What is the main focus of pharmacy compliance?

The main focus of pharmacy compliance is to adhere to regulations and guidelines governing pharmacy practice and billing. This is crucial because pharmacy compliance ensures that pharmacies operate within the legal framework established by federal and state laws, including regulations set by agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Compliance involves various aspects, from proper record-keeping and prescription handling to ensuring that billing practices are accurate and ethical.

Adhering to these regulations helps to protect patients, maintain the integrity of the healthcare system, and prevent fraud and abuse within the pharmacy setting. It also plays a critical role in mitigating risks that could lead to legal penalties or disruptions in service.

In contrast, while maximizing profits, improving customer satisfaction, and training staff are important components of a pharmacy's operational strategy, they are secondary to the foundational requirement of ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Compliance acts as the baseline that allows for the responsible pursuit of these other goals.