Laying the Groundwork for Your New Pharmacy in the Northeast: Getting the Credentials Right
Establishing a new pharmacy is a substantial undertaking with several moving pieces. In the Northeast, spanning from Maine to Maryland, this task takes on additional layers of complexity due to the regional specificities. To ensure your venture's success, it's essential to navigate the credentialing process correctly. This post will take you through the crucial first steps of establishing your new pharmacy in the Northeast.
Step 1: Understanding Federal Pharmacy Requirements
Any pharmacy's successful operation starts with fulfilling federal regulations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the agency responsible for enforcing controlled substance laws and regulations. Any new pharmacy needs a DEA license. Complete DEA Form 224 (New Application for Retail Pharmacy, Hospital/Clinic, Practitioner, Teaching Institution, or Mid-Level Practitioner) to get started.
Step 2: Grasping State-Specific Pharmacy Laws
In the Northeast, the states have different specific pharmacy requirements. Familiarize yourself with the State Board of Pharmacy for your particular state, which will be your guiding authority.
For instance, in Boston, Massachusetts, new pharmacy applicants must submit the application form to the Board of Pharmacy, whereas in Concord, New Hampshire, applicants must apply through the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy.
The State Board of Pharmacy also determines the pharmacists’ license, pharmacy permit, and controlled substances registration.
Step 3: Incorporating Your Pharmacy
Incorporation refers to the legal process used to form a corporate entity. It is important because it legally separates you from your business's liabilities. Each state in the Northeast has specific incorporation laws, so be sure to investigate what applies to your locale.
For instance, if you are in Hartford, Connecticut, you'll need to visit the Connecticut Secretary of State's office. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it's the Pennsylvania Department of State where you'll need to file the necessary documents.
Step 4: Applying for a National Provider Identifier (NPI)
The NPI is a unique identification number for health care providers, including pharmacies. Apply through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES).
Every state in the Northeast, from Providence, Rhode Island to Albany, New York, requires this essential credentialing step. An NPI facilitates processing and tracking of prescriptions and pharmacy services for reimbursement purposes.
While the process of credentialing a new pharmacy can seem overwhelming, it's simply a matter of understanding and fulfilling the necessary requirements. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll delve deeper into additional state-specific requirements, and dive into further details on the process.
About Healthcare Consultants Pharmacy Staffing
If you are a pharmacy owner or manager, HCC Pharmacy Staffing can find you the best qualified talent (both pharmacists and technicians) available to meet your needs in almost every situation. With over three decades of experience in pharmacy staffing, HCC is known nationally for being able to match the right candidate to the right job, and for well over three decades now, HCC has been providing temporary staffing for pharmacies in all 50 states, as well as providing relief pharmacy staffing during emergency situations. We work with owners, HR departments, and pharmacy managers of every type and size of pharmacy business and operation, from the small independent retail community pharmacies to the large national pharmacy groups. We are therefore able to meet almost every individual pharmacy's specific needs when it comes to finding the right staffing talent, including specialty pharmacies. If you're interested in finding out how HCC can help your pharmacy business meet your specific staffing needs, then call us today at (800) 642-1652, or simply fill out our easy-to-use online form now, and an experienced, in-house HCC staffing expert will get back to you as soon as possible.
The same is true if you are a pharmacist or pharmacy technician who's interested in changing your current job position and exploring new professional opportunities and settings to practice in. With current job openings and exciting opportunities available throughout the US, HCC Pharmacy Staffing can help you to find the best possible jobs available to match your specific individual lifestyle needs and work requirements. Whatever market segment that a pharmacist or tech is looking to work in, we can help! If you are a pharmacist looking to switch jobs or relocate, we urge you to talk with us. With positions immediately available, contact us today online or call us at 800-642-1652 now to get started.