South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which statement is correct regarding prescription needs for controlled substances in floor stock?

1. Prescriptions are required for all medications

2. Prescriptions are not necessary with prescriber orders

3. Only controlled substances require prescriptions

4. Floor stock medications must be approved by the board

The correct answer is: Prescriptions are not necessary with prescriber orders

In the context of managing floor stock, particularly in healthcare settings such as hospitals or long-term care facilities, prescriber orders for controlled substances can often take precedence over traditional prescription requirements. In these environments, medications may be stored in bulk for immediate access and use by healthcare professionals, which allows for quick response to patients’ needs. When a prescriber gives an order for a controlled substance to be administered to a patient, this order is considered sufficient for the medication to be administered directly from the floor stock. This is due to the understanding that such environments have protocols in place that govern the use and administration of medications, including controlled substances, and that there is oversight to manage their use appropriately. Recognizing that strict adherence to standard prescription protocols might hinder patient care in urgent situations is key. As such, the regulatory framework allows for this flexibility, provided that institutional policies are followed, and proper documentation is maintained, which does ensure accountability and safety. In summary, prescriber orders are accepted as a legal basis to dispense controlled substances from floor stock without needing a traditional prescription in specific healthcare settings, reflecting the need for prompt medication administration in clinical practice.