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NH MPJE practice questions

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Question 1Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Under the Minnesota Pharmacy Practice Act, which individual may lawfully dispense prescription medications to patients?

  1. A certified medical assistant employed by a clinic
  2. A licensed pharmacist or a pharmacy intern acting under direct pharmacist supervision Correct answer.
  3. A registered pharmacy technician working without supervision
  4. A pharmacy clerk with two years of on-the-job training

Explanation

Minnesota law reserves the dispensing function to licensed pharmacists and to interns working under a supervising pharmacist's direct control. Technicians may assist in supportive tasks but cannot independently dispense, and unlicensed personnel such as clerks or medical assistants have no dispensing authority.

Question 2Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician registration applicant must meet which of the following requirements before the Board will issue a registration?

  1. Completion of a Board-approved technician training program or its equivalent Correct answer.
  2. Graduation from an accredited college of pharmacy
  3. A passing score on the NAPLEX
  4. A current DEA registration number

Explanation

Minnesota requires technician applicants to complete a Board-approved training program or otherwise demonstrate equivalent training before registration is granted. NAPLEX and pharmacy school graduation are requirements for pharmacist licensure, not technician registration, and DEA registration is not a technician credential.

Question 3Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which activity is a pharmacy intern in Minnesota permitted to perform while on rotation?

  1. Taking a new prescription order over the telephone from a prescriber's office Correct answer.
  2. Signing a controlled substance inventory record as the responsible party
  3. Performing a final verification of a prescription filled by another intern
  4. Counseling a patient on a new prescription without any pharmacist involvement

Explanation

Interns may take new prescription orders by telephone as part of their supervised training, because the pharmacist subsequently reviews and verifies the order. Final verification, independent counseling, and signing as the responsible party all require the licensed pharmacist's authority.

Question 4Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacist's license has lapsed because she failed to renew. What is her legal status if she continues to practice before reinstatement?

  1. She may practice for up to 90 days while renewal is pending
  2. She may practice if a licensed pharmacist cosigns her work
  3. She is practicing without a license and subject to Board discipline Correct answer.
  4. She may practice because her education and examination remain valid

Explanation

A lapsed license means the individual is no longer licensed, and practicing during that period constitutes unlicensed practice subject to Board action. Prior education or exam passage does not create authority to practice, and no grace period or cosignature arrangement cures the lapse.

Question 5Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which body has statutory authority to adopt rules governing the practice of pharmacy in Minnesota?

  1. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration
  2. The state medical board
  3. The state department of health
  4. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Correct answer.

Explanation

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy is the agency empowered by the Pharmacy Practice Act to license pharmacists and pharmacies and to adopt implementing rules. The health department, DEA, and medical board regulate other domains and do not set pharmacy practice standards.

Question 6Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota community pharmacy wants to add a remote dispensing site in a rural clinic. What must the pharmacy obtain before operating that site?

  1. A DEA registration for each prescriber at the clinic
  2. Only a business license from the city
  3. A separate pharmacy license or registration for the site as required by the Board Correct answer.
  4. Written approval from the clinic's medical director alone

Explanation

Each location where pharmacy services are provided must be separately licensed or registered with the Board of Pharmacy, and the parent pharmacy must meet supervision and recordkeeping requirements. City business licenses and prescriber DEA registrations do not authorize pharmacy operations at a new site.

Question 7Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

In Minnesota, which task may a registered pharmacy technician perform without a pharmacist's direct, immediate supervision?

  1. Reconciling a controlled substance inventory count
  2. Entering prescription data into the pharmacy system for later pharmacist verification Correct answer.
  3. Counseling a patient about a drug interaction
  4. Approving a refill request that has no remaining refills

Explanation

Data entry of prescription information is a supportive technician task that is permissible because the pharmacist performs the final verification before dispensing. Counseling, approving refills without authorization, and reconciling controlled substance inventory require pharmacist involvement.

Question 8Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A pharmacy intern in Minnesota has completed all licensure requirements and received a license. When does the intern license expire?

  1. It never expires once issued
  2. Automatically upon graduation from pharmacy school
  3. On the expiration date set by the Board, typically tied to the renewal cycle Correct answer.
  4. Ten years after issuance

Explanation

Intern licenses are time-limited and expire on the date established by the Board, generally following a defined renewal cycle rather than lasting indefinitely. Graduation alone does not automatically void the license, and there is no ten-year term.

