Pharmacy Opening and Closing SOP Template

1.Purpose

To open and close the pharmacy consistently and securely each day, confirming systems, cash and controlled substances are checked, and the site is left ready for the next shift.

2.Scope

Applies to daily opening and closing tasks for the pharmacy department. Controlled substance reconciliation detail is covered by the controlled substances handling SOP.

Definitions

Pharmacist on duty

The pharmacist responsible for the pharmacy during a given shift, whose license must be displayed as required by local regulations.

Will-call bin

The storage area holding filled prescriptions waiting for patient pickup.

End-of-day close

The set of tasks completed to secure the pharmacy and reconcile the day's activity before leaving.

3.Responsibilities

Pharmacy Technician

Performs opening and closing checklist tasks, including cash and stock checks.

Pharmacist

Verifies controlled substance counts, confirms system readiness and signs off the checklist.

Pharmacist in Charge

Sets the opening and closing checklist policy and reviews exceptions.

RACI matrix

R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed

4.Materials and PPE

Materials, tools and systems

• →Opening and closing checklist
• →Alarm system and door keys or codes
• →Cash drawer and count sheet
• →Pharmacy dispensing system terminal
• →Controlled substance safe log
• →Pharmaceutical waste containers

Personal protective equipment

• →Disposable nitrile gloves

5.Procedure

1. 5.1

   Disarm the alarm and unlock

   Pharmacy Technician

   Disarm the security system and unlock the pharmacy entrance, checking for any signs of forced entry before proceeding further.

2. 5.2

   Check the overnight temperature log

   Pharmacy Technician

   Review the refrigerator and freezer temperature log or continuous logger for any overnight excursion before touching cold-chain stock.

3. 5.3

   Power on and log into systems

   Pharmacy Technician

   Power on workstations, log into the pharmacy dispensing system, and confirm connectivity to the insurance adjudication network.

4. 5.4

   Count the starting cash drawer

   Pharmacy Technician

   Count the cash drawer against the closing count from the previous day and record the starting balance on the count sheet.

   Checkpoint: The starting cash count matches the prior day's recorded closing balance.

5. 5.5

   Verify the controlled substance safe count

   Pharmacist

   Confirm the physical controlled substance safe count matches the perpetual inventory balance before the pharmacy opens for business.

6. 5.6

   Review overnight queues

   Pharmacy Technician

   Check overnight voicemail, fax and electronic prescription queues, and prioritize any urgent refill or new prescription requests.

7. 5.7

   Confirm the pharmacist on duty posting

   Pharmacist

   Confirm the current pharmacist on duty's license is displayed as required and update it if the shift pharmacist has changed.

8. 5.8

   Restock the will-call and front counter

   Pharmacy Technician

   Restock will-call bins, bags and front counter supplies needed for the day's dispensing volume.

9. 5.9

   Process the day's final transactions

   Pharmacy Technician

   At close, complete any prescriptions in progress and process the last patient transactions before shutting down dispensing for the day.

10. 5.10

    Count and reconcile the closing cash drawer

    Pharmacy Technician

    Count the cash drawer at close, reconcile it against the day's transaction total, and record any variance on the count sheet.

11. 5.11

    Secure controlled substances and back up systems

    Pharmacist

    Confirm the controlled substance safe is locked and reconciled, and initiate the nightly system data backup before leaving.

12. 5.12

    Lock up and arm the alarm

    Pharmacy Technician

    Dispose of pharmaceutical waste in its designated container, secure all doors and windows, and arm the alarm system before leaving the site.

6.Quality checks

• →Starting cash count matches the prior day's closing balance.
• →Controlled substance safe count is verified both opening and closing.
• →Overnight temperature logs are reviewed before cold-chain stock is used.
• →The opening and closing checklist is signed off by the pharmacist each day.

7.Records

• →Opening and closing checklist
• →Cash drawer count sheets
• →Controlled substance safe log
• →Overnight temperature log review notes

8.KPIs

• →Percentage of days with a matched cash drawer count
• →Number of controlled substance safe discrepancies at open or close
• →Average time to complete opening tasks
• →Number of missed checklist items per audit

9.Common mistakes

• →Skipping the overnight temperature log review before using refrigerated stock.
• →Counting cash without reconciling it against the prior day's closing figure.
• →Forgetting to back up the system before leaving at close.
• →Leaving the controlled substance safe unverified at open or close.

10.Revision history