Can walgreens transfer a controlled substance prescription

§ 1306.25 Transfer between pharmacies of prescription information for Schedules III, IV, and V controlled substances for refill purposes.

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How to find an open Walgreens Pharmacy
Obtaining your medication from the open Walgreens Pharmacy
Same day and 1-2 business day delivery

(a) The transfer of original prescription information for a controlled substance listed in Schedule III, IV, or V for the purpose of refill dispensing is permissible between pharmacies on a one-time basis only. However, pharmacies electronically sharing a real-time, online database may transfer up to the maximum refills permitted by law and the prescriber's authorization.

(b) Transfers are subject to the following requirements:

(1) The transfer must be communicated directly between two licensed pharmacists.

(2) The transferring pharmacist must do the following:

(i) Write the word “VOID” on the face of the invalidated prescription; for electronic prescriptions, information that the prescription has been transferred must be added to the prescription record.

(ii) Record on the reverse of the invalidated prescription the name, address, and DEA registration number of the pharmacy to which it was transferred and the name of the pharmacist receiving the prescription information; for electronic prescriptions, such information must be added to the prescription record.

(iii) Record the date of the transfer and the name of the pharmacist transferring the information.

(3) For paper prescriptions and prescriptions received orally and reduced to writing by the pharmacist pursuant to § 1306.21(a), the pharmacist receiving the transferred prescription information must write the word “transfer” on the face of the transferred prescription and reduce to writing all information required to be on a prescription pursuant to § 1306.05 and include:

(i) Date of issuance of original prescription.

(ii) Original number of refills authorized on original prescription.

(iii) Date of original dispensing.

(iv) Number of valid refills remaining and date(s) and locations of previous refill(s).

(v) Pharmacy's name, address, DEA registration number, and prescription number from which the prescription information was transferred.

(vi) Name of pharmacist who transferred the prescription.

(vii) Pharmacy's name, address, DEA registration number, and prescription number from which the prescription was originally filled.

(4) For electronic prescriptions being transferred electronically, the transferring pharmacist must provide the receiving pharmacist with the following information in addition to the original electronic prescription data:

(i) The date of the original dispensing.

(ii) The number of refills remaining and the date(s) and locations of previous refills.

(iii) The transferring pharmacy's name, address, DEA registration number, and prescription number for each dispensing.

(iv) The name of the pharmacist transferring the prescription.

(v) The name, address, DEA registration number, and prescription number from the pharmacy that originally filled the prescription, if different.

(5) The pharmacist receiving a transferred electronic prescription must create an electronic record for the prescription that includes the receiving pharmacist's name and all of the information transferred with the prescription under paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

(c) The original and transferred prescription(s) must be maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill.

(d) Pharmacies electronically accessing the same prescription record must satisfy all information requirements of a manual mode for prescription transferal.

(e) The procedure allowing the transfer of prescription information for refill purposes is permissible only if allowable under existing State or other applicable law.

Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan members must use Walgreens pharmacies for prescription medications. The surge of COVID-19 cases and a labor shortage have resulted in isolated instances in which Walgreens has adjusted operating hours or temporarily closed a limited number of stores. The vast majority of stores remain unaffected, and Walgreens remains committed to uninterrupted service for our members, should you experience an unexpected closure or change in pharmacy hours.

How to find an open Walgreens Pharmacy

If you arrive at a Walgreens that is closed, in most cases there will be signage that informs visitors of the closest Walgreens location and their normal operating hours. Walgreens also has updated pharmacy operating hours on the Walgreens mobile app and Walgreens.com (click “Find a Store” under the menu). While the Walgreens app and Walgreens.com are highly accurate, they do not take into account the unexpected closures that happen due to COVID-19 cases. For this reason, we also recommend you call the pharmacy prior to your arrival.

Obtaining your medication from the open Walgreens Pharmacy

In most cases (See information below on Class 2 Controlled Substances) the open Walgreens Pharmacy will be able to transfer your ready prescription from the closed location without issue. You can speak to the pharmacy staff about transferring the prescription from the closed location, either by calling or visiting an open store. Let the pharmacy staff know you will wait, and they will work to get your prescription filled as soon as possible.

There are State Board of Pharmacy regulations that prevent the transfer of Class 2 Controlled Substances (Vicodin, Percocet, Adderall, Oxycontin, etc.). You will need a new written or e-prescribed prescription or you will have to wait until the closed pharmacy reopens. The pharmacist on duty can reach out to the prescriber to determine if they are willing to provide another prescription. In some cases the provider will want to speak to both the pharmacy and the patient before sending a new prescription.

Same day and 1-2 business day delivery

In the event you are looking to not make another trip to the pharmacy, you can request your prescription be delivered through our “Same Day Delivery” or “1-2 Business Day Delivery” options. You can request these when talking with the pharmacy team, or visit Walgreens.com to initiate the request.

“Same Day Delivery” has a charge that is based on the courier and location. If you select this delivery option, the order must be received prior to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. While most prescriptions are expected to be delivered the same day, some deliveries may not be eligible for delivery due to prescription type, delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints.

“1-2 Day Delivery” is currently a free delivery service offered by Walgreens. This service can also be initiated by the pharmacy team or through Walgreens.com. While most prescriptions are expected to be delivered in the 1-2 day timeframe, some deliveries may not be eligible for delivery due to prescription type, delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints.