What is a requirement for access to night cabinets in a pharmacy?

Access to night cabinets in a pharmacy must be limited to authorized personnel to ensure the security and integrity of controlled substances and sensitive medications stored within. This requirement is critical for maintaining compliance with pharmacy regulations and preventing misuse or diversion of medications. Limiting access to authorized individuals helps protect both the patients and the pharmacy staff by reducing the risk of unauthorized access, thereby ensuring that only trained and responsible personnel can retrieve medications when needed.

While having staff members trained and capable of responding during emergencies is important, unrestricted access can lead to potential safety and regulatory issues. Additionally, allowing access to anyone with a badge does not necessarily guarantee that the individual has the proper authorization or training, which could compromise the pharmacy's operations and patient safety. This highlights the importance of having stringent access controls in place for night cabinets.