Independent Pharmacy Startup Checklist

Organization & Planning

• Define services, target community, staffing and hours.
• Prepare startup budget, working capital and financial assumptions.
• Select entity and ownership structure with qualified advisors.
• Establish tax registrations, banking, accounting and insurance.

Site & Facility

• Confirm zoning and permitted pharmacy use.
• Review lease and buildout responsibilities.
• Plan layout, security, accessibility, storage, refrigeration and equipment.
• Confirm applicable board facility requirements.

Licensing & Identifiers

• State pharmacy permit/application.
• PIC designation and ownership disclosures.
• NPI/NPPES as applicable.
• DEA registration if applicable.
• NCPDP and other provider identifiers as applicable.

Vendors & Systems

• Wholesalers and purchasing relationships.
• Pharmacy management software and claims connectivity.
• Security, alarm, surveillance, phones, fax, internet and backup systems.
• Temperature monitoring and documentation.

Payer Enrollment

• Prepare credentialing documents.
• Review Medicare/Medicaid or Medi-Cal requirements as applicable.
• Review PSAO/PBM/network participation options.
• Track effective dates before billing.

Policies & Compliance

• HIPAA privacy and security training.
• Controlled-substance processes.
• Medication safety and quality assurance.
• Recall, returns, expired inventory and destruction procedures.
• Emergency and incident procedures.

Inspection & Opening

• Complete pre-opening self-inspection.
• Confirm licenses, postings, equipment and records.
• Test claims, e-prescribing, phones, security and refrigeration systems.
• Train staff before opening.