cost of determining his or her eligibility and providing of an application examination. If the applicant fails to appear at the time of the examination on the scheduled date, then he or she will forfeit the examination and the required fees.

Pharmacies undergo both random and routine audits to ensure they are meeting the needs and best interest of consumers. Safety, cost management, and compliance are all issues that are examined during these inspections. Pharmacy audits may also search for any evidence of drug diversion among staff members. Learn how to protect yourself and your pharmacy from consequences of a poorly completed audit with help from the following information.

Advance Preparation for Routine Audits

Routine audits typically occur around the same time each year. Because of this, pharmacists and personnel have time to prepare. It is highly suggested that pharmacies do this with an experienced attorney who can conduct a review of the contracts, policy manuals, agreements, and other documents. An attorney can also review the pharmacy’s day-to-day operations to search for any compliance issues that need to be addressed. Lastly, an attorney can ensure you understand the audit process so that you and your staff know what to expect.