50-State Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing Compliance Guide
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Iowa Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing

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Licensing requirements for Iowa healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and individuals.

This page provides an overview of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry licensing in Iowa for individuals and businesses. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Iowa Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Company Licenses

Iowa Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Registration - Business

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy
Notes:

Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Registrations are required for any person or business that manufactures; distributes; dispenses; prescribes; conducts instructional activities, research, or chemical analysis with; or imports or exports controlled substances listed in Schedules I through V of Iowa Code chapter 124 in or into the state of Iowa, or that proposes to engage in such activities, unless exempt from registration pursuant to rule 657 IAC—10.8(124).

Initial Registration

Form:

Controlled Substances Registration Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Registration Renewal

Form:

Controlled Substances Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially

Iowa Limited Distributor License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Limited Distributor Application including Self-Inspection Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$175

Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

Form:

Limited Distributor Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$175

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Required Attachments:

Iowa Limited Use Pharmacy License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

License Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$135

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Iowa Outsourcing Facility License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

New License and Change Application

Agency Fee:

$400

Registration Renewal

Form:

License Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$400

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Iowa Pharmacy License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

New License or Change Application

Agency Fee:

$135

Notes:
  • A new pharmacy location in Iowa requires an on-site inspection by an authorized agent of the board. The application for pharmacy license must be submitted to the Board at least 14 days prior to the anticipated inspection.
  • An incomplete application for licensure will only be maintained for a maximum period of 6 months.
  • The pharmacy’s toll-free telephone number is required to allow patients to speak with a pharmacist who has access to patient records at least six days per week for a total of at least forty hours. 
  • If the PIC is applying for a nonresident pharmacy PIC registration, the Board will issue the registration number once the application is processed. 
  • Nonresident pharmacies are required to report to the PMP all prescriptions for Schedules II, III, IV, and V controlled substances dispensed to patients located in Iowa, including submission of zero reports when no reportable prescriptions are dispensed during a reporting period. Please be aware of the reporting requirements described in 657 IAC Chapter 37 of the Board’s rules and the Iowa Data Reporting Manual.
  •  
Before you Apply:
  • Pharmacy’s NABP e-Profile ID
  • FDA inspection information
  • Iowa CSA Registration number
Required Attachments:
  • Proof of accreditations
  • DEA registration 
  • List of all licenses, permits, and registrations in other states
  • FDA 483s, Warnings Letters, and Responses to each
  • List of Disciplinary Actions by Licensing Authorities and Documentation of Final Disciplinary Orders 
  • List of Final Denial Orders by Licensing Authorities and Documentation of Final Denial Orders
  • List of Each Criminal Conviction and Court Records of the Conviction(s) 
  • Resident pharmacies only:
    • Names, titles, and license/registration numbers for all pharmacists, pharmacist interns, technicians, and pharmacy support persons currently employed or practicing at this location
  • Non-Resident pharmacies only: 
    • PIC License issued by Applicant’s Home State
    • Home State Pharmacy License / Permit / Registration 
    • Most Recent Inspection Report as specified in Iowa Code 155A.13A(1)(c) 
    • Prescription Label Showing Toll-Free Phone Number
  • Non-resident PIC registration only: 
    • Government-issued Photo ID of PIC
    • Additional Pages to List All Licenses in Other States Issued to the PIC, if needed
    • Additional Pages to List All Current Employment of the PIC, if needed 
    • List of Disciplinary Actions by Licensing Authorities and Documentation of Final Disciplinary Orders Against the PIC
    • List of Final Denial Orders by Licensing Authorities and Documentation of Final Denial Orders Issued to the PIC
    • List of Each Criminal Conviction and Court Records of the Conviction(s) of the PIC
    • Certificate of Completion for Required PIC Training Module 

Registration Renewal

Form:

License Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$135

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Iowa Precursor Substances Permit

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Precursor Substances Permit Application

Agency Fee:

$180

Registration Renewal

Form:

Precursor Substances Permit Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$180

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Iowa Telepharmacy License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Telepharmacy License Application

Agency Fee:

$135

Registration Renewal

Form:

Telepharmacy License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$135

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Iowa Third-Party Logistics Provider License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$750

Notes:

Inspection

  • Each new 3PL location seeking licensure shall be inspected prior to issuance of a license certificate.
    • Instate location - If the applicant is located within Iowa, an inspection shall be conducted by the board or its authorized agent prior to the issuance of the license certificate and periodically thereafter.
    • Nonresident location - If the applicant is located outside of Iowa, an inspection shall be conducted by the applicant’s home state regulatory authority or another board-approved inspecting authority and a report of
      such inspection submitted with the application. The application shall also include evidence of corrective actions taken to satisfy any deficiency identified in the inspection report and compliance with all legal directives of the home state regulatory authority, if applicable.

NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation (Formerly known as VAWD)

  • Applicants must provide evidence of current DPP accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
    • Instate location – The requirement for accreditation does not apply to new applicants located in Iowa which must undergo an opening inspection by a board compliance officer or agent of the board prior to
      issuance of an initial license. However, licensees must provide evidence of accreditation on or before the initial renewal of the license. 

