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IA MPJE practice questions

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Question 1Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under federal law, which schedule of controlled substances has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision?

  1. Schedule III
  2. Schedule II
  3. Schedule I Correct answer.
  4. Schedule IV

Explanation

Schedule I is defined in the Controlled Substances Act as drugs with high abuse potential, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and no accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Schedule II substances have high abuse potential but do have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions.

Question 2Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance is presented at an Iowa pharmacy. Under federal rules, which action is generally required before the pharmacist may dispense it?

  1. Wait 72 hours so the prescriber can confirm the diagnosis
  2. Obtain a handwritten signature on a separate triplicate form
  3. Verify that the patient has signed a controlled substance agreement
  4. Receive a written, electronic, or emergency oral prescription that meets federal requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal law permits Schedule II prescriptions in written, electronic, or qualifying emergency oral form; DEA rules allow a pharmacist to dispense an emergency oral Schedule II order if a written or electronic prescription follows within seven days. Triplicate state forms, diagnostic confirmation, and patient agreements are not general federal dispensing prerequisites.

Question 3Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Federal law limits refills on prescriptions for which controlled substance schedule?

  1. Schedule II Correct answer.
  2. Schedule V
  3. Schedule IV
  4. Schedule III

Explanation

Prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances may not be refilled under federal law. Schedules III through V may be refilled under specified conditions, including a limit of five refills within six months for Schedule III and IV.

Question 4Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which federal registration category authorizes a practitioner to conduct research with Schedule I controlled substances?

  1. A hospital pharmacy permit
  2. A state pharmacy license alone
  3. A DEA registration limited to dispensing
  4. A DEA researcher registration specific to the schedule and research protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

Research with Schedule I substances requires a separate DEA researcher registration tied to the approved research protocol, in addition to any state authorization. A dispensing registration, pharmacy license, or hospital permit does not authorize Schedule I research.

Question 5Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacist in Iowa receives a forged prescription for a Schedule II opioid. Which federal reporting obligation applies?

  1. Report only if the drug was actually dispensed
  2. Report the forged prescription to DEA field division or local law enforcement Correct answer.
  3. Report only to the state board of pharmacy
  4. No report is required if the forgery is refused

Explanation

Federal regulations require a registrant who discovers a forged or altered prescription to notify the nearest DEA field division office or local law enforcement. Refusing to fill the prescription does not eliminate the reporting duty.

Question 6Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under the federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which products are subject to retail sales restrictions on pseudoephedrine?

  1. Topical nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline
  2. Nonprescription products containing pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient Correct answer.
  3. All oral decongestants regardless of ingredient
  4. Prescription-only antihistamines

Explanation

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act regulates scheduled listed chemical products, which include nonprescription pseudoephedrine products. It imposes logbook, identification, and daily and monthly purchase limits at retail.

Question 7Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under federal law, a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance may be refilled how many times, and within what period, if the prescriber authorizes refills?

  1. Five refills within six months Correct answer.
  2. Unlimited refills until the prescription expires
  3. Six refills within one year
  4. Three refills within three months

Explanation

Federal rules allow a Schedule III or IV prescription to be refilled up to five times within six months of the date of issue, if the prescriber authorizes refills. After that, a new prescription is required.

Question 8Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which federal requirement applies to the transfer of a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance between two pharmacies?

  1. One transfer is permitted if both pharmacies maintain required records Correct answer.
  2. Unlimited transfers are permitted if each is documented
  3. Transfer is prohibited for all controlled substances
  4. Transfer is permitted only for Schedule II prescriptions

Explanation

Federal rules allow a Schedule III through V prescription to be transferred once between pharmacies for initial dispensing, provided recordkeeping requirements are met. Schedule II prescriptions may not be transferred under the federal rule.

Question 9Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacist is asked to dispense a controlled substance based on an oral prescription for a Schedule III drug. What is required under federal law?

