Surgery Centers Shopping at Local Pharmacies: Q&A With Sheldon Sones of Sheldon S. Sones and Associates

Q: As a relatively small center, wouldn’t it be easier for us to buy drugs and supplies like alcohol swabs from a local pharmacy?
 
Sheldon Sones: The recent recall of alcohol swabs and lubricating jelly from Triad/McKesson reminds us that buying supplies outside a normal supply chain could keep us “out of the loop” when a recall is issued. Some states are very specific that routine purchasing of small supplies of drugs from a local pharmacy creates their status as a drug wholesaler. Not only do they have to be licensed as such, but they should assure your center that in the event of a recall, they, like a wholesaler, would promptly notify you. Unfortunately, this is probably not a reasonable expectation.

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By: Staff

 

Learn more about Sheldon S. Sones and Associates and www.sheldonsones.com.

 

Read more insight from Sheldon Sones:

 

– Tip: Two Small Investments to Save $100,000 in Drugs

 

– 6 Things to Do to Manage Controlled Drug Deviations

 

– 10 Things to Do to Minimize Controlled Drug Deviations

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