Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What is required of a hospital's pharmacy with regard to supervision if it operates 24/7?

1. Continuous in-person supervision

2. Remote supervision

3. No supervision required

4. Supervision only during medication orders

The correct answer is: Continuous in-person supervision

In a hospital pharmacy that operates 24/7, continuous in-person supervision is important to ensure patient safety, proper medication management, and adherence to pharmacy regulations. Having a pharmacist on-site at all times allows for immediate oversight of medication dispensing, verification of orders, and consultation with medical staff to address any issues that may arise. This level of supervision helps reduce the risks associated with medication errors, as a pharmacist can promptly intervene and ensure that the right medications are administered safely and effectively. Continuous in-person supervision also plays a vital role in compliance with state pharmacy laws and regulations, which often mandate that hospital pharmacies have a licensed pharmacist present to oversee operations at all times for the health and safety of patients. Other options like remote supervision do not provide the same level of assurance for immediate intervention and decision-making that in-person supervision offers. The absence of any supervision or supervision limited to specific times would compromise the quality of care and oversight necessary in a hospital environment, where patient needs can arise at any moment.