  1. Oral orders are never valid for controlled substances
  2. The patient must sign the oral order
  3. The prescriber must reduce the order to writing before any dispensing
  4. The oral order must be reduced to writing by the pharmacist and promptly signed by the prescriber Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal regulations permit oral prescriptions for Schedule III through V drugs, but the pharmacist must reduce the order to writing and the prescriber must sign it promptly. This creates a written record while allowing telephone orders.

Question 10Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which entity establishes the federal scheduling of a newly identified substance?

  1. DEA through rulemaking under the Controlled Substances Act Correct answer.
  2. The Joint Commission through accreditation standards
  3. The state board of pharmacy independently
  4. The manufacturer through product labeling

Explanation

The DEA administers the Controlled Substances Act and places substances into schedules through formal rulemaking, often after HHS scientific review. State boards may schedule substances under state law, but federal scheduling is a DEA function.

Question 11Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, which of the following is required for a pharmacist to dispense a prescription drug?

  1. A patient signature on every new prescription
  2. A valid prescription from a practitioner authorized to prescribe Correct answer.
  3. A written diagnosis code on the face of the prescription
  4. Approval by the pharmacy's medical director

Explanation

Iowa law requires a valid prescription from a practitioner authorized to prescribe before a pharmacist dispenses a prescription drug. Patient signatures, medical director approval, and mandatory diagnosis codes are not general requirements for every prescription.

Question 12Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

An Iowa pharmacist receives a prescription that appears to have been altered in the quantity written. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Dispense the altered quantity and document the change
  2. Change the quantity to a standard package size
  3. Refuse to dispense and take no further action
  4. Contact the prescriber to verify and document the clarification Correct answer.

Explanation

When a prescription appears altered or ambiguous, the pharmacist should verify with the prescriber and document the clarification before dispensing. Dispensing an unverified altered quantity or silently changing the quantity risks patient harm and violates prescription validity requirements.

Question 13Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa rules, a pharmacist may substitute a therapeutically equivalent generic drug for a prescribed brand-name drug unless which condition applies?

  1. The prescription is written electronically
  2. The prescriber indicates the brand is medically necessary Correct answer.
  3. The patient requests the brand
  4. The generic costs more

Explanation

Iowa follows substitution rules allowing interchange with a therapeutically equivalent generic unless the prescriber indicates the brand is medically necessary or the patient objects. Cost differences and electronic format do not bar substitution.

Question 14Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which Iowa requirement applies to the labeling of a prescription dispensed by a pharmacy?

  1. The label must include directions for use and the pharmacy's identifying information Correct answer.
  2. The label must include the prescriber's DEA number
  3. The label must include the patient's diagnosis
  4. The label must include the wholesale acquisition cost

Explanation

Iowa labeling rules require patient directions for use and identifying information about the pharmacy, consistent with standard prescription labeling. Diagnosis, DEA number, and acquisition cost are not standard required label elements.

Question 15Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

An Iowa pharmacy technician prepares a prescription for pharmacist verification. Which task may the technician perform under Iowa rules?

  1. Enter prescription data for pharmacist review Correct answer.
  2. Perform the final verification of the filled prescription
  3. Make the final therapeutic substitution decision
  4. Provide the final patient counseling

Explanation

Iowa rules allow trained technicians to perform supportive tasks such as data entry, while final verification and patient counseling remain pharmacist responsibilities. Therapeutic substitution decisions also require pharmacist judgment.

Question 16Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, which records must a pharmacy maintain for controlled substance dispensing?

  1. Records only when requested by DEA
  2. Records for all controlled substances dispensed, available for inspection Correct answer.
  3. Records only for prescriptions paid by insurance
  4. Records only for Schedule II drugs

Explanation

Iowa requires pharmacies to maintain records of all controlled substances dispensed, and these records must be available for inspection by authorized agencies. Limiting recordkeeping to Schedule II or to insurance-paid prescriptions would violate recordkeeping requirements.

