South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

If a prescription does not specify a refill amount, what is the maximum number of times it can be refilled for non-CS medications?

1. 2 times

2. 5 times

3. Unlimited times

4. 1 time

The correct answer is: 5 times

In South Carolina, and in accordance with federal law, if a prescription for a non-controlled substance medication does not specify a refill amount, it can generally be refilled up to five times within a six-month period from the date of the original prescription. This regulation provides flexibility for both patients and healthcare providers, allowing patients to have ongoing access to necessary medications without the need to return to the prescriber for a new prescription every time they run out of their medication. The provision of a maximum of five refills helps to ensure that patients receive consistent treatment while also promoting safe medication practices. It allows pharmacists to dispense the medication without the prescriber re-evaluating the patient for every refill, as long as the patient's condition remains stable and appropriate for continued use of the medication. Understanding this rule is crucial for pharmacy practice and patient management, as it reflects a key aspect of how non-controlled substances can be handled in a pharmacy setting.