Guidelines for Subdivided Pharmacies
Sep 1999 Council Report
Nov/Dec 1999 Pharmacy Connection

Council approved an Accreditation Committee recommendation setting out guidelines for the operation of a subdivided pharmacy. The Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA) requires pharmacies to be constructed so that the area of the pharmacy where drugs are kept remains inaccessible to the public and must be locked while the pharmacist is not on the premises. These guidelines have particular relevance to pharmacies that occupy part of a larger premises and consist of the following:

Guidelines for Barriers

1. The barrier must be at least 2.5 metres high and wide enough to render the area inaccessible.
2. If the barrier does not extend down to the floor, it cannot be more than 15 centimetres from the floor.
3. If there is an opportunity to reach over the top, under the bottom, or through the barriers, all products must be at least 1 metre from the barrier.
   Prescription and nonprescription scheduled drugs may only be distributed while a pharmacy is in operation. Pharmacies will be expected to comply with these new guidelines within six months of this publication in Pharmacy Connection.