Pharmacy Laws and Regulations: Essential Knowledge for Pharmacy Technicians

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of pharmacy law in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Judicial Decisions

Answer

Federal Statutes

Answer

State Regulations

Answer

Pharmacy Board Rules

Question 2

In the United States, what is the main legal requirement for dispensing controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

A written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider

Answer

A verbal order from a licensed healthcare provider

Answer

A phone call from a licensed healthcare provider

Answer

A fax from a licensed healthcare provider

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the production, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.

Answer

To protect patient confidentiality.

Answer

To establish the standards for pharmacy practice.

Question 4

What is the primary ethical obligation of pharmacy technicians to their patients?

Accepted Answer

To provide accurate, professional, and confidential services.

Answer

To promote the sale of over-the-counter products.

Answer

To make medical decisions for patients.

Question 5

Which action is considered a violation of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a patient's medication history with a family member without their consent.

Answer

Asking a patient for their name and date of birth to verify their identity.

Answer

Reporting suspected child abuse to the authorities.

Question 6

What is the highest penalty for violating the CSA?

Accepted Answer

Life imprisonment

Answer

Community service

Answer

Suspension of pharmacy license

Answer

A fine of up to $250,000

Question 7

What is the key difference between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications?

Accepted Answer

Prescriptions require a doctor's order, while OTC medications can be purchased without one.

Answer

Prescriptions are more expensive than OTC medications.

Question 8

What is the purpose of maintaining a patient medication profile?

Accepted Answer

To track a patient's medication history and identify potential drug interactions.

Answer

To store a patient's insurance information.

Answer

To provide a record of patient counseling.

Question 9

Which federal agency is responsible for regulating controlled substances in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Question 10

According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which of the following is considered a covered entity?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses

Answer

Drug manufacturers

Answer

Pharmacies

Answer

Insurance companies

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a patient medication profile?

Accepted Answer

To track a patient's medication history and identify potential drug interactions

Answer

To monitor patient adherence to medication regimens

Answer

To generate insurance claims

Answer

To store patient demographic information

Question 12

Which of the following tasks is NOT within the scope of practice for a pharmacy technician working under the supervision of a pharmacist?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Preparing medications

Answer

Receiving medication orders

Answer

Dispensing medications

Question 13

What is the primary legal basis for patient confidentiality in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

Common law and state statutes

Answer

Patient consent

Answer

Federal regulations

Answer

Ethical principles

Question 14

What is the main objective of adhering to the "Five Rights" of medication administration?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the risk of medication errors

Answer

To comply with accreditation standards

Answer

To ensure accurate billing

Answer

To meet patient expectations

Question 15

What is the primary function of a pharmacy quality assurance program?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and ensure that pharmacy operations meet established standards of care

Answer

To provide training to pharmacy staff

Answer

To handle patient complaints

Answer

To investigate medication errors

Question 16

Which of the following is a core responsibility of a pharmacist as a medication expert?

Accepted Answer

Providing drug information and guidance to patients and healthcare professionals

Answer

Managing pharmacy inventory

Answer

Compounding medications

Answer

Dispensing medications

Question 17

A pharmacy technician receives a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance. What is a legal requirement for filling this prescription?

Accepted Answer

The prescription must be written in ink or typed, signed by a licensed practitioner, and include the patient's name and address.

Answer

The prescription can be filled based on a verbal order from the prescriber.

Answer

The prescription can be filled with an electronic signature from the prescriber.

Answer

The prescription can be filled over the phone with verbal authorization from the prescriber.

Question 18

A patient requests a refill of their prescription for a medication that is not a controlled substance. The pharmacy technician notices that the prescription was filled just two weeks ago, and the original prescription was for a 30-day supply. What is the most appropriate action for the pharmacy technician?

Accepted Answer

Contact the pharmacist for guidance, as early refills may require authorization from the prescriber.

Answer

Ask the patient if they would like to speak to the pharmacist about the refill.

