FAQ

Can controlled substance prescriptions be electronically transmitted (e-prescribed)?

The Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act and Georgia State Board of Pharmacy rules allow for the electronic prescribing of non-controlled substance prescription medications and controlled substance schedules III-V. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) currently does not allow for electronic prescribing of any controlled substance medications. Georgia anticipates the DEA will address electronic prescribing in the near future, but no specific timeframe has been identified.

My pharmacist license has lapsed. How do I renew it?

Please see the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Board Policies. Click Here

What prescribing authority do Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners have?

Click here for a list of some of the laws, rules, and regulations for PAs and NPs Authority (.pdf)

What is Georgia law regarding counseling?

Currently pharmacists are required to offer counseling on all new prescriptions. Pharmacists are required to use professional judgment regarding the offer to counsel on all refilled prescriptions. When using professional judgment regarding refilled prescriptions, pharmacists should consider any changes made to the original prescription or to the previously dispensed medication. These changes include but are not limited to color, shape, and size. The dispensing pharmacist is responsible for each dispensed prescription regardless if the patient was provided the offer of counseling.

What are the laws and rules regarding pharmacy technicians in Georgia?

Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act O.C.G.A. 26-4-82 addresses pharmacy technicians to include pharmacist/technician ratios and responsibilities.
Currently pharmacy technicians are not required to be registered, certified, or licensed.
Pharmacy technicians may not perform duties or functions which require professional judgment by the pharmacist including but limited to: accepting initial telephoned prescription orders; providing information in any manner relative to prescriptions or prescription drugs; and counseling patients.
Pharmacy Technicians may assist the pharmacist at a ratio of three pharmacy technicians to one pharmacist so long as the pharmacy technician is certified. If the pharmacy technician is not certified the ratio will be two technicians to one pharmacist.
The only board recognized pharmacy technician certification is a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Can a practitioner issue a prescription with a stamped signature?

Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act O.C.G.A 26-4-80(i) states “A physically applied signature stamp is not acceptable in lieu of an original signature.”

How long is a prescription valid in Georgia?

Currently Georgia law does not address an expiration date for non-controlled substance Schedule II prescriptions written by physicians.
Prescriptions written for Schedule III, IV, and V are valid for 6 months from the date written.
The Georgia Medical Practice Act O.C.G.A 43-34-26.3(k) addresses expiration dates for prescriptions written by advance practice registered nurses.

Is there a limit on the day supply a practitioner may write for controlled substances?

Currently Federal and Georgia laws do not address a maximum day supply for controlled substance or dangerous drug prescriptions. Pharmacists are encouraged to use professional judgment when filling each prescription.
DEA Office of Diversion Control addresses physicians issuing multiple prescriptions for C-II medications.
Click Here for DEA Diversion Policy and Regulations

How long is a prescription or its refills valid if the patient-practitioner relationship is terminated (i.e. the practitioner is deceased but the original prescription or refills were issued prior to his/her death)?

Pharmacy Practice Act O.C.G.A 26-4-80(h) states “When the patient no longer seeks personal consultation or treatment from the practitioner, the practitioner and patient relationship is terminated. A prescription becomes invalid after the practitioner and patient relationship is terminated which is defined as a reasonable period of time not to exceed six months in which the patient could have established a new practitioner and patient relationship as established by the board through the promulgation of rules and regulations.”

What is the status of my complaint?

GDNA Special Agents are not able to discuss current or completed investigations. If you have filed a complaint with GDNA or the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy, please do not contact your GDNA Agent for an update of the investigation. All public license sanctions are posted with the corresponding license number at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/.

How can I file a complaint regarding a pharmacy?

Complaints may be submitted via phone, fax, or email.

For complaints regarding Pharmacies, Pharmacists, and Pharmacy Interns Click Here

How can I file a complaint regarding another type of health care registrant?

For Physicians, Physician's Assistants (including anesthesiologist's assistants), Physician Residents in Training, Perfusionists, Respiratory Care Professionals, Acupuncturists, Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Auricular (ear) Detoxification Specialists. Click Here

For other health care professionals such as Dentists, Dental Hygenists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Chiropractors, Dieticians, Opticians, and Veterinarians Click Here

How do I dispose of my personal prescription medication?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recommendations for proper disposal of prescription medications. Click Here.

How can a pharmacy/wholesaler etc dispose of prescription medication?

The most appropriate method of prescription drug disposal is through a licensed Reverse Distributor. A facility may also utilize disposal methods as authorized by law in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency and recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Facilities wishing to dispose of controlled substances are required to adhere to the regulations set forth by the DEA.

What do I do in the event of a theft or loss of controlled substances from my pharmacy or other licensed facility?

Contact your local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Complete a DEA Form 106. A copy of this form should also be supplied to the Georgia Drugs & Narcotics Agency.

What do I do in the event of a suspected fraudulent prescription?

In the event of a suspected fraudulent prescription the pharmacist is encouraged to utilize due diligence and professional judgment. Georgia pharmacists are prohibited from filling any prescription known to be fraudulent (O.C.G.A 26-4-80(b)). Pharmacists are encouraged to contact the alleged prescriber for verification prior to filling a prescription in question. Pharmacists are encouraged to document all matters involving a suspected fraudulent prescription. Georgialaws and regulations do not prohibit pharmacists from refusing any prescription he/she can not verify to be valid and for a legitimate medical need.
If a prescription is determined to be fraudulent, the pharmacist is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Pharmacy staff may utilize the Fraudulent Prescription Documentation Form provided on this website to document and report fraudulent activity.
All pharmacy employees are encouraged to act in a safe and ethical manner when addressing a suspected fraudulent prescription. At no time should a pharmacist attempt to apprehend a suspected criminal.

Do Georgia laws or the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Rules require positive identification to fill a prescription?

Currently Georgia law and Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Rules do not require positive identification to fill a prescription. Georgia law also does not prohibit pharmacists from refusing prescriptions he/she cannot verify it to be valid and for a legitimate medical need. Pharmacists are expected to utilize professional judgment when filling each prescription.

Can a physician write or authorize controlled substance prescriptions for personal use or family members?

Georgia Medical Board Rule 360-3-.02(2) defines unprofessional conduct to include: "Writing prescriptions for controlled substances for personal use or, except for documented emergencies, for immediate family members. For purposes of this rule, "immediate family members" includes spouses, children, siblings, and parents."

Who may write or authorize a prescription for an animal?

According to The Georgia Veterinary Practice Act O.C.G.A 40-5-3, only a licensed veterinarian may write or authorize a prescription for an animal.