Pharmacy License

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License to operate a pharmacy in Iowa or to provide pharmacy services to patients located in Iowa.

Code Citation 155A.13; 155A.13A

Who Applies A person wishing to establish a pharmacy business in Iowa must obtain a license to operate in the state of Iowa. A licensed pharmacy located outside the state of Iowa that wishes to provide pharmaceutical services to patients located within the state of Iowa must obtain a nonresident pharmacy license before providing those services to patients located in Iowa.

When To Apply If the pharmacy is located in Iowa, application for pharmacy license must be made and, if the pharmacy will be dispensing controlled substances, application for a Controlled Substance Act-Business (CSA-B) Registration must accompany the pharmacy license application. The pharmacy license and CSA-B registration must be issued before a pharmacy business begins. If the pharmacy is located outside Iowa, the pharmacy must be licensed and compliant with the laws and regulations of the home state prior to submitting applications for nonresident pharmacy licensure and CSA-B registration. An application for registration of the pharmacist in charge in Iowa must also be included if the pharmacist in charge is not currently and actively licensed to practice pharmacy in Iowa. The nonresident pharmacy may not provide services to patients located in Iowa prior to the issuance of a nonresident pharmacy license, the pharmacist in charge registration, and the Controlled Substances Act registration (if the pharmacy will be dispensing controlled substances to patients in Iowa).

Initial Requirements A pharmacy located in Iowa must obtain a pharmacy license and Controlled Substance Act registration and must pass inspection by an agent of the Board of Pharmacy before opening a pharmacy. A pharmacy located outside the state of Iowa must be licensed in good standing by the home state licensing authority and must obtain a nonresident pharmacy license and the pharmacist in charge must obtain a registration issued by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy prior to providing pharmaceutical services to a patient located in Iowa. If the nonresident pharmacy will be dispensing controlled substances to patients located in Iowa, the nonresident pharmacy must also obtain a Controlled Substances Act registration issued by the Board. A nonresident pharmacy applicant must submit an inspection report that is no more than 2 years old and that was completed by the home state licensing authority or other acceptable inspection authority.

Duration License expires December 31 of each year.

Processing Time Application processing may take four to six weeks. If inspection is required for a new pharmacy location in Iowa, final license processing may be delayed pending successful completion of the inspection.

Fee Structure Pharmacy License: $135; late payment and reactivation fees apply if not timely renewed. Controlled Substance Registration: $90; late payment and reactivation fees apply if not timely renewed. Nonresident pharmacist in charge registration: $75; late payment and reactivation fees apply if not timely renewed.

Renewal Requirements Renewal applications and fees required annually prior to current license or registration expiration.

Exam Does not pertain.

Additional Information Renewal applications may be submitted online. Please see the Board of Pharmacy’s website for additional information regarding online services.