I85PREP
⌘ K
PA MPJE study materials
PA MPJE study resources

PA MPJE practice questions

One question at a time. Build your PA MPJE understanding.

First 50 of 199 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which body has primary statutory authority to license and discipline pharmacists in Pennsylvania?

  1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  2. The Pennsylvania Department of Health
  3. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
  4. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy Correct answer.

Explanation

The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act creates the State Board of Pharmacy within the Department of State and gives it authority over pharmacist and pharmacy licensure and professional discipline. Federal agencies such as FDA and DEA regulate drugs and controlled substances but do not license Pennsylvania pharmacists.

Question 2Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which federal agency is responsible for approving new prescription drug products for marketing in the United States?

  1. Federal Trade Commission
  2. Drug Enforcement Administration
  3. Food and Drug Administration Correct answer.
  4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Explanation

The FDA reviews and approves new drug applications and determines whether drug products may be marketed. The DEA regulates controlled substances, CMS administers Medicare and Medicaid, and the FTC addresses trade practices.

Question 3Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A Pennsylvania pharmacy that will store and dispense controlled substances must obtain which federal registration?

  1. An FTC consumer-protection permit
  2. A DEA registration Correct answer.
  3. A CMS provider agreement
  4. An FDA establishment registration

Explanation

The federal Controlled Substances Act requires persons who dispense controlled substances to register with the DEA, unless an exception applies. A Pennsylvania pharmacy also needs state licensure and a Board pharmacy permit.

Question 4Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Each separately located pharmacy in Pennsylvania must hold which authorization from the State Board of Pharmacy?

  1. A Department of Health hospital license
  2. A pharmacy permit from the Board Correct answer.
  3. A pharmacist license for the owner
  4. A DEA registration for each prescriber

Explanation

A pharmacy permit is issued by the Board for a specific pharmacy location and is distinct from an individual pharmacist license. Each location must be properly permitted and operated under the Pharmacy Act and Board regulations.

Question 5Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Under Pennsylvania law, which service may a licensed pharmacist provide when authorized by the appropriate protocol or standing order?

  1. Performing minor surgery
  2. Independently diagnosing influenza
  3. Administering certain immunizations Correct answer.
  4. Prescribing Schedule II stimulants

Explanation

Pennsylvania authorizes pharmacists to administer certain immunizations under prescribed protocols or standing orders. Pharmacists do not thereby gain independent authority to diagnose, prescribe Schedule II stimulants, or perform surgery.

Question 6Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Under Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy regulations, how long must prescription records be retained?

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

Explanation

Pennsylvania pharmacy regulations require prescription and related records to be maintained for five years and made available for inspection. This supports accountability, audits, and Board investigations.

Question 7Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which action may the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy take against a pharmacist who violates the Pharmacy Act?

  1. Order the pharmacist to pay federal income tax
  2. Approve a new drug for marketing
  3. Suspend or revoke the pharmacist's license Correct answer.
  4. Impose a criminal prison sentence

Explanation

The Board may impose professional discipline, including reprimand, suspension, revocation, and civil penalties. Criminal sentencing belongs to courts, and drug marketing approval belongs to the FDA.

Question 8Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which statement correctly describes Schedule I controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act?

  1. They are available only by prescription
  2. They have a currently accepted medical use in treatment
  3. They may be refilled up to five times
  4. They have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use Correct answer.

Explanation

Schedule I substances are placed in the most restrictive category because they have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Prescriptions and refills are not authorized for Schedule I substances.

Question 9Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy adopts regulations that govern pharmacy practice. Those regulations are promulgated under which authority?

  1. The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code
  2. The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
  3. The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act Correct answer.
  4. The federal Controlled Substances Act

Explanation

The Board's rulemaking authority comes from the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act, which directs the Board to regulate pharmacy practice and licensure. Federal statutes such as the FDCA and CSA may impose separate requirements but do not supply the Board's state practice rulemaking authority.

Question 10Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A pharmacist holds a valid DEA registration but allows the Pennsylvania pharmacist license to lapse. What is the effect on the pharmacist's authority to handle controlled substances in Pennsylvania?

  1. DEA registration authorizes practice regardless of state licensure
  2. The pharmacist may continue for 90 days while renewing
  3. The pharmacist may delegate controlled substance authority to a technician
  4. The pharmacist may not handle controlled substances because state licensure is a prerequisite Correct answer.

