Drugs delivered to LTC facilities are dispensed by a pharmacy; not DEA-licensed; still maintained and administered as controlled substances.

• A. Dispensed by a pharmacy; not DEA-licensed; still maintained and administered as controlled substances
• B. Dispensed by LTC facility; DEA-licensed
• C. Not dispensed; only stored
• D. New drugs manufactured on-site; not controlled substances

Answer: (A)

In long-term care, controlled substances are dispensed through a licensed pharmacy, not by the facility itself. The facility typically does not hold its own DEA registration for dispensing. Even so, once these medications arrive at the facility, they remain controlled substances and must be kept under strict controls: secure storage (locked cabinet or safe), accurate inventory, and careful recordkeeping. Nurses administer the drugs under physician orders, and everything—prescriptions, dispensing records, administration, and disposal—stays auditable and in line with regulatory requirements. The pharmacy handles the DEA-related responsibilities and ensures proper dispensing and documentation, while the facility handles security and administration. This arrangement is why the statement that drugs are dispensed by a pharmacy, the facility isn’t DEA-licensed, yet the medications are still maintained and administered as controlled substances fits best.