Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Chapter

Department of Health Professions

Board of Pharmacy

Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy [18 VAC 110 ‑ 20]

Chapter Information

Description	Establishes qualifications for licensure for pharmacies and pharmacists, requirements for renewal of licensure, facilities standards, standards for practice of pharmacy.
State Authority	Chapters 33 and 34 of Title 54.1
Federal Authority	None entered
Text of Regulation	Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation	1) Achieve high ratings on Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for application process and renewal of licensure. 2) Reduce the number of deficiencies noted on facility inspections. 3) Review regulations for unnecessary barriers to new technology or reduction in pharmacist workloads which might improve error rates and consumer safety.
Meetings	There is 1 future meeting that specifically targets this chapter for discussion. See all meetings (70) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information

Name / Title:	Caroline Juran, RPh / Executive Director
Address:	9960 Mayland Drive Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23233-1463
Email Address:	caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone:	(804)367-4456 FAX: (804)527-4472 TDD: ()-

Action Title	Latest Stage	Status
Current Actions
Inclusion of other opioid antagonists in regulations referring to naloxone	Fast-Track	Not yet submitted to Attorney General for certification.
May 2025 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Not yet submitted to Attorney General for certification.
Conformity of Board scheduling to 2025 General Assembly legislation	Final	Not yet submitted to Attorney General for certification.
Pharmacy working conditions	Final	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Increase in fees	Final	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Exemption of automated dispensing devices stocked solely with emergency or stat-use medications from certain requirements of 18VAC110-20-555	Final	Final Adoption period is underway and will end on 05/21/2025.
Removal of chemicals and drugs currently listed in both regulation and the Code of Virginia	Fast-Track	Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (06/02/2025).
Crisis Stabilization Services and Use of Automated Drug Dispensing Systems and Remote Dispensing Systems	Proposed	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Allowances for emergency drugs by EMS agencies	Proposed	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
December 2024 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. Becomes effective on 05/21/2025.
September 2024 scheduling action to conform to federal scheduling changes December 2023 to September 2024	Final	Stage complete. Becomes effective on 05/21/2025.
Exclusion of private dwellings or residences from operating locations of controlled substance registrations (CSRs)	NOIRA	Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (06/02/2025).
Accessible prescription labels	Final	Stage complete. Becomes effective on 05/21/2025.
September 2024 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. Becomes effective on 05/21/2025.
Requirements for use of central fill pharmacy and remote database access	Emergency/NOIRA	Governor's office review in progress.
Allowance for centralized warehouser or wholesale distributor to verify Schedule VI drugs for automated dispensing devices in hospitals	Final	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Replacement of analytic lab regulation for pharmaceutical processors	Fast-Track	Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Amendment to clarify application of 18VAC110-20-735	Fast-Track	Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (06/16/2025).
Implementation of 2021 Periodic Review	NOIRA	Governor's office review in progress.
Prohibition against incentives to transfer prescriptions	Final	Governor's office review in progress.

Action Title	Latest Stage	Status
Past Actions
Conformity of Board scheduling to 2024 General Assembly legislation	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/23/2024.
June 2024 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/09/2024.
March 2024 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/09/2024.
December 2023 scheduling for conformity with federal action	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/28/2024.
December 2023 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/28/2024.
September 2023 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/31/2024.
Implementation of HB2364/SB894 of the 2023 General Assembly regarding Scheduled drugs	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/08/2023.
June 2023 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/27/2023.
March 2023 scheduling and de-scheduling of drugs and chemicals pursuant to federal scheduling actions July 7, 2022 - February 3, 2023	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/16/2023.
March 2023 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/27/2023.
Implementation of 2021 legislation for pharmacists initiating treatment	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/08/2023.
December 2022 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/12/2023.
September 2022 action conforming schedules to federal scheduling actions 2021 – July 6, 2022	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/01/2023.
September 2022 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/01/2023.
Implementation of HB193/SB759 regarding Scheduled drugs	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/23/2022.
Implementation of legislation for pharmacists initiating treatment	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/21/2022.
June 2022 scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/14/2022.
Implementation of 2020 legislation for registration of pharmacy technicians	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/21/2022.
Use of medication carousels and RFID technology	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/07/2022.
Scheduling chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/16/2022.
Scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/15/2021.
Scheduling of chemical in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/23/2021.
De-scheduling of drug to conform to DEA	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/17/2021.
Scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/03/2021.
Scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/25/2020.
Reporting of immunizations to VIIS	Emergency	Stage complete. Emergency regulation expired on 03/21/2022.
Handling fee	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/18/2021.
Scheduling for conformity to DEA scheduling	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/05/2020.
Placement of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/05/2020.
Brown bagging and white bagging	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/09/2021.
Increase in fees	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/14/2020.
Scheduling of chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/11/2019.
Periodic review result of Chapters 20 and 50; Promulgation of Chapters 15 and 21	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/11/2019.
Scheduling chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/26/2019.
Scheduling chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/03/2019.
Amending definition of "cold"	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/25/2019.
Requirement for applicants and licensees to have an e-profile ID number	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/26/2019.
Requirement for pharmacy to be operational within 90 days	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/22/2019.
Scheduling of drug in Schedule V	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/06/2019.
Placement of chemical in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/28/2018.
Controlled substances registration for naloxone and teleprescribing	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/23/2019.
Scheduling of drugs or chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/05/2018.
Placement of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/13/2018.
Chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/21/2018.
Response to petitions for rulemaking	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/31/2018.
Chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/13/2017.
Scheduling of chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/04/2017.
Partial fill of Schedule II drugs	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/07/2017.
Drug destruction in correctional facilities	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/07/2017.
Outsourcing facilities	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/28/2017.
Scheduling of chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/14/2017.
CE credit for volunteer practice	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/05/2017.
Scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/22/2017.
Schedling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/16/2016.
Registration of non-resident medical equipment suppliers	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/16/2016.
Addressing hours of continuous work by pharmacists	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/08/2017.
Scheduling of chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/07/2016.
Inclusion of diazepam rectal gel in emergency kits	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/11/2016.
Scheduling of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/15/2016.
Repackaging at PACE sites	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/21/2016.
Collection sites for disposal of unused drugs	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/24/2016.
Scheduling of chemicals	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/02/2015.
Placement of chemicals in Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/12/2015.
Correction of error	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/17/2015.
Placement of specified chemical compounds into Schedule I	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/11/2015.
Administrative fees for duplicate licenses and verification	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2015.
Drugs and emergency medical services agencies	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/16/2015.
Nonresident pharmacy renewal date and access by suspended pharmacists to prescription department	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/16/2015.
Continuous quality improvement programs	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/31/2014.
Maintaining floor stock of certain drugs onsite at correctional facilities	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/16/2015.
Less restrictive and burdensome record-keeping for on-hold prescriptions	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/12/2014.
Modifications to requirements for automated dispensing devices for less burdensome process	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/12/2014.
Administration of drugs by emergency medical services personnel	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/25/2013.
Regulatory reform changes	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/26/2013.
Change to run-dry requirement for automated counting devices	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/02/2013.
Repackaging in CSB's and BHA's	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/15/2012.
Elimination of alarm system for certain EMS agencies	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/22/2011.
Conformity to DEA rules	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/04/2010.
Correction of regulation cite and conformity to Code	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/04/2010.
Signing of automated dispensing devices in hospitals	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/17/2011.
Drug donation program	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/10/2010.
Standards of conduct	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/17/2010.
Changes in renewal dates for pharmacies and permitted facilities	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/23/2009.
Stat-drug boxes in long-term care facilities	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/07/2010.
Correction of regulation cite and conformity to Code	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/28/2009.
One-time reduction in renewal fees	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/28/2009.
Address of record/public address	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2009.
Periodic review	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/02/2009.
Registration of restricted volunteer licensees	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/06/2008.
Changes to nuclear pharmacy rules	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/11/2008.
Correction of Code cite	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/14/2008.
CH 0020 Conformity to compounding law	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/23/2008.
Correction of Code cite	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/30/2007.
Change in state agency name	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/29/2006.
One-time fee reduction	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/29/2006.
One-time fee reduction	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/29/2006.
Oversight of wholesale distributors	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/06/2006.
Returned check fee	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/03/2006.
Elimination of alarm for alternate delivery sites	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/10/2006.
Acceptance of TOEFL iBT	Fast-Track	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/23/2006.
Fee reduction	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/02/2005.
Limitation on refills of Schedule VI drugs	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/11/2006.
Offsite data entry and DUR for prescriptions	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/07/2005.
Delegation to an agency subordinate	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/04/2005.
Exclusion from inventory for state lab – Change in law	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2004.
Regulatory review	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/25/2004.
Repeal of Virginia Formulary	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/02/2003.
Changes in pharmacy practice; drugs to indigent patients	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/16/2003.
Voluntary practice by out-of-state pharmacists	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/02/2003.
Registration of pharmacy technicians	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/26/2003.
Increase in fees	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/04/2002.
Code cite	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/27/2002.
Pilot projects	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/27/2002.
Use of robot technology in hospital pharmacies	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/17/2001.
Conformity to changes in law	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/02/2000.
Pharmacy closings and controlled substance registration for mid-level providers	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/13/1999.
Automated dispensing devices	Final	Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/04/1999.

Action Title	Latest Stage	Status
Withdrawn Actions
Exclusion of private dwellings or residences from operating locations of controlled substance registrations	NOIRA	Stage withdrawn on 09/10/2024 prior to submission to DPB.
Deletion of scheduling of certain chemicals now scheduled in Schedule I in the Code	Final	Stage withdrawn on 11/18/2021 before Attorney General's office completed its review.
Delivery of dispensed prescriptions; labeling	Proposed	Stage withdrawn on 09/11/2020 after the comment period had ended.
Definition of electronic prescription	Final	Stage withdrawn on 10/31/2017 prior to submitting for AG review.
Compounding requiremenst	Final	Stage withdrawn on 11/30/2007 after submission to the Registrar.
Conformity to compounding law	Final	Stage withdrawn on 11/30/2007 prior to submission to DPB.
Increase in fees	NOIRA	Stage withdrawn on 04/14/2000 after the comment period had ended.

Last Activity	Status
Periodic Reviews
1/17/2022 Agency Completed	Amend
11/3/2015 Agency Completed	Amend
10/16/2012 Agency Completed	Amend
9/5/2007 Agency Completed	Amend
9/1/2001 Agency Completed	Amend