Can a pharmacy with a category III terminal distributor’s license dispense controlled substances and dangerous drugs?

A pharmacy with a category III terminal distributor's license in Ohio is indeed authorized to dispense both controlled substances and dangerous drugs. This classification of license is specifically designed for entities that handle prescription drugs, allowing them to operate within the legal framework set by state and federal regulations.

Controlled substances are drugs that have a potential for abuse and are regulated under the Controlled Substances Act, while dangerous drugs include a broader category of medications that may not necessarily have abuse potential but require careful oversight for safety and efficacy. The category III license ensures that the pharmacy meets the necessary standards for storage, security, and record-keeping associated with these types of drugs, thus enabling them to provide essential medication services to patients safely and legally.

In contrast, any implication that a pharmacy with this type of license would be restricted from dispensing these categories of drugs overlooks the fundamental purpose of the license, which is to authorize the distribution of both controlled substances and dangerous drugs as part of their defined role as a terminal distributor.