Which entities are required to report weekly to DCP on all C2-CV substances?

The requirement for retail pharmacies and outpatient hospital pharmacies to report weekly to the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) on all controlled substances classified as C2-CV is rooted in the state's efforts to monitor and regulate the distribution and dispensing of these potentially abused medications. This reporting is essential for tracking prescription patterns, preventing drug abuse, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Retail pharmacies are the primary access points for patients receiving prescriptions for controlled substances. Outpatient hospital pharmacies also play a key role in providing medications to patients who will be using them at home or at non-hospital settings after treatment. By requiring these entities to report weekly, the DCP can maintain a close watch over the dispensing of controlled substances, which is critical given the ongoing issues surrounding prescription drug abuse and opioid addiction.

In contrast, other entities like hospital pharmacies may have different reporting requirements or may not be subject to the same level of tracking, and prescribing physicians typically do not report on their prescriptions in the same manner as pharmacies. Dispensing pharmacists are part of the pharmacy practice, but the responsibility for reporting lies with the pharmacies themselves rather than individual pharmacists. This distinction helps to ensure that the reporting process is standardized and centralized, allowing for effective monitoring of controlled substances.