South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for prescription labeling federally?

1. Initials of dispensing pharmacist

2. Date of filling

3. Quantity of drug dispensed

4. Name of patient

The correct answer is: Quantity of drug dispensed

In the context of federal requirements for prescription labeling, the correct response indicates that the quantity of the drug dispensed is not specifically mandated by federal law to be listed on the label. According to federal regulations outlined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain information is required to be included on prescription labels to ensure patient safety and proper identification of medications. Among these requirements are the initials of the dispensing pharmacist, which help trace the dispensing process back to a specific pharmacist for accountability; the date of filling, which is crucial for tracking prescription validity and refills; and the name of the patient, which is vital for ensuring that the medication is prescribed and dispensed to the correct individual. The quantity of drug dispensed, while typically included in many state laws and pharmacy practices for the sake of clarity and completeness, is not a specific requirement at the federal level. This distinction is important because it highlights the difference between state and federal regulations in pharmacy practice. States may have additional labeling requirements, but federally, the quantity does not need to be explicitly stated on the prescription label. This knowledge is crucial for pharmacists and pharmacy students, particularly in understanding the interplay between state and federal regulations.