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Mario Treto, Jr., Secretary JB Pritzker, Governor

Pharmacy

Online License Renewals Renewal Available!
Pharmacy Professions Licensed by IDFPR:
  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmacist, Registered - Renewal Available!
  • Pharmacy Technician, Registered
  • Pharmacy Controlled Substance

License Information

Pharmacy Profession Online Renewal & Instructions
Notices
    Pharmacy Technician
    Pursuant to the Pharmacy Practice Act, the continuing education requirement for the renewal of a license as a registered certified pharmacy technician does not apply to any person considered a “student pharmacist” as defined by the Pharmacy Practice Act.

    Program Shows Pharmacists Must Improve Patient Counseling
    In response to reports of inadequate pharmacy counseling, the Department passed new patient counseling rules (68 Il. Adm. Code 1330.700(a)), requiring that, prior to dispensing a prescription to a new patient or a new medication to an existing patient, the pharmacist provide verbal counseling to the patient, including any potential side effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered.

    The new counseling rules took effect on August 18, 2017, after which pharmacies were provided adequate time to train staff and implement the new rules.  To determine if the pharmacy counseling rules were being followed, the Department, with the assistance of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, recently conducted a Secret Shopper Survey Program (“Program”).  The Program revealed that of the pharmacies surveyed (which included both chains and independent pharmacies), most pharmacists did not provide patient counseling as required by the new rules or only provided partial counseling (such as that related to use and dosage, but not related to side effects or drug interactions). 

    While the purpose of the Program was to provide the Department with information on how and if pharmacies have implemented the new rules, going forward the Department will continue to examine pharmacy practices to ensure that the patient counseling rules are being followed.  Any pharmacist who does not provide proper counseling pursuant to the rules may be subject to disciplinary action.
    Effective January 1, 2017, previously barred health care workers and first time applicants may become eligible for a license.
    Under the Department’s new process, a health care worker who was permanently revoked or denied due to a forcible felony may file a Petition for Review, which is currently available on the Department’s website. The review process does not apply to a forcible felony requiring registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or a criminal battery against any patient in the course of patient care or treatment that is a forcible felony. Information about applying for licensure are available on the Department's website.

    Hydrocodone Containing Products/ Schedule II
    Effective October 6, 2014, all Hydrocodone Combination Products (HCPs) will be classified as Schedule II controlled substances pursuant to a rule adopted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on August 22, 2014. More information regarding prescriptions, security, inventory and dispensing is available here.
    Pharmacies wishing to add Schedule II to an Illinois Pharmacy Controlled Substances license following the DEA rescheduling of Hydrocodone Combination Products should review the security requirements provided by Section 1330.600 of the Administrative Rules for the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act. An inspection will be required. The Pharmacist-in-Charge of a pharmacy meeting these requirements may mail a signed request to add Schedule II to:

    Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
    Division of Professional Regulation
    Drug Compliance Unit
    9511 Harrison Street, Suite LL50
    Des Plaines, IL 60016
    Pharmacies located OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS must include a copy of a DEA registration at the same address showing Schedule II and include the ORIGINAL Illinois Controlled Substances license. The pharmacy may post a photocopy of the license until the new license is printed. The ORIGINAL license must be returned.
    N (Non-Narcotic) Schedules
    Please be advised that Controlled Substances Registration applications and printed licenses will no longer specifically reference or include the 'N' designation. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act narcotic and non-narcotic schedules are combined and the 'N' designation is not needed. The lack of 'N' designation does not prevent or affect the ability of Illinois licensed practitioners to prescribe, dispense or order narcotic drugs to the extent allowed by law. The DEA is aware of this change. Questions regarding 'N' designations on DEA registrations should be directed to the DEA at their website(www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov) or by phone at 312-353-7875.
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