Question 9Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which of the following best describes the pharmacist-in-charge role in a Minnesota pharmacy?

  1. A pharmacist who oversees compliance with pharmacy law and is responsible for the pharmacy's operations Correct answer.
  2. A technician designated to manage daily workflow
  3. A physician who supervises clinical services
  4. A corporate officer who owns the pharmacy building

Explanation

The pharmacist-in-charge is the licensed pharmacist accountable for the pharmacy's compliance with statutes and rules, including recordkeeping and supervision of personnel. This role cannot be filled by a technician, a non-pharmacist owner, or a physician.

Question 10Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician's registration is suspended by the Board. What is the technician's status regarding pharmacy work?

  1. Must cease performing pharmacy technician functions until reinstated Correct answer.
  2. May continue working if the pharmacist-in-charge approves
  3. May work only in non-dispensing areas such as the front register
  4. May work for a different pharmacy that is unaware of the suspension

Explanation

A suspended registration removes the technician's authority to perform registered technician functions anywhere in the state. Pharmacist approval or a change of employer does not restore that authority, and non-dispensing clerk duties are not a substitute registration.

Question 11Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which statement about continuing education for Minnesota pharmacist license renewal is correct?

  1. Continuing education is required only for pharmacists who dispense controlled substances
  2. A specified number of Board-approved contact hours must be completed each renewal cycle Correct answer.
  3. Continuing education credits from any unaccredited source are accepted
  4. No continuing education is required after the first renewal

Explanation

Minnesota pharmacists must complete a defined number of approved continuing education hours each renewal cycle to maintain licensure. The requirement applies to all pharmacists regardless of practice setting, and credits must come from recognized providers rather than arbitrary sources.

Question 12Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy receives a prescription for a controlled substance that appears altered. What is the pharmacist's most appropriate action?

  1. Fill it because the prescriber's signature is present
  2. Fill it and report the concern after dispensing
  3. Refuse to speak with the patient and discard the prescription
  4. Verify the prescription with the prescriber before dispensing and document the contact Correct answer.

Explanation

When a controlled substance prescription appears altered or questionable, the pharmacist must resolve the concern with the prescriber before dispensing and document the verification. Filling first and reporting later defeats the purpose, and discarding without follow-up is not appropriate.

Question 13Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which entity must register with the DEA to handle controlled substances in a Minnesota pharmacy?

  1. Each individual pharmacy technician
  2. Each patient receiving a controlled substance
  3. The pharmacy's landlord
  4. The pharmacy itself, through its DEA registration Correct answer.

Explanation

DEA registration is issued to the pharmacy as a registrant so it may order, store, and dispense controlled substances. Technicians, patients, and landlords do not hold the pharmacy's DEA registration.

Question 14Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacist is asked to dispense a drug that is not FDA-approved but is permitted under state law for a specific use. What must the pharmacist ensure?

  1. That the drug is stored separately from all other inventory
  2. That the applicable legal requirements and prescriber authorization are satisfied Correct answer.
  3. That the drug is dispensed without any documentation
  4. That the patient signs a waiver releasing the pharmacy from all liability

Explanation

Dispensing a non-FDA-approved product is lawful only when the specific statutory conditions and valid prescriber authorization are met, with appropriate records. A blanket liability waiver or separate storage does not create legal authority to dispense.

Question 15Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which of the following individuals is required to be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy?

  1. A pharmaceutical sales representative
  2. A pharmacy cashier
  3. A pharmacist providing medication therapy management Correct answer.
  4. A hospital volunteer who delivers medications to nursing units

Explanation

Pharmacists, including those providing medication therapy management, must hold a current Minnesota license. Cashiers, volunteers, and sales representatives are not licensed pharmacy personnel under the Act.

Question 16Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy intern wants to administer a vaccine. What is required?

  1. A separate medical license
  2. Approval only from the vaccine manufacturer
  3. Compliance with the Board's requirements for intern immunization training and supervision Correct answer.
  4. Nothing, because interns may administer any vaccine independently

Explanation

Interns may administer immunizations only when they have completed the training required by the Board and act under the appropriate pharmacist supervision and protocol. A medical license or manufacturer approval is not the governing requirement.

Question 17Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which recordkeeping obligation applies to a Minnesota pharmacy that compounds sterile preparations?

