Lending a HandBorrower Onboarding Guide
Everything you need to know to borrow drugs legally and efficiently through BorrowDrugs — from account setup to receiving your first shipment.
What you need to borrow
Active NPI number
Verified against NPPES registry
State pharmacy license
Must be current and in good standing
DEA registration
Required for Schedule II–V controlled substances only
Organization affiliation
Hospital, clinic, or licensed pharmacy
Clinical justification
Required per 21 CFR § 290.5 for each request
Create your account
Register with your professional email address. You'll need your NPI number, DEA registration number (if applicable), state pharmacy license, and organization name ready during signup.
Complete NPI verification
After registration, our system automatically cross-references your NPI number with the NPPES National Provider Registry. Verification typically completes within minutes. You'll receive an email confirmation once approved.
Browse the drug marketplace
Once verified, you have full access to the drug marketplace. Search by drug name, NDC code, therapeutic class, or filter by location, quantity, and expiry date. Each listing shows AWP pricing, lender credentials, and availability.
Submit a loan request
Click 'Request Loan' on any listing to open the request form. Provide your clinical justification, quantity needed, and expected return date. Emergency requests are flagged for priority processing.
Await lender approval
The lending facility reviews your request and credentials. You'll receive an email notification when approved, rejected, or if the lender has questions. Most requests are resolved within 24 hours.
Receive and return drugs
Upon approval, coordinate shipment or pickup with the lender. Mark the loan as received in your dashboard. Return the drugs (or equivalent) by the agreed return date to avoid the 2.5% per-week late fee.
Common questions
QIs drug borrowing legal?
Yes. Hospital-to-hospital drug borrowing is a well-established practice governed by FDA guidance (21 CFR § 290.5), DEA regulations, and state pharmacy board rules. BorrowDrugs facilitates compliant transfers between licensed facilities only.
QWhat happens if I don't return the drugs on time?
A 2.5% per-week late fee is automatically applied to the estimated drug value for each week the return is overdue. You'll receive reminder emails before and after the due date.
QCan I borrow controlled substances?
Yes, if both parties hold valid DEA registrations for the applicable schedule. Schedule II transfers require DEA Form 222 or CSOS electronic equivalent. Our platform guides you through the required documentation.
QHow is pricing determined?
Lenders set prices based on Average Wholesale Price (AWP). The platform displays AWP benchmarks for reference. There is no platform fee for borrowers — you pay only the agreed loan value, returned upon drug return.
QWhat if the drugs I receive are damaged or incorrect?
Document the issue immediately with photos and contact the lender through the platform. Our support team can mediate disputes. Do not dispense drugs that appear compromised.
Compliance notice: Drug borrowing is subject to federal and state regulations. BorrowDrugs facilitates compliant transfers between NPI-verified, licensed healthcare facilities only. Always consult your compliance officer before initiating a transfer.
Ready to get started?
Join thousands of healthcare professionals borrowing drugs legally and efficiently.
