What must happen when a pharmacist is not available regarding NAPRA Schedule 3 Drugs?

When a pharmacist is not available, NAPRA Schedule 3 drugs are required to be locked and left in a secure location. This protocol is in place to ensure that these medications, which are available without a prescription but still have potential risks and required supervision, are not misused or accessed by unauthorized individuals during the pharmacist's absence. Maintaining security over these drugs is crucial to uphold patient safety and regulatory compliance in a pharmacy setting. This restriction aligns with the guidelines that pharmacists must follow to ensure controlled access to medications that, while not requiring a prescription, still require professional oversight.

Other options may suggest less stringent measures or unrestricted access, which do not adhere to these necessary safety precautions. The requirement for locking up these drugs emphasizes the responsibility of pharmacies to manage and safeguard the medications within their practice effectively.