If you work in the pharmaceutical industry, then by now you’ve probably heard all about the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and its recent deadline extension.
That said, there has been some confusion and anxiety around DSCSA compliance and what it means for long-term care (LTC) pharmacies. The transition will likely cause operational challenges for pharmacies that look to meet compliance requirements while minimizing disruption to their business.
Keep reading to learn more about the DSCSA deadline extension and how LTC pharmacies should respond.
What Is the Drug Supply Chain Security Act?
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) introduces regulations around serialized electronic tracing mechanisms to track prescription drugs distributed across the country.
Designed to implement interoperable electronic tracing of prescription products at the package level, the DSCSA aims to improve the process of removing dangerous drugs from the supply chain. Tracing packages makes it easier to identify and remove risky prescription products, such as counterfeit, stolen, or contaminated medications.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a one-year delay on the new electronic prescription tracking system, shifting the deadline from Nov. 27, 2023, to Nov. 27, 2024. The decision to move the deadline is based on the market’s transition from EDI 856 to EPICS file types, delaying enforcement on dispensers should their up-channel supply chain partners need time to stabilize their EPCIS data transmissions. Read more >
