(a) A pharmacy must contain a secure room or area with a door that can be locked when the pharmacy is without the attendance and supervision of a pharmacist. The secure room or area, known as the prescription department, must contain the entire stock of prescription drugs, chemicals, and preparations used in compounding and preparing prescriptions.

(b) Only a pharmacist is authorized to unlock and lock the prescription department of a pharmacy.

(c) A sign giving the name of the pharmacist-on-duty must at all times be posted in the vicinity of the prescription department of a pharmacy.

(d) During the absence of a pharmacist, the prescription department of a pharmacy must be locked until the pharmacist returns to duty. However, the merchandising section of the pharmacy may remain open.

(e) A prescription department must have at least 250 square feet of floor space. The counter inside the prescription department must be at least 18 inches wide and must have 4 linear feet for each pharmacist working concurrently on dispensing and compounding prescriptions. The counter must be kept clear and free of all merchandise and other materials not currently in use in dispensing and compounding prescriptions. The aisle behind the counter must be at least 30 inches wide and must be kept free of obstruction at all times. A prescription department which existed on February 11, 1992, is exempt from the requirements of this subsection unless the department is remodeled or relocated.

Code 1935, § 942; 46 Del. Laws, c. 142, § 1; 24 Del. C. 1953, § 2561; 53 Del. Laws, c. 90, §§ 23-25; 59 Del. Laws, c. 318, § 5; 68 Del. Laws, c. 206, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 76 Del. Laws, c. 167, § 1.