Free Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Pharmacy Operations and Recordkeeping Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pharmacy uses a three-file system for its hardcopy prescriptions. A pharmacist receives new prescriptions for oxycodone (Schedule II), alprazolam (Schedule IV), and lisinopril (non-controlled). How must these prescriptions be filed to comply with federal law?
- Oxycodone in file one; alprazolam in file two; lisinopril in file three. (Correct answer)
- Oxycodone in file one; alprazolam and lisinopril together in file two.
- Oxycodone and alprazolam together in file one; lisinopril in file two.
- All three prescriptions can be filed together in one file as long as the controlled substance prescriptions are marked with a red 'C'.
Correct answer: Oxycodone in file one; alprazolam in file two; lisinopril in file three.
Federal law allows for either a two-file or three-file system for paper prescriptions. In a three-file system, Schedule II prescriptions are filed alone, Schedule III-V prescriptions are in a second file, and non-controlled prescriptions are in a third file.
Question 2: A DEA registrant at a pharmacy wishes to grant a Power of Attorney (POA) to another staff member, allowing them to execute official DEA Form 222s to order Schedule II controlled substances. According to federal regulations, who is an eligible individual to receive this POA?
- Only another pharmacist licensed in that state.
- Only the designated Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC).
- Any individual the registrant authorizes, regardless of their licensure status. (Correct answer)
- Any licensed healthcare professional working at the pharmacy.
Correct answer: Any individual the registrant authorizes, regardless of their licensure status.
The DEA allows a registrant to grant Power of Attorney to any individual they deem appropriate to order Schedule I and II controlled substances. The person granted the POA does not need to be a pharmacist or even a licensed healthcare professional. The POA must be signed by the registrant, the individual being granted POA, and two witnesses.
Question 3: A pharmacist discovers during a weekly inventory check that a full stock bottle of zolpidem 10mg tablets is missing and cannot be accounted for, constituting a significant loss. What is the first action the pharmacy must take according to federal law?
- Complete and submit a DEA Form 106 online within 24 hours.
- Notify the local DEA Diversion Field Office in writing within one business day of discovery. (Correct answer)
- Conduct a thorough internal investigation before contacting any external agencies.
- Immediately report the loss to the local police department.
Correct answer: Notify the local DEA Diversion Field Office in writing within one business day of discovery.
Upon discovery of a theft or significant loss of controlled substances, a DEA registrant must first notify the local DEA Diversion Field Office in writing (which can include email or fax) within one business day. After this initial notification, the registrant must then conduct an investigation and submit a DEA Form 106 within 45 days.
Question 4: Under federal law, what is the minimum period that original prescription records and controlled substance inventory records must be maintained by a pharmacy?
- Ten years
- Five years
- One year
- Two years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Two years
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Controlled Substances Act mandate that pharmacies must maintain all records, including prescriptions and inventories, for a minimum of two years from the date of such record or inventory. State laws may require a longer retention period, and if so, the stricter law must be followed.
Question 5: A pharmacy wants to implement central recordkeeping for certain documents to save space at the registered location. Which of the following records MUST be maintained on-site at the pharmacy and cannot be stored at a central location?
- Shipping and financial records
- Unused DEA Form 222s
- Executed DEA Form 222s, prescriptions, and inventory records (Correct answer)
- All prescription records older than one year
Correct answer: Executed DEA Form 222s, prescriptions, and inventory records
Federal regulations allow pharmacies to store certain records, such as shipping and financial data, at a central location after notifying the DEA. However, executed DEA Form 222s, all prescriptions, and all inventory records must be kept at the registered pharmacy location and cannot be moved to a central recordkeeping site.
Question 6: Which of the following pieces of information is NOT federally required to be part of a patient's medication profile record in a pharmacy, although it may be required by some states or be considered good professional practice?
- Patient's name and address
- A list of medications dispensed
- Patient's occupation (Correct answer)
- Pharmacist's comments relevant to the patient's drug therapy
Correct answer: Patient's occupation
While federal law (OBRA '90) established the need for prospective drug use review and patient record systems, it does not explicitly mandate every element. Commonly required elements, often defined at the state level based on OBRA '90 principles, include name, address, date of birth, known allergies/reactions, a comprehensive list of medications, and pharmacist comments. A patient's occupation is not a required element.
Free Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Pharmacy Operations and Recordkeeping Questions and Answers
A pharmacy uses a three-file system for its hardcopy prescriptions.
A pharmacist receives new prescriptions for oxycodone (Schedule II), alprazolam (Schedule IV), and lisinopril (non-controlled).
How must these prescriptions be filed to comply with federal law?