Legal and Safety Guidelines Flashcards
What law protects patient confidentiality in pharmacies?
HIPAA (or equivalent privacy laws).
- Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA or equivalent laws)
Description: Patient information (e.g., prescriptions, medical history) is confidential and cannot be shared without consent.
Example: Discussing a customer’s prescription outside work is prohibited.
Who is responsible for verifying prescriptions?
The pharmacist.
- Prescription Verification
Description: Only licensed pharmacists can verify prescriptions.
Task: Ensure all information is complete and correct before presenting the prescription to the pharmacist for verification.
What is required when handling controlled substances?
Strict monitoring, secure storage, and detailed documentation.
- Controlled Substances Regulations
Description: Medications like opioids are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse. They require strict monitoring and documentation.
Task: Follow special protocols for dispensing and tracking controlled substances.
What information is needed to verify a customer’s identity for prescription pickup?
Name, date of birth, and possibly an ID for controlled substances.
- Proper Identification
Description: Customers picking up prescriptions must verify their identity to prevent dispensing errors.
Task: Ask for a name, date of birth, and sometimes an ID for controlled substances.
Can pharmacy assistants provide medical advice?
- Legal Limitations of the Pharmacy Assistant Role
Description: Pharmacy assistants cannot provide medical advice or change prescriptions.
Task: Refer medical questions or requests for changes to the pharmacist.
Why is accuracy crucial when dispensing medications?
Incorrect dosages or medications can cause serious harm.
- Medication Safety Protocols
Description: Medications must be dispensed accurately to avoid errors. Incorrect dosages or drugs can cause serious harm.
Task: Double-check medication names, dosages, and labels during preparation.
What should you do with expired or recalled medications?
Remove them from stock immediately.
- Expired and Recalled Medications
Description: Expired or recalled medications must be removed from shelves immediately.
Task: Perform regular checks to ensure no expired or recalled medications are available for sale.
Who is responsible for checking drug interactions?
The pharmacist.
- Drug Interactions and Warnings
Description: Certain drugs can interact negatively with others, leading to adverse effects. The pharmacist checks for these risks.
Task: Alert the pharmacist if you notice potential interactions in the system or hear customer concerns.
How should hazardous medications be handled?
Follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment as needed.
- Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials
Description: Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs, require special handling to prevent exposure.
Task: Follow all safety guidelines, including wearing protective equipment when necessary.
Why is recordkeeping important in a pharmacy?
It ensures compliance with legal requirements and provides a record for audits.
- Legal Documentation Requirements
Description: Accurate records must be kept for all prescriptions, especially controlled substances, to comply with legal requirements.
Task: Document prescription details in the pharmacy system.
