Grocery Pharmacy Compliance Walk

Inspection template for a grocery pharmacy compliance walk covering controlled substance logs, refrigerator storage, patient counseling, and licensure checks.

Licensure, Posting, and Permits

• Pharmacy license is current and visibly posted
  Confirm the pharmacy license is unexpired, matches the location, and is posted in a public or readily accessible area as required by state board rules.
• Pharmacist-in-charge or responsible pharmacist designation is documented
  Verify the current pharmacist-in-charge or equivalent responsible pharmacist designation is on file and available for review.
• Controlled substance registration is current
  Confirm DEA registration or applicable controlled substance authority is current and matches the pharmacy location and authorized activity.
• Required notices and patient rights postings are present
  Check for required notices such as patient counseling availability, privacy notices, complaint information, and any state-mandated postings.
• Licensure documents are legible and not expired
  Review all posted or maintained licenses, permits, and certificates for legibility, expiration date, and consistency with the operating location.

Controlled Substance Logs and Security

• Controlled substance perpetual or inventory logs are complete and current
  Verify controlled substance logs are up to date, include required entries, and reconcile to on-hand inventory without unexplained variances.
• Receiving, dispensing, and adjustment entries are documented
  Check that receipts, dispensing transactions, returns, wastage, and inventory adjustments are recorded according to policy and applicable law.
• Controlled substance discrepancies are investigated and documented
  Confirm any count variance, missing record, or suspected diversion event has a documented investigation and escalation path.
• Access to controlled substances is restricted to authorized personnel
  Verify storage areas are secured and access is limited to authorized staff with functioning locks or equivalent controls.
• Controlled substance storage is organized and segregated
  Confirm controlled substances are stored in designated locations, separated by schedule or policy, and not commingled with unsecured stock.

Refrigerator and Temperature-Controlled Storage

• Refrigerator temperature is within acceptable range
  Measure the current refrigerator temperature and verify it remains within the acceptable medication storage range per policy and product labeling.
• Temperature logs are completed at required intervals
  Verify temperature logs are documented at the required frequency, signed or initialed as required, and reviewed for excursions.
• Temperature excursion response is documented
  Confirm any out-of-range event includes corrective action, product assessment, and disposition documentation.
• Refrigerator is clean, organized, and not overfilled
  Check that medications are stored off the floor, air circulation is not blocked, and expired or quarantined items are segregated.

Patient Counseling and Privacy

• Patient counseling area is available and reasonably private
  Confirm there is a designated area or process that supports confidential counseling without unnecessary disclosure of protected health information.
• Pharmacist is available for counseling during operating hours
  Verify a pharmacist is present or otherwise available as required to provide counseling and answer patient questions during pharmacy hours.
• Counseling offer process is documented
  Check that the pharmacy has a consistent process to offer counseling on new prescriptions and significant changes, and that staff understand the workflow.
• Privacy safeguards are in place at the counter
  Observe whether patient conversations are protected from public overhearing and whether screens, queue spacing, or other safeguards are used where needed.

Fire, Life Safety, and Workplace Safety

• Emergency exits and egress paths are clear
  Verify exit routes are unobstructed, doors open as required, and stored items do not reduce the required means of egress.
• Fire extinguisher is present, accessible, and within inspection date
  Confirm the extinguisher is mounted or readily accessible, has a current inspection tag, and is not blocked by merchandise or equipment.
• Electrical cords and outlets are in safe condition
  Check for damaged cords, daisy-chained power strips, exposed wiring, or overloaded outlets in the pharmacy work area.
• Housekeeping and spill hazards are controlled
  Verify floors are clean and dry, spills are addressed promptly, and trip hazards are removed from staff and patient pathways.
• PPE is available for routine pharmacy tasks
  Confirm appropriate PPE such as gloves or eye protection is available when handling hazardous materials or cleaning chemicals.