Answer

Refuse to fill the prescription, explaining that it is too early for a refill.

Answer

Fill the prescription as requested, as the medication is not a controlled substance.

Question 19

What is the primary role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the context of pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.

Answer

To regulate the safety and efficacy of all prescription drugs.

Answer

To oversee the licensing and certification of pharmacy technicians.

Answer

To enforce federal laws related to prescription drug advertising.

Question 20

Which of the following actions is a clear violation of patient privacy under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a patient's medication history with a coworker in a public area.

Answer

Asking a patient for their date of birth to verify their identity.

Answer

Sharing a patient's medication information with their authorized representative.

Answer

Requesting a patient's insurance information to process their prescription.

Question 21

Why is it important for a pharmacy technician to maintain an accurate inventory of controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that controlled substances are properly accounted for and prevent diversion or theft.

Answer

To monitor the expiration dates of controlled substances.

Answer

To track the number of controlled substance prescriptions filled each month.

Answer

To comply with federal tax regulations on controlled substances.

Question 22

What is the primary goal of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)?

Accepted Answer

To protect children from accidental ingestion of potentially harmful medications.

Answer

To control the advertising and promotion of prescription drugs.

Answer

To regulate the labeling of prescription drugs.

Answer

To ensure that medications are packaged in tamper-resistant containers.

Question 23

A pharmacy technician receives a prescription for a medication that is not on the pharmacy's formulary. What is the appropriate action for the pharmacy technician?

Accepted Answer

Contact the pharmacist to discuss the prescription and potential alternatives.

Answer

Refuse to fill the prescription due to the medication not being on the formulary.

Answer

Fill the prescription as written, even if the medication is not on the formulary.

Answer

Ask the patient if they would like to try a different medication from the formulary.

Question 24

What is the main responsibility of the State Board of Pharmacy (SBOP) in regulating pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

To license pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, establish practice standards, and investigate complaints.

Answer

To enforce federal laws related to prescription drug advertising.

Answer

To regulate the manufacturing and distribution of prescription drugs.

Answer

To conduct research on the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs.

Question 25

A pharmacy technician is asked to dispose of expired medications. What is the proper procedure for disposing of these medications?

Accepted Answer

Follow the pharmacy's established disposal procedures, which may involve a DEA-registered disposal company or a local take-back program.

Answer

Flush the medications down the toilet to prevent accidental ingestion.

Answer

Throw the medications in the trash after removing the labels.

Answer

Return the medications to the manufacturer for disposal.

Question 26

Which federal agency is responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer

National Institute of Health (NIH)

Question 27

What is the purpose of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances.

Answer

To ensure the quality and safety of prescription drugs.

Answer

To protect the privacy of patient medical information.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a Schedule II controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocodone

Answer

Cocaine

Answer

Methamphetamine

Answer

Xanax

Question 29

What is the ethical responsibility of a pharmacy technician when dispensing medications?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the accuracy and safety of the medication being dispensed.

Answer

To provide medical advice to patients.

Answer

To promote the sale of over-the-counter products.

Question 30

What is the penalty for violating the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

Accepted Answer

Civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the violation.

Answer

Suspension of Medicare and Medicaid payments.

Answer

Loss of license to practice pharmacy.

Question 31

Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a pharmacy technician license in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Passing a national certification exam.

Answer

All of the above.

Answer

Having at least one year of experience working in a pharmacy.

Answer

Completing a two-year associate's degree in pharmacy technology.

Question 32

What is the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication?

Accepted Answer

A prescription medication requires a doctor's order, while an OTC medication can be purchased without a prescription.

Answer

A prescription medication is more potent than an OTC medication.

Question 33

What is the role of the pharmacist in ensuring medication safety?

Accepted Answer

To review and verify prescriptions, counsel patients on medication use, and monitor for adverse drug reactions.

Answer

To dispense medications according to the doctor's orders.