Skip page top navigationFDA Logo--links to FDA home page Logo of and Link to start page of Office of Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Regulatory Affairs HHS Logo and link to Department of Health and Human Services website

FDA Home Page | Federal-State | Import Program | Compliance | Inspection | Science | ORA Search

Sec. 460.400 Computerized Prescription Recordkeeping by Pharmacies (CPG 7132b.09)

BACKGROUND:

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Task Force on Innovative Pharmacy Care has recommended the use of automated systems in pharmacies to keep readily retrievable and accurate records.

POLICY:

The Food and Drug Administration regards the use of a computerized prescription recordkeeping system as satisfying the statutory requirements for prescription drug recordkeeping as set forth under Section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, provided the system includes the following NABP recommended controls:

1. The pharmacist has control over all prescriptions, i.e. the pharmacist must be able to ascertain quantities, refills remaining, time of previous filling and other information pertinent to adequate control.

2. The pharmacist responsible for the initial fill of a prescription and any subsequent refills can be readily determined.

3. The data is readily retrievable. The system must be capable of producing a listing of transactions to meet FDA and DEA regulations.
4. All prescription transactions occurring while the automated system is inoperable must be entered into the system as soon as possible, after the system is repaired.

5. Data in computerized prescription storage systems can be and is recreated in case of need.

6. The system must provide for the confidentiality of patient information.

Issued: 10/1/80