  1. Records may be discarded immediately after dispensing
  2. Records of the compounding, ingredients, and quality checks must be maintained as required by rule Correct answer.
  3. No records are required if the preparation is used within one hour
  4. Only the patient's name must be recorded

Explanation

Sterile compounding is subject to Board rules requiring documentation of the compounding process, ingredients, and quality assurance checks. Records cannot be omitted or immediately discarded, and recording only the patient name is insufficient.

Question 18Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician is asked to perform a task outside the technician's registered scope. What should the technician do?

  1. Perform the task because a pharmacist requested it
  2. Perform the task but document it as pharmacist work
  3. Decline and refer the matter to the supervising pharmacist Correct answer.
  4. Ask a coworker to perform the task instead

Explanation

Technicians must practice within the scope authorized by their registration and Board rules, regardless of who requests otherwise. Declining and escalating to the pharmacist protects both the technician and the pharmacy from unlawful delegation.

Question 19Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which statement about a Minnesota pharmacy's obligation to report a change of pharmacist-in-charge is correct?

  1. No report is needed because the change is internal
  2. Notification is required only if the pharmacy changes ownership
  3. Only the DEA must be notified
  4. The Board must be notified as required by rule within the specified timeframe Correct answer.

Explanation

A change in the pharmacist-in-charge is a reportable event that must be submitted to the Board within the timeframe established by rule. Internal staffing changes and ownership transfers are separate matters, and DEA notification alone does not satisfy state reporting.

Question 20Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacist suspects a prescriber is issuing fraudulent controlled substance prescriptions. What is the appropriate course of action?

  1. Refuse to fill and report the concern to the appropriate authorities Correct answer.
  2. Ask the patient to confirm the prescriptions are legitimate
  3. Fill the prescriptions to avoid conflict with the prescriber
  4. Fill only the first prescription and monitor future ones

Explanation

A pharmacist who reasonably suspects fraud must decline to dispense and report the concern to the Board or law enforcement as appropriate. Filling to avoid conflict or relying on patient assurances does not discharge the pharmacist's legal and professional duty.

Question 21Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which of the following is a permissible function of a Minnesota pharmacy clerk?

  1. Receiving a new prescription order by telephone
  2. Verifying a filled prescription before it leaves the pharmacy
  3. Stocking shelves and processing customer payments Correct answer.
  4. Counseling a patient on how to take a medication

Explanation

Clerks may perform non-pharmacist tasks such as stocking and cashiering but cannot take new prescription orders, verify fills, or counsel patients. Those functions are reserved to licensed pharmacists or appropriately supervised interns.

Question 22Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy intern is completing a rotation in a hospital. Which activity requires the supervising pharmacist's direct involvement?

  1. Performing the final check on a compounded sterile product before release Correct answer.
  2. Counting unit doses for a floor stock order
  3. Reviewing a patient's medication list for the pharmacist's assessment
  4. Entering allergy information into the patient record

Explanation

Final verification and release of a compounded sterile product require the licensed pharmacist's check, because the intern cannot assume final responsibility for a preparation intended for patient use. Gathering information, data entry, and counting doses are supportive tasks an intern may perform.

Question 23Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which requirement applies to a Minnesota pharmacy that provides prescription services over the internet?

  1. Only a website registration is required
  2. A DEA registration alone is sufficient
  3. No state license is needed because the internet is federally regulated
  4. The pharmacy must hold a valid Minnesota license and meet the same practice standards as a physical pharmacy Correct answer.

Explanation

Internet-based pharmacy services are held to the same licensure and practice standards as any Minnesota pharmacy, and the pharmacy must be properly licensed. Website registration or DEA registration alone does not satisfy state licensure requirements.

Question 24Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician registration applicant has a prior felony conviction. What is the Board's likely approach?

  1. Automatic permanent denial with no review
  2. Automatic approval because the conviction is unrelated to pharmacy
  3. Referral to the DEA for a final decision
  4. Evaluation of the conviction under the Board's licensure standards, which may include review of rehabilitation and risk Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board evaluates criminal history under its licensure standards, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, rehabilitation, and risk to the public, rather than applying an automatic bar. The DEA does not decide state technician registration.

Question 25Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between a Minnesota pharmacist license and a pharmacy license?

