Final answer:
In the event of a pharmacy closure, Schedule III, IV, or V drugs must be meticulously accounted for and legally transferred or returned to a supplier in compliance with DEA regulations. Proper documentation and secure transport are requisite, with all activities being thoroughly recorded.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a pharmacy closes, the handling of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs must be done in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Transfer of these controlled substances is a highly regulated process to ensure that they do not end up in the wrong hands and to prevent drug diversion. The pharmacy must keep thorough records of the transfer, including inventories and receipts, and notify the DEA of the closure and transfer of substances. The drugs could be transferred to another DEA-registered pharmacy or returned to the supplier or manufacturer, but they must always be accounted for to the smallest detail.
The specific steps involve physical inventory, proper documentation, and a secure transport process to the receiving pharmacy. A DEA Form 222 is required for the transfer of Schedule II drugs. For Schedules III-V, detailed documentation of the drugs' names, dosage forms, strengths, quantities, and transfer dates are necessary. All records must be kept for at least two years. In case of controlled substances being on-site during closure, the pharmacist-in-charge is responsible to arrange for secure storage until the proper transfer can be completed.