South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is an acceptable method for dispersing controlled substances to deter theft?

1. Store them in a separate locked area

2. Disperse them throughout regular stock

3. Keep them only in a vault

4. Limit access to authorized personnel only

The correct answer is: Disperse them throughout regular stock

Dispersing controlled substances throughout regular stock is considered an effective method for deterring theft because it reduces the visibility and accessibility of these medications. When controlled substances are integrated with non-controlled medications, it becomes more challenging for potential thieves to identify and access large quantities of controlled drugs, thus diminishing the risk of theft. Storing controlled substances in a separate locked area might still make them an easy target for theft, as individuals aware of that specific location may plan accordingly to break in or access that area. Similarly, keeping them only in a vault provides security but does not address the issue during regular hours of operation, where the risk of theft is still prevalent. Limiting access to authorized personnel is a critical security measure, but by itself, it does not effectively deter theft since those individuals could still potentially misappropriate the substances. Overall, the dispersion of controlled substances not only conceals them but also complicates the ability of individuals intent on theft to execute their plan efficiently. This method acts as a practical deterrent while allowing regular pharmacy operations to continue normally.