Question 17Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

An Iowa pharmacist suspects a prescriber is issuing prescriptions outside the usual course of professional practice. What is the appropriate course of action?

  1. Fill only the first prescription and monitor later ones
  2. Refuse to fill and report the concern to the appropriate authority Correct answer.
  3. Fill all prescriptions to avoid disrupting patient care
  4. Ask the patient to obtain a new prescriber without reporting

Explanation

A pharmacist has a corresponding responsibility to ensure prescriptions are issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. If that standard is not met, the pharmacist should decline to dispense and report concerns to the appropriate authority.

Question 18Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under federal law, which of the following is required for a prescriber to obtain a DEA registration?

  1. A hospital admitting privilege
  2. A state license to practice in the state where registered Correct answer.
  3. A separate registration for every patient
  4. Membership in a professional association

Explanation

DEA registration requires the practitioner to be licensed by the state to practice and to be authorized to handle controlled substances. Professional association membership, hospital privileges, and patient-specific registrations are not requirements.

Question 19Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy discovers that a significant quantity of a Schedule II drug is missing during inventory reconciliation. What federal action is required?

  1. Report the theft or significant loss to DEA Correct answer.
  2. Adjust the inventory records to balance the count
  3. No action if the loss is under 5 percent
  4. Report only to the wholesaler

Explanation

Federal regulations require registrants to notify DEA of the theft or significant loss of controlled substances and to complete the required DEA form. Adjusting records to hide a loss or reporting only to a wholesaler does not satisfy this obligation.

Question 20Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which federal form is used to report the theft or significant loss of controlled substances?

  1. DEA Form 41
  2. DEA Form 224
  3. DEA Form 222
  4. DEA Form 106 Correct answer.

Explanation

DEA Form 106 is the report of theft or loss of controlled substances. Form 222 is the order form for Schedule I and II substances, Form 224 is a registration application, and Form 41 concerns destruction records.

Question 21Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, what is the general time frame for a pharmacist to report a suspected impairment issue involving a colleague to the board?

  1. Immediately upon reasonable belief of impairment affecting practice Correct answer.
  2. Within 30 days of a patient complaint
  3. Only if the colleague requests a report
  4. Only after a criminal conviction

Explanation

Iowa law requires reporting of a pharmacist who is reasonably believed to be impaired in a way that affects professional practice, and prompt reporting protects patients. Waiting for a conviction or a patient complaint delays necessary intervention.

Question 22Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which federal provision allows a pharmacist to partially fill a Schedule II prescription?

  1. Partial filling is allowed if the pharmacist cannot supply the full quantity, with the remainder filled within 72 hours Correct answer.
  2. Partial filling is allowed only for hospice patients
  3. Partial filling is allowed only with DEA preapproval
  4. Partial filling is never allowed

Explanation

Federal rules permit a partial fill of a Schedule II prescription when the pharmacist cannot supply the full quantity, provided the remainder is dispensed within 72 hours and the partial quantity is noted. If the remainder is not supplied within 72 hours, the prescriber must be notified and a new prescription is needed.

Question 23Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, which of the following best describes the pharmacist's duty regarding patient counseling?

  1. The pharmacist must offer counseling on new prescriptions and document refusal Correct answer.
  2. Counseling is optional for all prescriptions
  3. Counseling is required only for controlled substances
  4. Counseling may be delegated to a technician without pharmacist oversight

Explanation

Iowa rules require pharmacists to offer counseling on new prescriptions, with documentation when the patient declines. Counseling is not limited to controlled substances and may not be delegated without pharmacist oversight.

Question 24Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A patient presents an out-of-state prescription for a controlled substance at an Iowa pharmacy. Which principle governs whether the pharmacist may fill it?

