South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

If the dispenser does not know the recipient of a controlled substance, what should they do?

1. Get ID and note details on the prescription

2. Contact the prescriber for confirmation

3. Refuse to dispense the medication

4. Only document the prescription number

The correct answer is: Get ID and note details on the prescription

When a dispenser encounters a situation where they do not know the recipient of a controlled substance, obtaining valid identification and noting the details on the prescription is a prudent course of action. This approach ensures compliance with federal and state regulations intended to prevent misuse and abuse of controlled substances. By verifying the identity of the recipient, the dispenser can confirm that the medication is being legally dispensed to the correct person, which is critical for maintaining accountability and safeguarding public health. The details recorded can also serve as documentation in case of any future inquiries or audits concerning the dispensing of controlled substances. In contrast, simply contacting the prescriber may not provide immediate verification needed at the dispensing point, and refusing to dispense the medication may not be necessary if proper identification can be obtained. Documenting only the prescription number does not offer sufficient assurance regarding the legitimacy of the recipient, as it lacks the confirmation of their identity. Hence, collecting ID and noting it on the prescription aligns with best practices and legal requirements in pharmacy operations.