  1. A pharmacist license is personal to the individual, while the pharmacy license is issued to the business location Correct answer.
  2. A pharmacy license authorizes the owner to practice pharmacy personally
  3. Both licenses are issued to the same individual
  4. A pharmacy license replaces the need for pharmacist licenses

Explanation

Pharmacist licensure is personal and follows the individual, whereas a pharmacy license is issued to a specific business location and requires a pharmacist-in-charge. Holding one does not confer the authority of the other.

Question 26Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

In Minnesota, a person who is not a licensed pharmacist or registered technician and who is enrolled in an accredited college of pharmacy may perform pharmacy tasks only under what arrangement?

  1. As a clerk who may perform pharmacist duties after 30 days of training
  2. As a pharmacy intern registered with the Board and working under pharmacist supervision Correct answer.
  3. As a technician trainee without any Board registration
  4. As an unregistered volunteer supervised by any pharmacy employee

Explanation

Minnesota requires pharmacy interns to be registered with the Board of Pharmacy and to practice under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Unregistered individuals may not perform the functions reserved for interns, technicians, or pharmacists.

Question 27Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician registration comes up for renewal. Which statement describes the continuing education expectation for maintaining technician registration?

  1. Technicians must complete the same CE hours as pharmacists
  2. Technicians are exempt from continuing education if employed continuously
  3. Technicians must complete Board-specified continuing education hours each renewal cycle Correct answer.
  4. Technicians need CE only if they compound sterile preparations

Explanation

Minnesota requires registered pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education as set by the Board during each renewal period. The requirement applies regardless of continuous employment and differs from the pharmacist CE requirement.

Question 28Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy wants to operate a temporary location at a health fair for two days. Which approach best reflects the Board's licensing framework?

  1. Operate freely because events under one week need no authorization
  2. Obtain any required Board authorization for the temporary site before operating Correct answer.
  3. Use the existing pharmacy license with no notice to the Board
  4. Register the site with the DEA only

Explanation

Pharmacy practice in Minnesota must occur at a licensed pharmacy location, and temporary or remote sites require appropriate Board authorization before dispensing occurs. Operating without that authorization exposes the pharmacy to discipline.

Question 29Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which individual is authorized to provide direct supervision of a Minnesota pharmacy technician performing technical tasks?

  1. A registered intern working alone
  2. A certified technician with five years of experience
  3. A licensed pharmacist physically present in the pharmacy Correct answer.
  4. A pharmacy clerk designated by the pharmacist-in-charge

Explanation

Technician tasks in Minnesota must be performed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist who is present in the pharmacy. Other technicians, clerks, and interns cannot substitute for pharmacist supervision.

Question 30Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacist-in-charge leaves the position. What is the pharmacy's obligation regarding the Board?

  1. Notify the Board of the change and identify a new pharmacist-in-charge within the required timeframe Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next license renewal to disclose the change
  3. Notify only the DEA, since the PIC is a federal role
  4. Take no action if another pharmacist is on staff

Explanation

Minnesota requires the pharmacy to report a change in pharmacist-in-charge to the Board and to designate a replacement within the timeframe the Board specifies. Failing to report can jeopardize the pharmacy license.

Question 31Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy clerk is asked to perform a task. Which task falls within a clerk's permissible role?

  1. Counsel a patient on how to use an inhaler
  2. Verify the final accuracy of a filled prescription
  3. Transfer a prescription to another pharmacy
  4. Ring up a sale and bag a completed prescription at the register Correct answer.

Explanation

Clerks may perform non-technical, non-clinical duties such as cashiering and bagging completed prescriptions. Clinical functions like final verification, counseling, and transfers require a pharmacist or registered technician as permitted.

Question 32Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician registration applicant discloses a felony conviction from several years ago. How does the Board generally approach such an application?

  1. It evaluates the conviction's nature and relevance to pharmacy practice as part of the fitness review Correct answer.
  2. It refers the application to the DEA for a final decision
  3. It automatically denies any applicant with a felony conviction
  4. It grants registration but forbids all patient contact

Explanation

Minnesota reviews applications individually, considering factors such as the nature and recency of the offense and its relationship to pharmacy practice. A conviction is not an automatic bar to registration.

Question 33Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which statement accurately distinguishes a Minnesota pharmacist license from a Minnesota pharmacy license?