  1. Only Schedule V prescriptions from other states are valid
  2. Out-of-state prescriptions are never valid in Iowa
  3. The prescription must meet Iowa requirements and the prescriber must be authorized Correct answer.
  4. The pharmacist may fill it only after DEA approval

Explanation

Iowa pharmacies may fill prescriptions from out-of-state prescribers when the prescription meets Iowa requirements and the prescriber is authorized to prescribe. A blanket prohibition or DEA preapproval requirement does not reflect the rule.

Question 25Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which statement best describes the relationship between federal and Iowa controlled substance law?

  1. State law is irrelevant if federal law is followed
  2. Federal law preempts all state controlled substance regulation
  3. Iowa has no controlled substance laws of its own
  4. State law may be more restrictive than federal law, and pharmacists must comply with both Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal law sets a national floor, and states may impose additional or more restrictive requirements. Pharmacists must comply with both federal and Iowa requirements, so following only one set is insufficient.

Question 26Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under federal law, a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance may be refilled how many times, and within what period?

  1. Up to 5 refills within 6 months of the issue date Correct answer.
  2. No refills are permitted for Schedule III substances
  3. Up to 3 refills within 6 months of the issue date
  4. Up to 2 refills within 3 months of the issue date

Explanation

Federal law permits a Schedule III prescription to be refilled up to five times within six months of the date of issue, unless the prescriber specifies a shorter interval. After six months or five refills, a new prescription is required.

Question 27Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacist is asked to dispense a controlled substance based on an oral prescription for a Schedule III drug. What is the federal requirement?

  1. The oral prescription must be followed by a written prescription within 7 days
  2. The oral prescription must be reduced to writing by the pharmacist and is valid without a follow-up Correct answer.
  3. The oral prescription must be confirmed by the patient in writing
  4. The oral prescription is valid only if the prescriber is a specialist

Explanation

Federal law permits oral prescriptions for Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances. The pharmacist must promptly reduce the oral prescription to writing, but no follow-up written prescription is required as it is for Schedule II emergency oral orders.

Question 28Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa rules, a pharmacist may substitute a therapeutically equivalent generic drug for a prescribed brand-name drug unless:

  1. The prescriber writes “dispense as written” or “do not substitute” Correct answer.
  2. The generic drug is less expensive
  3. The patient requests the brand-name drug
  4. The pharmacist has not consulted the patient

Explanation

Iowa law permits generic substitution unless the prescriber indicates that substitution is not allowed, typically by writing “dispense as written” or similar language. Patient requests and cost considerations do not override the prescriber's prohibition.

Question 29Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

An Iowa pharmacy technician prepares a prescription for pharmacist verification. Which task may the technician perform under Iowa law?

  1. Enter prescription data into the pharmacy system Correct answer.
  2. Perform the final check of the filled prescription
  3. Administer an immunization
  4. Counsel the patient on the medication

Explanation

Iowa law allows certified pharmacy technicians to perform certain tasks, including data entry, under pharmacist supervision. Patient counseling, final verification, and immunization administration are reserved for pharmacists or specially trained individuals as authorized.

Question 30Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

An Iowa pharmacist suspects a prescriber is issuing prescriptions outside the usual course of professional practice. What is the pharmacist's obligation?

  1. Confront the prescriber directly
  2. Dispense the prescription but document the concern
  3. Dispense the prescription and report the prescriber to the DEA
  4. Refuse to dispense and notify the Board of Pharmacy Correct answer.

Explanation

A pharmacist who suspects a prescriber is acting outside the usual course of professional practice should refuse to dispense and report the matter to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Dispensing with documentation does not satisfy the duty to report.

Question 31Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy discovers that a significant quantity of a Schedule II drug is missing during inventory reconciliation. What is the required federal action?

  1. Notify the DEA within 60 days and file a DEA Form 41
  2. Notify the state board of pharmacy only
  3. No action is required if the loss is less than 5% of inventory
  4. Notify the DEA within 24 hours and file a DEA Form 106 Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal regulations require a registrant to notify the DEA field division office in writing within 24 hours of discovering a theft or significant loss and to complete a DEA Form 106. The Form 106 documents the circumstances of the loss.

