Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What is the maximum time a limited-service correctional pharmacy can operate without an RPh on duty?

1. 12 hours

2. 48 hours

3. 72 hours

4. 96 hours

The correct answer is: 12 hours

The maximum time a limited-service correctional pharmacy can operate without a registered pharmacist (RPh) on duty is set at 12 hours. This regulation ensures that pharmacies, especially those in correctional facilities, uphold standards of care and safety while maintaining compliance with state laws regarding pharmacy operations. During this time, it is important to have appropriate protocols in place to manage medication dispensing and to ensure that patient safety and pharmaceutical integrity are not compromised in the absence of a pharmacist. This is particularly critical in a correctional setting where the monitoring and administration of medication require high levels of oversight to prevent misuse and ensure appropriate treatment. Therefore, the 12-hour limit serves as a safeguard to maintain the necessary level of supervision in the pharmacy, particularly when providing medications to incarcerated individuals who may have distinct health needs.