Fingerprints

  • Once a completed application is received, a fingerprint packet will be sent to the mailing address indicated on the application. The fingerprint packet is to be completed by the facility manager and returned to the Board for processing.

Qualified Indivdiual 

  • The Facility manager must: 
    • have adequate experience in providing or coordinating warehousing or other logistics services of products
    • be employed by the applicant full-time in a managerial level position
    • be actively involved in, and aware of, the daily operation of the facility
    • be physically present, except for an authorized absence such as sick or vacation leave, at the facility of the applicant during regular business hours.
    • not have any felony convictions or convictions related to prescription drug and device distribution, including distribution of controlled substances, under federal, state, or local laws
    • have knowledge and understanding of federal and states laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to drug and device distribution
Required Attachments:

If the 3PL is physically located in the state of Iowa, the following documents will be required to be uploaded with your application:

  • The Facility Manager’s Government-Issued Photo Identification
  • The Facility Manager’s Resume
  • Facility Manager Addendum 
  • List of each criminal conviction and court records of the conviction(s) not previously reported to the Board 
  • List of disciplinary actions by any licensing authority and documentation of final disciplinary orders not previously reported to the Board 
  • List of final denial orders by any licensing authority and documentation of final denial orders not previously reported to the Board
  • List of disciplinary actions taken against any professional or business license not previously reported to the Board and documentation of final disciplinary orders
  • Explanation and documentation of violation(s) of any federal or state law pertaining to the possession, control, or distribution of prescription drugs not previously reported to the Board
  • List of each criminal conviction and court records of the conviction(s), and any pending criminal charges not previously reported to the Board 

If the 3PL is not physically located in the state of Iowa, the following documents will be required to be uploaded with your application: 

  • The Facility Manager’s Government-Issued Photo Identification
  • The Facility Manager’s Resume
  • Evidence of license or registration in the home state or evidence of licensure with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Proof of current verified-accredited wholesale distributor (VAWD) accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
  • Most recent inspection as identified by IAC 657-43.3(3).
  • Home State License Verification
  • DEA Certificate
  • Proof of Accreditations
  • FDA 483s, Warning Letters, and Responses
  • FDA Inspection Report
  • List of disciplinary actions by any licensing authority and documentation of final disciplinary orders not previously reported to the Board
  • List of final denial orders by any licensing authority and documentation of final denial orders not previously reported to the Board
  • List of disciplinary actions taken against any professional or business license not previously reported to the Board and documentation of final disciplinary orders
  • Explanation and documentation of violation(s) of any federal or state law pertaining to the possession, control, or distribution of prescription drugs not previously reported to the Board
  • List of each criminal conviction and court records of the conviction(s), and any pending criminal charges not previously reported to the Board 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

Annually by March 31.

Iowa Wholesale Distributor License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

New License and Change Application

Agency Fee:

$750

Registration Renewal

Form:

License Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Individual Licenses

Iowa Individual Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licenses

Iowa Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Registration - Individual Practitioners

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy
Notes:

Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Registrations are required for any person or business that manufactures; distributes; dispenses; prescribes; conducts instructional activities, research, or chemical analysis with; or imports or exports controlled substances listed in Schedules I through V of Iowa Code chapter 124 in or into the state of Iowa, or that proposes to engage in such activities, unless exempt from registration pursuant to rule 657 IAC—10.8(124).

Iowa Pharmacist License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Licensure by Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$252 application fee + $45 background check fee

Original Ink:Not required

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

Licensure by Score Transfer Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$252 application fee + $45 background check fee

Original Ink:Not required

Registration Renewal

Form:

Pharmacist Renewal Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$180

Due:

Biennially by June 30th.

Original Ink:Not required

Iowa Pharmacist-Intern Registration

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacist-Intern Registration

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$30

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Registration shall remain in effect aslong asthe board issatisfied that the intern is pursuing a degree in pharmacy in good faith and with reasonable diligence.

Iowa Pharmacy Certified Technician Registration

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Initial and Renewal Certified Technician Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

Depends on the date of signature on the applicant's national certification:

  • $0 for applications with national certification expiration within 6 months
  • $10 for applications with national certification expiration in 6-12 months
  • $20 for applications with national certification expiration in 1-2 years
  • $40 for applications with national certification expiration in 2-3 years
  • $60 for applications with national certification expiration in 3-4 years

Registration Renewal

Form:

Initial and Renewal Certified Technician Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Biennially by the last day of the licensee's birth month.

Iowa Pharmacy Support Person Registration

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacy Support Person Initial and Renewal Registration

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Form:

Pharmacy Support Person Initial and Renewal Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Biennially by the last day of the licensee's birth month.

Iowa Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$20

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Trainee registrations are issued for a period of one year and may not be renewed.

Learn about healthcare and pharmaceutical licensing in other states:

Controlled Substance Registration - In addition to a pharmacy license, controlled substance registration registration is required in many states for pharmacies that distribute controlled substances.

NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) - Host a variety of programs and resources relating to pharmacist and pharmacy licensure and examination.

Pharmacist in Charge - A licensed pharmacist designated by a pharmacy to act as the party responsible for compliance with regulations.

VPP (Verified Pharmacy Program) - A program run by NABP that allows state boards to share information and more easily register out-of-state pharmacies.