  1. Both licenses are issued to the same individual applicant
  2. Only the pharmacist license is required for a location to dispense
  3. The pharmacist license authorizes an individual to practice, while the pharmacy license authorizes a location to operate Correct answer.
  4. The pharmacy license authorizes individuals, while the pharmacist license authorizes locations

Explanation

Minnesota issues individual licenses to pharmacists and a separate license to each pharmacy location. A location cannot operate without a pharmacy license even if licensed pharmacists are employed there.

Question 34Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota intern is completing a hospital rotation. Which activity requires the supervising pharmacist to be physically present and directly overseeing the intern?

  1. Completing a written patient education handout
  2. Reviewing a published clinical guideline
  3. Attending an interdisciplinary team meeting
  4. Performing a final check on a compounded sterile product before release Correct answer.

Explanation

Activities that constitute the practice of pharmacy, such as final verification of a compounded preparation for release, require pharmacist supervision of the intern. Educational and non-dispensing activities do not carry the same direct supervision requirement.

Question 35Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy plans to dispense prescriptions to patients through a website. Which requirement applies?

  1. The pharmacy needs only a federal DEA registration to operate online
  2. The pharmacy must hold a Minnesota pharmacy license and comply with Board standards for internet practice Correct answer.
  3. The pharmacy may operate online without any state license if the prescriber is in Minnesota
  4. The pharmacy must obtain a separate license for each patient's state of residence only

Explanation

Internet dispensing is still the practice of pharmacy and requires a Minnesota pharmacy license with adherence to Board standards, including patient verification and counseling. Federal registration alone does not authorize state pharmacy practice.

Question 36Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy technician's registration lapses because the renewal fee was not paid. What is the technician's status?

  1. The technician may not perform technician functions until the registration is reinstated Correct answer.
  2. The technician may continue working while the fee is pending
  3. The technician may perform pharmacist duties in the interim
  4. The technician may work only in a hospital setting

Explanation

Performing technician functions without a current registration is unlicensed practice in Minnesota. The technician must stop those duties until the registration is reinstated by the Board.

Question 37Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which document must a Minnesota pharmacy maintain to demonstrate that its technicians are properly registered?

  1. Records verifying current Board registration status for each technician Correct answer.
  2. A federal background check certificate for each technician
  3. A DEA power of attorney for each technician
  4. A copy of each technician's high school diploma

Explanation

Minnesota pharmacies must be able to show that each technician performing pharmacy functions holds a current Board registration. Diplomas and federal documents do not establish state registration.

Question 38Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy wants to add a second location in another city. What is required before dispensing at the new site?

  1. Register only with the DEA at the new site
  2. Obtain a separate pharmacy license for the new location from the Board Correct answer.
  3. Notify the Board and begin dispensing within 30 days
  4. Use the existing pharmacy license because ownership is unchanged

Explanation

Each Minnesota pharmacy location must hold its own pharmacy license; a license is site-specific and does not transfer with ownership. The new site must be licensed before dispensing begins.

Question 39Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

A Minnesota pharmacy intern has not yet passed the licensure examinations but has graduated. Which statement best describes the intern's permitted scope while awaiting licensure?

  1. The intern may supervise technicians without a pharmacist present
  2. The intern may practice independently as a pharmacist until exam results arrive
  3. The intern may dispense without any Board registration after graduation
  4. The intern may continue performing intern duties under pharmacist supervision while registered as an intern Correct answer.

Explanation

Until licensed as a pharmacist, a graduate must maintain intern registration and practice under pharmacist supervision. Graduation alone does not confer pharmacist authority.

Question 40Pharmacy Practice and Licensing (practice of pharmacy, licensure, registration, pharmacy technicians, interns, permits)

Which statement about the pharmacist-in-charge in a Minnesota pharmacy is accurate?

  1. The PIC must personally verify every prescription filled
  2. The PIC must be a part-owner of the pharmacy
  3. The PIC may delegate all compliance duties to a technician
  4. The PIC is responsible for ensuring the pharmacy complies with Board law and rules Correct answer.

Explanation

The pharmacist-in-charge bears responsibility for the pharmacy's compliance with Minnesota pharmacy law and Board rules. This oversight role does not require personal verification of every prescription or ownership interest.

Question 41Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

Under Minnesota law, a prescription drug order must be retained by the pharmacy for at least how long after the date of the last refill?

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

Explanation

Minnesota requires pharmacies to keep prescription records for at least two years from the date of dispensing or the last refill, and they must be readily retrievable for inspection by the Board of Pharmacy.

