Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What is the on-call requirement if a hospital pharmacy is not open 24 hours?

1. Pharmacist must be on-call during closed hours

2. Pharmacist must be on-call during weekends only

3. Pharmacy technician must be on-call during closed hours

4. Intern must be on-call during closed hours

The correct answer is: Pharmacist must be on-call during closed hours

The on-call requirement for a hospital pharmacy that is not open 24 hours ensures that there is a qualified pharmacist available to address medication-related needs during the hours when the pharmacy is closed. This is critical for patient safety and for providing timely access to necessary medications, especially in a hospital setting where patients may require urgent care. By mandating that a pharmacist be on-call during closed hours, the regulations ensure that a licensed professional is available to make decisions regarding medication dispensing, address any questions from healthcare staff, and handle emergent pharmaceutical needs. This requirement supports proper medication management and helps prevent potential delays in patient care. The other options do not meet the comprehensive requirements for ensuring that a qualified professional is available outside of regular operating hours. While technicians and interns play important roles in a pharmacy, they do not hold the same level of responsibility and authority as a licensed pharmacist when it comes to patient care and medication dispensing.