Explanation

DEA registration depends on valid state authorization to practice; a lapsed Pennsylvania license removes the basis for controlled-substance handling in the state. A DEA registration alone does not authorize pharmacy practice.

Question 11Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A prescriber issues a prescription for a Schedule II opioid and writes “refill twice” on the prescription. What is the pharmacist's correct action?

  1. Dispense the original only, because Schedule II prescriptions may not be refilled Correct answer.
  2. Dispense the original plus two refills
  3. Dispense the original plus one refill
  4. Hold the prescription until the prescriber removes the refill instruction

Explanation

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, Schedule II prescriptions may not be refilled. The pharmacist may dispense the original prescription if it is otherwise valid, but the refill instruction has no legal effect.

Question 12Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

In Pennsylvania, which entity administers the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to which dispensers report controlled substance prescriptions?

  1. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
  2. The Pennsylvania Department of Health Correct answer.
  3. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy
  4. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Explanation

Pennsylvania's PDMP is administered by the Department of Health, and dispensers submit required controlled-substance dispensing data to it. The Board of Pharmacy licenses pharmacies and pharmacists but does not administer the PDMP database.

Question 13Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Under Pennsylvania's naloxone standing order, how may a pharmacist dispense naloxone to a person at risk of opioid overdose?

  1. Only when the person is admitted to a hospital
  2. Only after the person obtains a prescription from an emergency physician
  3. Only to the person's family members
  4. Without a patient-specific prescription, under the statewide standing order Correct answer.

Explanation

Pennsylvania's standing order allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to persons at risk, and to certain others, without a patient-specific prescription. The goal is to improve access to an opioid overdose antidote.

Question 14Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which item is required on a Pennsylvania prescription label?

  1. The prescriber's home address
  2. The prescription number and date of dispensing Correct answer.
  3. The patient's Social Security number
  4. The wholesale acquisition cost of the drug

Explanation

Pennsylvania labeling regulations require core dispensing information, including the prescription number and dispensing date, along with pharmacy and patient information, drug name and directions, and prescriber identification. Social Security numbers, prescriber home addresses, and wholesale acquisition cost are not required label elements.

Question 15Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Under Pennsylvania law, when may a pharmacist substitute a generic drug for a prescribed brand-name drug?

  1. Only when the patient pays cash
  2. Only after the prescriber issues a new prescription for the generic
  3. Whenever the pharmacist chooses, without any standard
  4. When the generic is FDA-approved and therapeutically equivalent, unless the prescriber indicates no substitution Correct answer.

Explanation

Pennsylvania permits substitution with an FDA-approved therapeutically equivalent product unless the prescriber directs otherwise. The substitution must comply with applicable labeling and notification requirements.

Question 16Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A pharmacy intern in Pennsylvania may perform pharmacist tasks only under what condition?

  1. After the intern obtains a DEA registration
  2. When no pharmacist is on duty
  3. Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist Correct answer.
  4. After the intern passes the MPJE

Explanation

Pharmacy interns may perform duties that support pharmacy practice only under the supervision required by Board regulations. They do not practice independently merely because they have passed an examination or obtained a federal registration.

Question 17Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which statement describes the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy's inspection authority over a licensed pharmacy?

  1. The Board may inspect only after a patient files a lawsuit
  2. The Board may inspect only with the DEA's written consent
  3. The Board has no inspection authority over pharmacies
  4. Board inspectors may inspect the pharmacy and its records to determine compliance Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board and its authorized representatives may inspect pharmacies and review records to determine compliance with the Pharmacy Act and Board regulations. A patient lawsuit or DEA consent is not a prerequisite.

Question 18Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

How does the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy address continuing education for pharmacist license renewal?

  1. It accepts only continuing education approved by the FDA
  2. It requires continuing education only for pharmacists who dispense controlled substances
  3. It requires completion of Board-approved continuing education during each renewal cycle Correct answer.
  4. It requires no continuing education after initial licensure

Explanation

Pennsylvania requires pharmacists to complete Board-approved continuing education as part of the renewal process. The requirement applies generally to pharmacist renewal, not only to controlled-substance dispensers, and the FDA does not approve pharmacist CE.

Question 19Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

What is the purpose of a DEA Form 222?

  1. To report a theft of controlled substances
  2. To register a new pharmacy with DEA
  3. To order Schedule I or II controlled substances Correct answer.
  4. To renew a pharmacist's state license

Explanation

DEA Form 222 is the order form used to transfer Schedule I or II controlled substances between registrants. Theft or significant loss is reported on DEA Form 106, and registration is handled through the DEA registration process, not Form 222.

Question 20Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A drug is approved by FDA as prescription-only. In Pennsylvania, how may a pharmacy dispense it to a patient?

  1. Freely, because FDA approval permits retail sale
  2. Only if the patient signs a waiver
  3. Pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber Correct answer.
  4. Only after the Board issues a special permit for that drug

Explanation

Prescription-only drugs may be dispensed only under a valid prescription from a practitioner authorized to prescribe. FDA approval does not make a prescription drug available for unrestricted retail sale.

Question 21Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which situation most clearly falls within the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy's authority rather than a federal agency's authority?

  1. Approving a new drug application for a brand-name product
  2. Registering a pharmacy to handle controlled substances
  3. Disciplining a pharmacist for unprofessional conduct in dispensing Correct answer.
  4. Setting national labeling requirements for OTC drugs

Explanation

Professional discipline for violation of the state Pharmacy Act is a core function of the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy. Drug approval and national OTC labeling are FDA functions, while controlled-substance registration is a DEA function.

Question 22Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A Pennsylvania pharmacy chain operates three separately located pharmacies under one corporate name. How must DEA registration be handled?

  1. Registration is required only for the location that stores Schedule II drugs
  2. The corporate headquarters registration covers each dispensing site
  3. One registration covers all three locations
  4. Each location must have its own DEA registration Correct answer.

Explanation

DEA registration is required for each principal place of business where controlled substances are dispensed or stored. A single corporate registration does not cover multiple separately located dispensing sites.

Question 23Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which action by a Pennsylvania pharmacist would constitute practice outside the pharmacist's scope of practice?

  1. Administering an immunization under a standing order
  2. Independently initiating a Schedule II medication for ADHD Correct answer.
  3. Dispensing a prescription after verifying its validity
  4. Reporting a dispensing error to the Board as required

Explanation

Pennsylvania pharmacists may dispense and, under specified authorities, administer immunizations, but they do not have independent authority to initiate Schedule II drug therapy. Initiating that medication requires an authorized prescriber.

Question 24Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A Pennsylvania pharmacy discovers a significant theft of controlled substances. Which federal action is required?

  1. Take no action if the amount is small
  2. Notify the FDA within 24 hours
  3. Notify CMS before notifying DEA
  4. Report the theft or significant loss to DEA in writing Correct answer.

Explanation

DEA registrants must report the theft or significant loss of controlled substances to DEA in writing upon discovery and complete the required DEA form. The FDA and CMS do not administer this controlled-substance reporting requirement.

Question 25Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A Pennsylvania pharmacist receives a prescription for a controlled substance from a prescriber whose DEA registration has expired. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Do not dispense until the prescriber's valid DEA registration is confirmed Correct answer.
  2. Dispense because the prescriber's state license is enough
  3. Dispense and backdate the prescription
  4. Dispense only if the patient pays cash

Explanation

A prescriber must have valid DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances, and the pharmacist should verify authority before dispensing. A state license alone does not establish federal controlled-substance prescriptive authority.

Question 26Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which statute establishes the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and grants it the authority to regulate the practice of pharmacy in the Commonwealth?

  1. The federal Controlled Substances Act
  2. The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act Correct answer.
  3. The Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act
  4. The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Explanation

The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act is the enabling statute that creates the State Board of Pharmacy and delegates to it the power to license pharmacists and pharmacies and to adopt regulations implementing pharmacy practice. The federal drug and controlled substance statutes govern other areas and do not create the state board.

Question 27Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A Pennsylvania community pharmacy sells an over-the-counter product containing pseudoephedrine. Which federal requirement applies to that sale?

  1. Log the sale and check the purchaser's photo ID Correct answer.
  2. Report each sale to DEA within 24 hours of the transaction
  3. Store the product in a locked cabinet with no written record
  4. Require a new prescription for each individual sale

Explanation

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act requires regulated sellers of scheduled listed chemical products such as pseudoephedrine to verify the purchaser's identity, record the sale in a written or electronic logbook, and observe daily and monthly quantity limits. These products remain nonprescription, so a prescription is not required.