Question 32Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, what is the general time frame for a pharmacist to report a suspected impairment issue involving a colleague?

  1. Immediately or as soon as practicable Correct answer.
  2. Only after the colleague has been terminated
  3. Within 6 months
  4. Within 30 days

Explanation

Iowa law requires a pharmacist who suspects a colleague is impaired to report the matter to the Board of Pharmacy immediately or as soon as practicable. Prompt reporting protects patients and allows the colleague to receive assistance.

Question 33Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A patient presents an out-of-state prescription for a controlled substance at an Iowa pharmacy. Which principle governs whether the pharmacist may dispense it?

  1. The pharmacist may dispense it only if the patient is an Iowa resident
  2. The prescription is valid if it complies with the laws of the state where it was written
  3. The prescription must comply with Iowa law and the pharmacist must verify the prescriber's DEA registration Correct answer.
  4. The pharmacist may never dispense an out-of-state controlled substance prescription

Explanation

An Iowa pharmacist may dispense an out-of-state controlled substance prescription only if it meets Iowa requirements and the prescriber holds a valid DEA registration. The pharmacist must also verify the prescriber's authority and the prescription's authenticity.

Question 34Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, which of the following is a requirement for a pharmacy to maintain its license?

  1. A minimum of five pharmacists on staff
  2. Annual inspection by the DEA
  3. Membership in a national pharmacy association
  4. Compliance with federal and state laws and rules Correct answer.

Explanation

Iowa pharmacies must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and rules to maintain licensure. DEA inspection, association membership, and staffing minimums are not general licensure requirements.

Question 35Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacist in Iowa receives a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance that includes a refill instruction. What is the pharmacist's best course of action?

  1. Contact the prescriber to clarify the refill authorization before dispensing
  2. Refuse to dispense the prescription entirely
  3. Dispense the initial fill and note that refills are not permitted Correct answer.
  4. Dispense the initial fill and allow the refill as written

Explanation

Schedule II prescriptions may not be refilled under federal law. The pharmacist should dispense the initial fill and inform the patient that refills are not allowed, and the prescriber must issue a new prescription for any additional supply.

Question 36Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which federal requirement applies to the secure storage of controlled substances in a pharmacy?

  1. Controlled substances must be stored in the pharmacy manager's office
  2. Controlled substances must be stored in a refrigerator
  3. Controlled substances must be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet Correct answer.
  4. Controlled substances must be stored in a safe that is bolted to the floor

Explanation

Federal regulations require controlled substances to be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or dispersed throughout the stock of noncontrolled substances in a manner that obstructs theft. A refrigerator or office is not a general requirement.

Question 37Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under Iowa law, what is required for a pharmacist to administer an immunization?

  1. A separate DEA registration for vaccines
  2. Annual certification by the Board of Pharmacy
  3. A prescription from a physician for each immunization
  4. Completion of an approved immunization training program and compliance with protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

Iowa law allows pharmacists to administer immunizations after completing an approved training program and following established protocols. A separate DEA registration or individual prescription is not required for each immunization.

Question 38Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy in Iowa is undergoing a change of ownership. What is required regarding its controlled substance registration?

  1. Only the Iowa registration must be updated; the DEA registration transfers automatically
  2. The new owner must obtain a new DEA registration and Iowa controlled substance registration Correct answer.
  3. The pharmacy may continue operating under the old registrations for 90 days
  4. The existing registrations automatically transfer to the new owner

Explanation

A change of ownership requires the new owner to obtain new DEA and Iowa controlled substance registrations. Existing registrations do not automatically transfer, and operating under the old registrations is not permitted.

Question 39Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Which of the following is a valid reason for a pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription under Iowa law?

