South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

True or False: A pharmacy must have a sink with hot water for hand or equipment cleaning only if it is compounding.

1. True

2. False

3. True, but cold water is acceptable

4. False, all pharmacies must have hot water for any purpose

The correct answer is: True

The statement that a pharmacy must have a sink with hot water for hand or equipment cleaning only if it is compounding is not accurate. While it is a requirement in compounding pharmacies to have a sink with hot water for sanitation purposes, the standards for general pharmacies also advocate for the availability of hot water. In many jurisdictions, including the laws governing South Carolina pharmacies, all pharmacies are advised to maintain facilities that include hot water sinks for various cleaning and sanitation needs beyond compounding, such as for handwashing and general cleanliness. This helps ensure that pharmacies can maintain a hygienic environment, which is crucial for patient safety and medication handling. The requirement for a hot water sink is not limited to compounding pharmacies alone; it extends to all pharmacies to promote overall cleanliness and adherence to health regulations. Therefore, the correct understanding emphasizes that hot water accessibility is essential in all pharmacy settings, not merely in the context of compounding.