Fla. Admin. Code R. 61N-1.015
This section addresses the application and permitting requirements of persons regulated under part I of chapter 499, F.S.
(2) A permit is valid only for the name and address to which it is issued. The name in which a permit is issued will be changed, at no cost, upon notification to the department.
(b) A permit that authorizes the purchase of prescription drugs will not be issued in a name identical to the name used by any other establishment or licensed permit holder at that address authorized to purchase prescription drugs pursuant to chapter 465, F.S., or the statutes regulating a practitioner authorized to purchase prescription drugs except:
1. A Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Charitable Organization permit will be issued in the name of the charitable organization or health care entity, and
2. A Medical Oxygen Retailer permit may be issued in the name of a nursing home’s Class I Institutional Pharmacy permit.
(c) A person must be available for inspection at the permitted address during the business hours identified on the application form, holidays excluded. Permanent changes to these business hours must be communicated to the department in writing. At a minimum, these business hours must meet the following standards:
1. For an establishment applying for a permit or permitted as a prescription drug wholesaler or prescription drug wholesaler – broker only, the establishment must designate a minimum of 20 hours weekly between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday, and at least one day of the week provide for four consecutive hours.
2. For an establishment applying for a permit or permitted only as a medical oxygen retailer and which does not transfill medical oxygen containers at the permitted establishment, the establishment must designate a minimum of four (4) hours weekly between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday, and at least one day of the week provide for two consecutive hours. Furthermore if less than 10 hours weekly are designated, a medical oxygen retailer must be available by telephone between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment within 24 hours of the department’s telephone call for an inspection during non-designated business hours.
3. Other applicants and permitted establishments must designate a minimum of 10 hours weekly between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday, and at least one day of the week provide for two consecutive hours. These standards set forth minimum business hours and agents of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Department of Law Enforcement may inspect, monitor, and investigate during other hours as authorized by law.
(3) On-site Inspections. Passing an on-site inspection is a prerequisite to issuance of a new permit for the following permit types: Prescription Drug Manufacturer, Device Manufacturer, Compressed Medical Gases Manufacturer, Over-the-Counter Drug Manufacturer, Cosmetic Manufacturer, Prescription Drug Wholesaler, Compressed Medical Gases Wholesaler, Freight Forwarder, Veterinary Prescription Drug Wholesaler located in Florida, Veterinary Legend Drug Retailer, Medical Oxygen Retailer, and Restricted Rx Drug Distributor permits for the Health Care Entity, Reverse Distributor, and Destruction facilities. However, the department may elect to perform an inspection of the Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Charitable Organization, Government Program, or Institutional Research as a condition of permitting but an on-site inspection fee will not be assessed.
(a) 1. A person permitted as a Prescription Drug Manufacturer that is applying for additional manufacturing permits, a Complimentary Drug Distributor permit, or a Prescription Drug Wholesaler permit at that address does not require another on-site inspection and is not required to pay an initial application/on-site inspection fee when applying for the additional permits.
2. A person permitted as an Over-the-Counter Drug Manufacturer that is applying for a Device Manufacturer permit or Cosmetic Manufacturer permit at that address does not require another on-site inspection and is not required to pay an initial application/on-site inspection fee when applying for the additional permit.
3. A person permitted as a Cosmetic Manufacturer or Device Manufacturer that is applying for a Device Manufacturing permit or Cosmetic Manufacturing permit does not require another on-site inspection and is not required to pay an initial application/on-site inspection fee when applying for the additional permit.
(6) Manufacturer Permits.
(c) Application requirements for manufacturers and precription drug repackagers located in Florida include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
5. Have an FDA establishment registration number, or unless the application is for a cosmetic manufacturer, provide documentation to the department supporting an exemption from FDA registration.
(d) Application requirements for Non-resident prescription drug (Rx) manufacturers.
1. A person may qualify as a Non-resident Rx drug manufacturer if
a. The establishment is not located in Florida; and
b.(I) The person and establishment physically manufacture a prescription drug either for itself or as a contract manufacturer; or
(V) The person and establishment import prescription drugs, including active pharmaceutical ingredients also referred to as bulk ingredients that are lawful in interstate commerce.
2. A non-resident Rx drug manufacturer that also distributes prescription drugs that it did not manufacture (as meeting one of the criteria above) will also need to apply for an out-of-state prescription drug wholesaler permit and meet all of the requirements for obtaining that permit.
3. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
4. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
5. Submit a photocopy of all permits or licenses issued to the applicant’s address which authorize the manufacture or possession of prescription drugs at that address, regardless of the issuing agency. If the issuing agency prohibits photocopying the permit or license, the applicant may submit a state verification of any permits or licenses issued to the applicant’s address.
6. If the non-resident Rx drug manufacturer is importing prescription drugs, FDA approval can be documented with:
a. An NDA number for the product; or
b. Evidence of an FDA establishment number for the manufacturing site and inclusion of the particular product on the manufacturer’s drug listing with the FDA; or
c. For an active pharmaceutical ingredient, evidence that the manufacturer’s bulk drug substance is identified as an ingredient in an FDA approved finished product; or
d. Other direct evidence of FDA authorization for the importation and commercial distribution of the product.
Updates to the list of prescription drugs being imported and documentation of FDA approval must be submitted to the department prior to importation of any prescription drug under the non-resident Rx drug manufacturer’s permit. It is the non-resident manufacturer’s responsibility to assure that it is only importing approved prescription drugs into Florida and is complying with section 499.023, F.S. Compliance with submission of the information required in this rule does not mean that the prescription drug does in fact comply with all provisions of the Federal Act and chapter 499, F.S., and may be imported.
7. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
8. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(7) Wholesaler Permits.
(d) Application requirements for Compressed Medical Gases Wholesalers include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(e) Application requirements for Prescription Drug Wholesalers, Prescription Drug Wholesalers – Broker Only, or Out-of-State Prescription Drug Wholesalers include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program for an application form(s) and fingerprint cards. Both the sales transaction (seller) and the physical movement (location from which the drugs are shipped) of prescription drugs are considered wholesale distribution. Therefore, if the seller (name and address as reflected on the invoice) is not the same as the location from which the drugs are shipped (name and address), such as in the case of brokers, different branches of the same company, or a contract warehouse, then both persons (the seller and location from which shipped) must be permitted under the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 2124, “Prescription Drug Wholesaler/Out-of-State Prescription Drug Wholesaler Application” effective January 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.
3. File with the department an original Form DH 2125, “Personal Information Statement” effective January 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein for the applicant’s manager, next four highest ranking employees that are responsible for prescription drug operations, and all affiliated parties.
4. Submit a legible fingerprint card and $47.00 per fingerprint card for each person required to submit a fingerprint card. These fingerprint cards must have been obtained from the department so that the cards will have the proper coding for processing and reporting.
5. Submit a $100,000 bond or security as specified in sections 499.012(2)(a) and (c), F.S., and paragraph (b), above. If you are using a surety bond, the required bond form is DH 2128, “Surety Bond Form,” effective June 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.
6. If the applicant is located outside of Florida, submit a photocopy of the resident state’s license or permit that authorizes the wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. If the resident state does not allow photocopying of the license or permit, the applicant may submit a verification of the license or permit from the issuing agency. If the resident state does not require a license or permit for the wholesale distribution activities of the applicant in that state, submit:
a. A written confirmation on the letterhead of the resident state agency responsible for regulating prescription drug wholesale distribution in that state that permitting of the applicant establishment is not required by that state; and
b. A statement signed by the applicant that the applicant will comply with all storage, handling, and recordkeeping requirements of the resident state related to the sale and physical distribution of prescription drugs into Florida, or if none exist in the resident state that the applicant will comply with all storage, handling, and recordkeeping requirements, as set forth in 21 C.F.R. 205.50 (as of 10/1/03) which is incorporated by reference herein, for the sale and physical distribution of prescription drugs into Florida.
7. Identify a person who has been Certified pursuant to section 499.012(11), F.S., to serve as the certified designated representative. If the prescription drug wholesaler operates in ‘shift’ schedules, a different person per shift may be designated; however the shift hours for which each person is responsible must be clearly identified. You must use Notification of Designated Representative Form DH 2130, effective June 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein, for communicating changes in the designated representative.
8. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
9. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(f) Application requirements for Retail Pharmacy Wholesalers include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Submit a photocopy of all permits issued to the applicant’s address which authorize the purchase of prescription drugs at that address, regardless of the issuing agency.
4. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
5. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(g) Application requirements for freight forwarders.
