How may pharmacies store Schedule II, III, IV, and V medications?

• A. Must be stored in a central locked room
• B. Must be locked in a safe only
• C. Must be dispersed throughout the pharmacy
• D. Can disperse throughout the pharmacy per federal law or lock in safe

Answer: (D)

Storing Schedule II through V medications is all about secure access while allowing practical flexibility. Federal rules require these substances to be kept under lock and key, but you don’t have to keep them in one central locked room. You can disperse them throughout the pharmacy as long as each storage location remains securely locked and access is controlled. Alternatively, you can store them in a safe. This combination—either dispersed storage or locked in a safe—meets the security requirements and is why the best choice is that flexible approach.