  1. The patient does not have insurance
  2. The pharmacist has a good-faith belief that the prescription is fraudulent Correct answer.
  3. The patient is rude to the pharmacy staff
  4. The prescription is from an out-of-state prescriber

Explanation

A pharmacist may refuse to fill a prescription if there is a good-faith belief that it is fraudulent or not valid. Refusing based on patient rudeness, out-of-state prescriber status, or lack of insurance is not appropriate.

Question 40Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance may be filled only if it is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice. Which additional federal requirement applies to a written Schedule II prescription?

  1. It must be filled within 14 days of the date issued.
  2. It may be postdated for up to 90 days.
  3. It must include the patient's diagnosis code.
  4. It must be signed by the practitioner on the date it is issued. Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal rules require that a Schedule II prescription be dated as of and signed on the day it is issued, and it may not be postdated or filled after the date it was issued. The 14-day and 90-day figures do not reflect federal Schedule II rules, and diagnosis codes are not a federal Schedule II prescription element.

Question 41Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A prescriber wants to issue a Schedule II controlled substance prescription by telephone to an Iowa pharmacy. Under federal law, when may a pharmacist dispense a Schedule II drug on an oral prescription?

  1. Only in a bona fide emergency, with a written or electronic prescription to follow within 7 days. Correct answer.
  2. Whenever the prescriber promises to mail a written prescription within 30 days.
  3. Whenever the quantity dispensed does not exceed a 72-hour supply.
  4. Never, because Schedule II drugs require a written prescription in all circumstances.

Explanation

Federal law permits an oral Schedule II prescription only in a bona fide emergency, and the prescriber must deliver a written or electronic prescription covering the emergency quantity within 7 days. Routine telephone orders for Schedule II drugs are not allowed, and the 30-day and 72-hour figures are not the federal rule.

Question 42Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy's controlled substance order forms and power of attorney documentation are being reviewed. Which federal document authorizes a specific pharmacy registrant to obtain Schedule II controlled substances from a distributor?

  1. DEA Form 106
  2. DEA Form 222 Correct answer.
  3. DEA Form 41
  4. DEA Form 224

Explanation

DEA Form 222 (now available electronically as the CSOS order) is the order form that a registered pharmacy uses to obtain Schedule II controlled substances. Form 106 reports theft or loss, Form 41 documents destruction, and Form 224 is the application for a new DEA registration.

Question 43Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A patient brings in a prescription for a Schedule II stimulant that was electronically transmitted by a prescriber in a neighboring state. Which federal statement about electronic prescriptions for controlled substances is accurate?

  1. Electronic prescriptions for Schedule II drugs are permitted if the prescriber uses a DEA-compliant electronic prescribing system. Correct answer.
  2. Electronic prescriptions for Schedule II drugs are valid only for a 30-day supply.
  3. Electronic prescribing of Schedule II drugs is prohibited unless the pharmacy is in the same state as the prescriber.
  4. Electronic prescriptions for Schedule II drugs are valid only if the patient signs a paper confirmation at the pharmacy.

Explanation

Federal rules allow electronic prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances when the prescriber uses an application that meets DEA electronic prescription requirements, including identity proofing and two-factor authentication. State boundaries do not invalidate an otherwise compliant electronic prescription, and no patient paper signature or 30-day limit applies.

Question 44Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy is registering with the DEA for the first time. What is the standard period of a DEA registration for a pharmacy?

  1. Five years
  2. One year
  3. Two years
  4. Three years Correct answer.

Explanation

A DEA registration for a pharmacy is issued for a period of three years and must be renewed before it expires. One-year, two-year, and five-year terms do not match the standard DEA registration period for practitioners and pharmacies.

Question 45Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A patient asks a pharmacist to fill a prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance that was written 8 months ago and never filled. Which federal principle governs whether the pharmacist may fill it?

  1. Schedule III prescriptions are valid for one year from the date written under federal law.
  2. Federal law sets a 6-month expiration for all controlled substance prescriptions.
  3. Federal law sets no expiration date for Schedule III prescriptions, so the pharmacist must apply state law and professional judgment. Correct answer.
  4. Schedule III prescriptions never expire under federal law, so the pharmacist must fill it.

