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Licensing and Regulations
Following the rules of the trade.
There are several licenses that you may need to have before you can open your pharmacy or assume ownership. The requirements of each state and city are different, so allow time to understand what is needed. If you are purchasing an existing pharmacy, determine which licenses can be transferred to your name and which will need to be issued directly to you.
Some of the licenses that you are likely to need include:
- State pharmacy license: Contact your state board of pharmacy to apply for your state pharmacy license.
- DEA number: Contact the Drug Enforcement Administration for a DEA number so that you are licensed to order and dispense prescription narcotics.
- NABP/NCPDP number: Contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to obtain a NABP/NCPDP number so that you may bill third-party payors.
- NPI number: Contact The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to apply for a NPI number for the pharmacy and, if applicable, for the pharmacists who will be providing patient care.
Before you open your doors, you may also need to pass a final state inspection. Work with your state’s Board of Pharmacy to schedule this inspection, if required. Visit the NCPA Ownership Academy to learn more.
You may need to ensure that all appropriate contracts, leases, and other legal agreements are in place and up-to-date in order to operate your pharmacy business.