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(h) Application requirements for Veterinary Prescription Drug Wholesalers include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004, and the attachment for the Veterinary Prescription Drug Wholesaler permit, August 2004.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(8) Other Distributors. Persons conducting certain distributions of prescription drugs which are not considered wholesale distributions in the state of Florida must obtain a permit from the department prior to initiating that activity. These permits include Complimentary Drug Distributors, all of the designated Restricted Rx Drug Distributor permits as further discussed in rule 61N-1.023, F.A.C., Medical Oxygen Retailers, and Veterinary Legend Drug Retailers.
(a) Application requirements for Complimentary Drug Distributors include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program for an application form or download the application from the department’s website. An out of the state manufacturer or distributor of complimentary or sample prescription drugs may obtain a “Complimentary Drug Distributor permit” for its headquarters or home office in lieu of a permit for each establishment from which complimentary prescription drugs are distributed. A manufacturer or distributor that uses a fulfillment house, shipping and mailing service, or distributes through co-marketing agreements, must notify the department in writing of the contractor’s name, address, and responsibilities prior to the distribution of prescription drug samples in or into this state. The headquarters or home office location is responsible for all recordkeeping requirements and for production of such records as required by sections 499.0121 and 499.028, F.S., this rule and rule 61N-1.012, F.A.C. A person located within the state that manufactures or distributes complimentary or sample prescription drugs directly or through its agents, employees, or independent contractors, must obtain a Complimentary Drug Distributor permit for each establishment located in Florida. A manufacturer or distributor that uses a fulfillment house, shipping and mailing service, or distributes through co-marketing agreements, any of which is located in Florida, must obtain a permit in the name of the manufacturer or distributor issued to the address of the fulfillment house, shipping and mailing service, or similar location. The manufacturer or distributor is responsible for all recordkeeping requirements and for production of such records as required by sections 499.0121 and 499.028, F.S., this rule and rule 61N-1.012, F.A.C.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Submit a copy of the applicant’s license or permit which authorizes the possession of prescription drugs. If the issuing agency does not allow photocopying of a license or permit, the applicant may submit a verification of the license or permit from the issuing agency.
4. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
5. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(b) Application requirements for Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Health Care Entity include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Submit a listing of all the locations under common control that will be receiving distributions under this permit. This listing must include the name and address of the facility and the pharmacy or other permit number which authorizes that location to possess prescription drugs. Additional locations must be communicated to the department in writing prior to the transfer of prescription drugs. Alternatively, depending on the basis for the application, provide a copy of the written contract evidencing the group purchasing organization and a listing of all the locations that will be receiving distributions under this permit because of joint membership in the group purchasing organization.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
5. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
(c) Application requirements for Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Charitable Organization include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Submit proof of the charitable organization designation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
4. If the FDA has initiated the enrollment program, submit the FDA central file number of the applicant.
5. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
6. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
(d) Application requirements for Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Reverse Distributor or Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Destruction include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
4. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
(e) Application requirements for Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Government Programs include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Submit a detailed plan justifying the necessity for this permit in accordance with subsection 61N-1.023(5), F.A.C.
4. Submit a list of the intended contractors and subcontractors that will receive the entity’s prescription drugs under this permit and the permit numbers that authorize them to administer or dispense. Also submit a copy of the provisions of the contract that address the requirements in section 499.012(1)(a)1.d., F.S.
5. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
6. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
(f) Application requirements for a Restricted Rx Drug Distributor – Institutional Research include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
4. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
(g) Application requirements for a Veterinary Legend Drug Retailer include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by Rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
(h) Application requirements for a Medical Oxygen Retailer include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application or download the application from the department’s website.
2. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an original Form DH 1033, “Application for Permit Under chapter 499, F.S.,” effective August 2004.
3. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
4. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and these rules.
5. Have an FDA establishment registration number if the establishment will be transfilling medical oxygen.
(9) Designated Representative.
(a) For purposes of the work experience required to be certified as a designated representative:
1. Serving in a managerial capacity does not require actual supervisory responsibilities over employees, but requires a level of responsibility consistent with a managerial employee, including but not limited to decision-making authority, responsibility for developing and implementing policies and procedures related to purchasing, sales, or inventory management for prescription drugs.
2. Responsibilities related to recordkeeping for prescription drugs by a person who worked in a pharmacy may include such activities as, practicing pharmacy pursuant to a valid pharmacy license, routinely purchasing or ordering prescription drugs where cognitive functions were involved and the order is not the result of an automated reorder system, routinely receiving prescription drugs and verifying the accuracy of the order, routinely taking a physical inventory of prescription drugs, routinely assessing the pharmacy shelves for outdated prescription drugs, and routinely completing an inventory for the transfer of adulterated prescription drugs for appropriate disposal.
