What cannot be transferred according to pharmacy regulations?

The regulation surrounding the transfer of medications primarily addresses which substances can be lawfully and safely transferred between pharmacies or between a pharmacy and a patient. Controlled substances, as categorized under the Controlled Substances Act, are subject to stringent regulations due to their potential for abuse, dependency, and significant legal restrictions.

Under these regulations, the transfer of controlled substances is highly restricted to ensure accountability and tracking of these potent medications. Each transfer must comply with specific federal and state laws, including maintaining detailed records of the transaction and ensuring that both the transferring and receiving entities are licensed and authorized to handle controlled substances. This rigorous oversight is paramount in preventing diversion and abuse of these drugs.

In contrast, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications without restrictions, and non-controlled substances are subject to less stringent transfer regulations. These options can typically be transferred more freely between pharmacies or from pharmacies to patients, as they do not carry the same level of legal or regulatory oversight that controlled substances do.

Thus, the prohibition on the transfer of controlled substances is firmly rooted in the need to mitigate risks associated with misuse, making this choice the correct answer in the context of pharmacy regulations.