Question 28Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

In a Pennsylvania pharmacy, which task may a pharmacist properly delegate to a pharmacy technician?

  1. Entering prescription data into the pharmacy computer Correct answer.
  2. Counseling a patient about a new prescription
  3. Approving a therapeutic interchange without pharmacist review
  4. Performing the final verification of a filled prescription

Explanation

Pharmacy technicians may perform supportive, non-discretionary tasks under pharmacist supervision, such as data entry and recordkeeping. Patient counseling, final verification of a dispensed prescription, and clinical judgments such as therapeutic interchange remain pharmacist responsibilities.

Question 29Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

Which authority may add, remove, or move a substance between schedules under the federal Controlled Substances Act?

  1. The Secretary of Health and Human Services
  2. The U.S. Attorney General acting through DEA Correct answer.
  3. The Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
  4. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy

Explanation

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, scheduling authority rests with the U.S. Attorney General, who exercises it through DEA rulemaking after considering HHS's scientific and medical evaluation. FDA and HHS provide recommendations and evaluations but do not themselves place substances in schedules, and a state board has no authority over federal scheduling.

Question 30Regulatory framework and oversight of pharmacy practice (state board authority, federal agencies, scope of practice)

A pharmacist newly hired by a DEA-registered Pennsylvania community pharmacy does not hold a personal DEA registration. May the pharmacist dispense Schedule II prescriptions at that pharmacy?

  1. No, unless the pharmacist obtains a state controlled substance license first
  2. No, each dispensing pharmacist must hold a separate DEA registration
  3. Yes, under the pharmacy's DEA registration Correct answer.
  4. Yes, but only for Schedule III through V prescriptions

Explanation

DEA registers the pharmacy as the dispenser, and pharmacists employed by that registered pharmacy may dispense controlled substances, including Schedule II drugs, on its behalf without holding individual DEA registrations. A separate individual registration is needed only when a practitioner dispenses outside the pharmacy's registration.

Question 31Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Under Pennsylvania law, which statement best describes how the State Board of Pharmacy treats pharmacy technicians?

  1. Technicians are not required to hold a Board-issued registration or license. Correct answer.
  2. Technicians must be registered with the Board as pharmacy interns while they are training.
  3. Technicians must hold a Board-issued technician permit that is renewed each year.
  4. Technicians must be certified by a nationally recognized certifying body before they may work.

Explanation

Pennsylvania does not license, certify, or register pharmacy technicians; the Board's credentialing authority in this area covers pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy permits. Technicians therefore practice without a state-issued credential, working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist who remains responsible for the work performed.

Question 32Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Which combination of examinations is required for initial pharmacist licensure in Pennsylvania?

  1. The NAPLEX and the MPJE Correct answer.
  2. The NAPLEX only
  3. The MPJE only
  4. The FPGEE and the TOEFL

Explanation

Pennsylvania requires candidates for pharmacist licensure to pass both the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which tests general practice competence, and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) using Pennsylvania content, which tests state-specific law.

Question 33Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Pennsylvania pharmacist licenses are renewed on which schedule?

  1. Biennially, by December 31 of odd-numbered years
  2. Annually, by December 31
  3. Biennially, by September 30 of even-numbered years Correct answer.
  4. Annually, on the licensee's birthday

Explanation

Pharmacist licenses in Pennsylvania are renewed every two years, with the renewal deadline falling on September 30 of each even-numbered year. Continuing education and the renewal fee are tied to that biennial cycle.

Question 34Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

How many hours of continuing education must a Pennsylvania pharmacist complete for each biennial renewal period?

  1. 30 hours Correct answer.
  2. 20 hours
  3. 15 hours
  4. 40 hours

Explanation

Pennsylvania requires 30 hours of acceptable continuing education per biennial renewal period, and the licensee must be able to document completion in the event of an audit. Hours must come from approved providers or programs recognized by the Board.

Question 35Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Which entity issues the permit required to operate a pharmacy in Pennsylvania?

  1. The Pennsylvania Department of Health
  2. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
  3. The State Board of Pharmacy Correct answer.
  4. The county health department where the pharmacy is located

Explanation

The State Board of Pharmacy, within the Department of State, issues pharmacy permits as part of its authority over the practice of pharmacy. A facility may not hold itself out as a pharmacy or dispense prescriptions without that permit.

Question 36Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Before a pharmacy student may accrue internship hours in a Pennsylvania pharmacy, the student must first:

  1. Register with the Board as a pharmacy intern Correct answer.
  2. Complete all didactic coursework in the professional program
  3. Obtain certification from a national technician certifying body
  4. Pass the MPJE

Explanation

A student must be registered with the Board as a pharmacy intern before performing pharmacist functions or accumulating experience hours that will count toward licensure. Registration is the mechanism by which the Board tracks internship progress and supervision.

Question 37Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A pharmacist's current Pennsylvania license must be:

  1. Filed with the pharmacist manager's records
  2. Kept in a safe at the pharmacist's home
  3. Displayed at the practice site Correct answer.
  4. Carried on the pharmacist's person at all times while on duty

Explanation

Licensees must display their current license conspicuously at the location where they practice, allowing patients and inspectors to confirm licensure status. A copy kept in a private file or carried in a wallet does not satisfy the display requirement.

Question 38Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A pharmacy located in Ohio dispenses prescriptions by mail to patients who live in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania law, the Ohio pharmacy must:

  1. Do nothing, because Pennsylvania law does not reach out-of-state pharmacies
  2. Register with the Pennsylvania Board as a nonresident pharmacy Correct answer.
  3. Obtain a Pennsylvania pharmacy permit for its Ohio location
  4. Employ a Pennsylvania-licensed pharmacist as its pharmacist manager

Explanation

Out-of-state pharmacies that dispense to Pennsylvania patients must register with the Board as nonresident pharmacies and comply with Pennsylvania requirements, which subjects them to Board jurisdiction. A Pennsylvania permit is issued for a specific Pennsylvania location and is not what a nonresident pharmacy obtains.

Question 39Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A licensed Pennsylvania pharmacist moves to a new home address. The pharmacist must notify the Board of the change within:

  1. 10 days
  2. 90 days
  3. No notification is required until the next renewal
  4. 30 days Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensees must keep the Board informed of a current mailing address so that renewal notices and official correspondence reach them, and the change must be reported within 30 days. Waiting until renewal is not acceptable.

Question 40Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Every permitted Pennsylvania pharmacy must have:

  1. At least two pharmacists on duty during all operating hours
  2. A Board-approved technician supervisor on staff
  3. A physician available for consultation at all times
  4. A pharmacist manager who is a Pennsylvania-licensed pharmacist Correct answer.

Explanation

Each pharmacy permit must be associated with a pharmacist manager, sometimes called a pharmacist-in-charge, who is licensed in Pennsylvania and is accountable for the pharmacy's compliance with the law. The pharmacist manager is the Board's point of contact and responsibility.

Question 41Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A community pharmacy's only scheduled pharmacist calls out sick and no relief pharmacist can be found. The pharmacy may:

  1. Remain open if the pharmacist manager can be reached by telephone
  2. Remain open and have the prescriptions filled the next day
  3. Remain open only if a licensed pharmacist is present Correct answer.
  4. Remain open if a certified technician is on duty

Explanation

A pharmacy may not be open or operate unless a licensed pharmacist is present to supervise the dispensing of prescriptions and the activities of supportive personnel. If no pharmacist can be present, the pharmacy must remain closed until one arrives.

Question 42Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A registered pharmacy intern may perform pharmacist duties:

  1. Only after passing the NAPLEX
  2. Independently once the intern has completed 1,000 hours of training
  3. Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist Correct answer.
  4. Without supervision, provided the intern's preceptor reviews the work weekly

Explanation

Interns may perform pharmacist functions only while a licensed pharmacist provides direct supervision, and the supervising pharmacist remains responsible for the care delivered. The internship is a training credential, not an independent practice credential.

Question 43Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A pharmacist who has been licensed in Maryland for six years wants a Pennsylvania license without retaking the NAPLEX. Under Pennsylvania law, the pharmacist may:

  1. Obtain a temporary Pennsylvania permit that is valid for one year
  2. Be licensed automatically because a national pharmacist licensure compact makes the Maryland license valid in Pennsylvania
  3. Apply for licensure by endorsement based on the Maryland license Correct answer.
  4. Practice in Pennsylvania while the application is pending

Explanation

Pennsylvania licenses pharmacists from other jurisdictions by endorsement when the Board determines that the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent, subject to any additional conditions the Board imposes. The applicant must hold a current, unencumbered license in the other state.