(b) Application requirements for Certification as a Designated Representative include:
1. Contact the department’s Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Program to request an application and fingerprint cards or download the application from the program’s web site.
2. File with the department a completed application for certification using Form DH 2126 “Application for Certification as a Designated Representative,” effective June 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein. An application is not deemed completed until the applicant has received a passing score on the laws and rules examination required by section 499.012(16)(b)4., F.S. The applicant will be notified by regular mail at the applicant’s home mailing address of the applicant’s eligibility to schedule the laws and rules examination. Information on scheduling and other testing processes are included on the program’s website in a document entitled “Candidate’s Information Booklet.” If the applicant has not passed the laws and rules examination within six months of this notification, the department will initiate action to deny the Application for Certification as a Designated Representative. This six-month period for an applicant to pass the laws and rules examination does not extend the statutory requirement in section 499.012(16)(f), F.S., for a Prescription Drug Wholesaler Distributor or an out-of-state Prescription Drug Wholesaler Distributor to employ a designated representative.
3. Submit a legible fingerprint card and $47.00 per fingerprint card. The fingerprint card must have been obtained from the department so that the card will have the proper coding for processing and reporting.
4. Pay the appropriate fee(s) as required by rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
5. Comply with all requirements for certification provided in chapter 499, F.S., and these rules.
(10) Permit renewals for all permits other than a prescription drug wholesaler, prescription drug wholesaler – broker only, or out-of-state prescription drug wholesaler. Submission of a renewal application represents to the department that conditions have not changed with the permitted person which would make the permitted person ineligible to renew the permit.
(b) An applicant applying to renew a permit which has not expired, been revoked, suspended or otherwise terminated must:
1. File with the department a completed application for a permit using an “Application for Permit Renewal Under chapter 499, F.S.,” Form DH 1034, effective January 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein. The permittee should contact the department if the renewal application has not been received at least 30 days prior to the permit’s expiration date.
2. Pay the appropriate fee pursuant to this section and rule 61N-1.018, F.A.C.
3. Comply with all the requirements for permitting provided in chapter 499, F.S., and this rule chapter.
4. Applicants renewing a Retail Pharmacy Wholesaler’s permit must also submit a legible photocopy of the current community pharmacy permit.
(11) Permit renewals for prescription drug wholesaler, prescription drug wholesaler – broker only, or out-of-state prescription drug wholesaler.
(h) If the applicant is located outside of Florida, submit a photocopy of the resident state’s current license or permit that authorizes the wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. If the resident state does not allow photocopying of the license or permit, the applicant may submit a verification of the license or permit from the issuing agency. If the resident state does not require a license or permit for the wholesale distribution activities of the applicant in that state, submit:
1. A written confirmation on the letterhead of the resident state agency responsible for regulating prescription drug wholesale distribution in that state that permitting of the applicant establishment is not required by that state; and
2. A statement signed by the applicant that the applicant will comply with all storage, handling, and recordkeeping requirements of the resident state related to the sale and physical distribution of prescription drugs into Florida, or if none exist in the resident state that the applicant will comply with all storage, handling, and recordkeeping requirements, as set forth in 21 C.F.R. 205.50 (as of 10/1/03) which is incorporated by reference herein, for the sale and physical distribution of prescription drugs into Florida.
Rulemaking Authority 499.01, 499.012, 499.0121(1), 499.0122, 499.013, 499.014, 499.028, 499.04, 499.041, 499.05, 499.62, 499.63, 499.64, 499.66, 499.67, 499.701 FS. Law Implemented 499.01, 499.012, 499.0121, 499.0122, 499.013, 499.028(6), 499.04, 499.004, 499.041, 499.05, 499.06, 499.006, 499.007, 499.052, 499.062, 499.063, 499.064, 499.066, 499.067 FS. History–New 12-12-82, Amended 7-8-84, 1-30-85, Formerly 10D-45.54, Amended 11-26-86, 2-4-93, 7-1-96, Formerly 10D-45.054, Amended 1-26-99, 4-17-01, 10-29-02, 7-6-03, 1-1-04, 9-13-04, 10-3-05, 1-19-06, Formerly 64F-12.015.