The responsible pharmacist is permitted to sign DEA 222 forms in advance while on vacation.

The responsible pharmacist is not permitted to sign DEA 222 forms in advance while on vacation because this practice violates the regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA 222 form is used for the purchase or transfer of Schedule I and II controlled substances and requires the signature of the individual who is currently designated as the responsible pharmacist.

Advance signing could potentially lead to unauthorized transactions or misuse, as it does not ensure that the responsible pharmacist is actively overseeing or is aware of the purchases being made in their absence. Regulations are designed to maintain stringent control over the distribution of controlled substances, and allowing advance signatures would undermine this critical oversight function.

This maintains accountability and security in the handling of controlled substances, ensuring that the responsible pharmacist is involved in these transactions when they occur. Thus, the correct understanding is that DEA regulations require that the responsible pharmacist must sign the forms while actively fulfilling their duties.