Question 44Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A pharmacist who graduated from a college of pharmacy outside the United States generally must submit which credential when applying for Pennsylvania licensure?

  1. A certificate of good standing from the foreign ministry of health
  2. An FPGEC certificate Correct answer.
  3. A DEA registration number
  4. An internship certificate issued by the foreign college

Explanation

Graduates of foreign pharmacy programs must obtain certification through the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee, which verifies educational equivalency and language proficiency, before the Board will consider them for licensure. They must still satisfy the standard examination and internship requirements.

Question 45Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

In addition to holding an active Pennsylvania pharmacist license, a pharmacist who administers vaccines must have:

  1. At least two years of prior hospital pharmacy experience
  2. Immunization training and current CPR certification Correct answer.
  3. A written collaborative agreement with a physician for each patient
  4. A separate Board-issued immunization permit for each practice site

Explanation

Pennsylvania allows pharmacists to administer immunizations when they have completed an approved immunization training program and maintain current CPR certification. The authority flows from the pharmacist license plus these qualifications rather than from a site-specific permit.

Question 46Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A pharmacist's Pennsylvania license expires on September 30 because she failed to renew it, and she continues working as a pharmacist. Her conduct is:

  1. Permissible as long as her renewal application has been submitted
  2. Permissible because the Board allows a 60-day grace period after expiration for continued practice
  3. Unlawful; practicing without a current license is unlicensed practice Correct answer.
  4. Permissible if the pharmacist manager approves the arrangement in writing

Explanation

Practice under an expired license is unlicensed practice and exposes the pharmacist to disciplinary action; the license must be renewed or reactivated before practice resumes. No grace period exists for continued practice after the expiration date.

Question 47Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Which task may a Pennsylvania pharmacy technician perform?

  1. Counting tablets and entering prescription data under pharmacist supervision Correct answer.
  2. Verifying the final accuracy of a prescription before it leaves the pharmacy
  3. Signing the pharmacy's permit renewal on behalf of the pharmacist manager
  4. Counseling a patient about a new prescription's side effects

Explanation

Technicians may perform mechanical and clerical steps of the dispensing process, such as counting, labeling support, and data entry, while under pharmacist supervision. Functions reserved to pharmacists, including counseling and final verification, may not be delegated to technicians.

Question 48Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Who is eligible to register with the Board as a pharmacy intern in Pennsylvania?

  1. A certified pharmacy technician with two years of experience
  2. A student enrolled in an accredited college of pharmacy Correct answer.
  3. Any high school graduate who is trained on the job
  4. A foreign-trained pharmacist without an FPGEC certificate

Explanation

Intern registration is limited to individuals who are enrolled in or have completed an accredited pharmacy program and who are progressing toward licensure. The registration connects the student's supervised experience to the Board's licensure requirements.

Question 49Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

Pennsylvania pharmacists must complete approved training in which of the following as a condition of licensure and renewal?

  1. Sterile compounding
  2. Child abuse recognition and reporting Correct answer.
  3. Basic life support
  4. Medication error reporting

Explanation

Pennsylvania licensees, including pharmacists, must complete Board-approved education in child abuse recognition and reporting, because they are mandated reporters under the Child Protective Services Law. The training is required for initial licensure and continues on the renewal cycle.

Question 50Licensure, registration, and certification of pharmacies, pharmacists, technicians, and interns

A sole proprietor sells her permitted community pharmacy to a corporation. The corporation keeps the same location, staff, and pharmacist manager. What must the corporation do before dispensing prescriptions?

  1. Obtain a new pharmacy permit from the Board in the corporation's name Correct answer.
  2. Register as a nonresident pharmacy
  3. File a change-of-address notice with the Board within 30 days of the sale
  4. Nothing, because the pharmacy's permit runs with the location

Explanation

A Pennsylvania pharmacy permit is issued to a specific permit holder for a specific location and is not transferable, so a change in the ownership entity requires a new permit. Operating under the seller's permit after the sale is unpermitted pharmacy operation.