Explanation

Federal law does not impose its own expiration date on Schedule III prescriptions; instead, the pharmacist must look to state law and to whether the prescription remains valid and issued for a legitimate medical purpose. A blanket one-year or six-month federal expiration rule does not exist, and a pharmacist is never obligated to fill a stale prescription automatically.

Question 46Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy receives a shipment of a Schedule IV controlled substance and discovers that several dosage units are damaged and must be destroyed. Which federal mechanism is used to document the destruction of controlled substances on site?

  1. DEA Form 224a
  2. DEA Form 222
  3. DEA Form 41 Correct answer.
  4. DEA Form 363

Explanation

DEA Form 41 is the record used to document the destruction of controlled substances, including on-site destruction witnessed as required. Form 222 orders Schedule II drugs, Form 224a is a registration renewal application, and Form 363 is the registration application for narcotic treatment programs.

Question 47Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacist is reviewing a prescription for a Schedule V cough preparation that contains a controlled substance. Which federal statement about Schedule V prescriptions is correct?

  1. Schedule V controlled substances may never be dispensed without a prescription under federal law.
  2. Schedule V controlled substances may be sold without a prescription in some circumstances only if state law permits it. Correct answer.
  3. Schedule V prescriptions are subject to the same federal refill limits as Schedule II prescriptions.
  4. Schedule V prescriptions must be written on a DEA Form 222.

Explanation

Federal law permits certain Schedule V preparations to be sold at retail without a prescription when state law allows it and the federal conditions are met. Schedule V drugs are not subject to Schedule II refill restrictions, and Form 222 is an ordering document rather than a prescription form.

Question 48Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy technician at an Iowa pharmacy is asked to receive a shipment of Schedule II controlled substances. Which statement about this task is correct under federal rules?

  1. Any employee of the pharmacy may sign for the shipment as long as the invoice is later reviewed.
  2. The shipment may be signed for by a delivery driver and left at the pharmacy door.
  3. Only a pharmacist who is registered or authorized may sign for and receive the controlled substance shipment. Correct answer.
  4. The shipment may be received only by the DEA-registered prescriber who wrote the orders.

Explanation

Federal regulations require that controlled substances be received by a pharmacist or other authorized person who is registered or authorized to handle them, and the receiving record must be maintained. Allowing any employee, a delivery driver, or the prescriber to sign does not satisfy the receiving requirement.

Question 49Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A patient presents a prescription for a Schedule II opioid written by a physician assistant. Which federal requirement applies to the prescriber's authority?

  1. Physician assistants may never prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under federal law.
  2. Physician assistants may prescribe Schedule II drugs only if the pharmacy is located in a rural area.
  3. Physician assistants may prescribe Schedule II drugs only if the patient is over 65 years old.
  4. Physician assistants may prescribe Schedule II drugs if their DEA registration and state authority permit it. Correct answer.

Explanation

Federal law allows mid-level practitioners such as physician assistants to obtain DEA registration and prescribe controlled substances, including Schedule II drugs, when their state license and scope of practice permit it. There is no federal age limit or rural-location condition for such prescribing.

Question 50Federal and Iowa pharmacy law and rules

A pharmacy's controlled substance inventory records are being reviewed. Which federal inventory requirement applies to a pharmacy that is newly registered with the DEA?

  1. An initial inventory is required only after the first controlled substance is dispensed.
  2. An initial inventory must be taken on the date the pharmacy begins business, and biennial inventories must follow. Correct answer.
  3. Only Schedule II drugs must be inventoried; other schedules are exempt.
  4. Inventories are required only when the DEA requests them.

Explanation

A newly registered pharmacy must take an initial inventory on the date it begins business and must take a biennial inventory every two years thereafter. The requirement covers all controlled substances in the pharmacy's possession, not only Schedule II drugs, and it is not triggered by a DEA request.