What must be done if there is no pharmacist on staff after hours in the prescription area?

When there is no pharmacist on staff in the prescription area after hours, enclosing the area with a permanent barrier is essential to ensure that controlled substances and other prescription medications are secure and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the pharmacy's operations and complies with state regulations designed to prevent theft, loss, or misuse of medications. A permanent barrier serves to physically restrict access, safeguarding the pharmacy's assets and protecting patient safety.

While remote monitoring and allowing access to authorized personnel are important security measures, they do not provide the same level of protection as a physical barrier. Leaving the area unattended would not meet regulatory requirements and poses significant risks. Therefore, enclosing the area effectively secures it against potential breaches or unauthorized access when a pharmacist is not present.