Question 42Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A Minnesota pharmacist receives an oral prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance for a patient in a long-term care facility. Which statement about oral Schedule II orders is accurate?

  1. They are permitted only in genuine emergency situations with a written follow-up within 7 days Correct answer.
  2. They are permitted routinely if the pharmacist documents the call
  3. They are never permitted for any controlled substance in Minnesota
  4. They require a follow-up prescription within 30 days

Explanation

Federal DEA rules allow an oral Schedule II order only in a genuine emergency, and the prescriber must deliver a written prescription within seven days. Routine oral Schedule II orders are not authorized.

Question 43Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A prescriber writes a prescription for a Schedule III drug with no refills indicated. How many refills may the pharmacist dispense under federal rules?

  1. One
  2. None Correct answer.
  3. Five
  4. Three

Explanation

A Schedule III prescription that does not authorize refills may not be refilled at all. Refills require specific authorization on the prescription, up to a maximum of five within six months.

Question 44Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

Under federal law, a prescription for a Schedule IV controlled substance may be refilled for a maximum period of how long after the date of issue?

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

Explanation

Schedule III and IV prescriptions may be refilled up to five times within six months of the issue date. After six months, a new prescription is required.

Question 45Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A Minnesota pharmacy transfers a prescription for a non-controlled drug to another pharmacy at the patient's request. Which record must the transferring pharmacy create?

  1. Only a note in the patient profile that the drug was discontinued
  2. A record documenting the transfer, including the receiving pharmacy and pharmacist Correct answer.
  3. No record, because transfers of non-controlled drugs are undocumented
  4. A copy of the original prescription mailed to the Board

Explanation

Even for non-controlled drugs, the transferring pharmacy must document the transfer, identifying the receiving pharmacy and pharmacist, so the chain of custody is traceable.

Question 46Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A patient asks a Minnesota pharmacy to transfer a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance to another pharmacy. Which statement reflects current federal policy?

  1. Schedule II transfers require written Board approval
  2. Schedule II prescriptions can never be transferred under any circumstance
  3. A one-time transfer for initial dispensing is permitted if both pharmacies document it electronically Correct answer.
  4. Schedule II transfers are allowed only for refills

Explanation

DEA now permits a one-time transfer of an unfilled electronic Schedule II prescription between pharmacies for initial dispensing, provided both parties maintain required records.

Question 47Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

Which element is required on the label of a prescription dispensed in Minnesota?

  1. The patient's insurance identification number
  2. The wholesale acquisition cost of the drug
  3. The prescriber's DEA number
  4. The name and address of the pharmacy Correct answer.

Explanation

Minnesota labeling rules require the pharmacy name and address along with other elements such as the prescription number, patient name, directions, and date. The DEA number, drug cost, and insurance number are not required label elements.

Question 48Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A Minnesota pharmacist dispenses a prescription and provides counseling. Which statement about patient counseling obligations is correct?

  1. Counseling is optional and need not be documented
  2. Counseling must be offered on each new prescription and documented if refused Correct answer.
  3. Counseling is required only for controlled substances
  4. Counseling is required only for new patients

Explanation

Minnesota requires the pharmacist to offer counseling on each new prescription, and the offer and any refusal should be documented in the patient record.

Question 49Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A prescription is presented for a drug with a recognized therapeutic equivalent that is less expensive. Under Minnesota substitution rules, what may the pharmacist do?

  1. Substitute the equivalent unless the prescriber indicates the brand is medically necessary Correct answer.
  2. Substitute only with the patient's written consent and Board notification
  3. Never substitute without a new prescription
  4. Substitute only for generic drugs with the same manufacturer

Explanation

Minnesota permits substitution of a therapeutically equivalent generic unless the prescriber has indicated that the brand is medically necessary, and the patient must be informed of the substitution.

Question 50Prescription Processing and Dispensing (prescription requirements, refills, transfers, labeling, patient counseling)

A pharmacist receives a prescription with an unclear quantity for a non-controlled drug. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Contact the prescriber to clarify the quantity before dispensing Correct answer.
  2. Dispense the smallest package size available
  3. Dispense a standard 30-day supply and note the change
  4. Refuse to fill the prescription permanently

Explanation

An ambiguous prescription element must be clarified with the prescriber before dispensing. The pharmacist may not guess a quantity or unilaterally alter the order.