South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

In the event of a state of emergency, what is the maximum quantity of non-controlled substances a pharmacist may dispense as an emergency refill?

1. 15-day supply

2. 30-day supply

3. Up to 60-day supply

4. Only one month of medication

The correct answer is: 30-day supply

In South Carolina, during a state of emergency, a pharmacist is permitted to dispense a non-controlled substance as an emergency refill. The law specifies that the maximum supply that can be dispensed under these circumstances is a 30-day supply. This regulation allows for sufficient medication to be provided to patients who may be unable to obtain their prescriptions due to emergencies, such as natural disasters or public health crises. The rationale behind allowing a 30-day emergency refill is to ensure that patients have continued access to necessary medications during times when regular access may be disrupted. It balances patient needs with safeguards that ensure medications are dispensed responsibly. By allowing up to a 30-day supply, the state acknowledges the potential challenges patients face in acquiring their medications during emergencies. This clearly separates the emergency protocol from standard dispensing practices, where different limits may apply. While options that suggest different limits, such as 15 days or other variations, may seem plausible, they fall short of the regulatory framework established during emergencies that explicitly permits up to 30 days. The phrasing of "only one month of medication" also aligns closely with a 30-day supply, but is less precise and not in line with the specific regulations.