South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is required for a pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription?

1. Personal reasons only

2. Valid clinical reasons

3. Recommendation by physician

4. Insurance company policy

The correct answer is: Valid clinical reasons

A pharmacist has the professional responsibility to ensure that prescriptions are appropriate for the patient's health and safety. Valid clinical reasons encompass concerns such as potential drug interactions, allergies, inappropriate dosages, or prescriptions that lack a legitimate medical purpose. These criteria are grounded in the ethical practice of pharmacy and also reflect regulatory requirements that aim to protect patient welfare and promote safe medication use. The ability to refuse to fill a prescription is not based on personal reasons, as those would not necessarily have any bearing on the appropriateness of the medication being prescribed. Similarly, recommendations from a physician or insurance company policy can influence the decision-making process, but they do not constitute valid clinical reasons. A pharmacist must rely on their professional judgment and expertise, along with established clinical protocols, when evaluating a prescription's validity and safety. Therefore, valid clinical reasons are a necessary and justifiable basis for a pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription.