Tasks of Unlicensed Personnel and Technicians

Question 1

Tasks of Unlicensed Personnel (§ 6832)

Answer 1

Unlicensed personnel may:
Receive prescriptions (written or electronic).
Type prescription labels and key data for entry into the computer system.
Count drugs, affix labels, and deliver prescriptions to patients.

Question 1

Supervision of Unlicensed Personnel (§ 6832)

Answer 1

Pharmacists must review and approve data entered by unlicensed personnel.
Unlicensed personnel can only perform tasks that do not require professional judgment.

Question 2

Number of Unlicensed Personnel Allowed

Answer 2

A pharmacist may supervise up to 4 unlicensed personnel performing non-professional tasks.

Question 3

Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPT) Tasks (Article 137-A)

RPTs may:

Answer 3

Assist with compounding, preparing, labeling, and dispensing.
Count drugs, fill prescriptions, and deliver medications.

Question 4

Number of RPTs Allowed

Answer 4

A pharmacist may supervise a maximum of 2 RPTs for licensed tasks.

Question 5

Combined Total of Personnel Supervised by a Pharmacist

Answer 5

The total number of unlicensed personnel and RPTs under one pharmacist cannot exceed 4.

Question 6

Licensing Requirements for RPTs

Answer 6

Be at least 18 years old and certified through a program like PTCB.
Register with NYSED and renew every 3 years.

Question 7

can rpt compouind in the community?

Answer 7

no

Question 8

of pharmacy interns to rphs

Answer 8

unlimited

Question 9

HIV PEP Starter Pack Dispensing

Answer 9

A pharmacist can dispense a 7-day starter pack of PEP for HIV following exposure via a patient-specific Rx or non-patient-specific standing order.
Full PEP treatment is 28 days, but the standing order only covers the first 7 days.

Question 10

A standing order must include:

Answer 10

The name and license number of the authorizing provider and the pharmacist.
Time period, PEP medication name/dose, and types of exposure for which PEP may be dispensed.

Question 11

PEP Counseling Responsibilities

Answer 11

Counseling includes:
Follow-up care (evaluation of exposure, HIV testing, 28-day therapy).
Referral information.
Educating the patient on partner protection and adherence.

Question 12

Screening Patients for PEP

Answer 12

Pharmacists must screen patients to ensure the exposure type qualifies for PEP and that the medication is being dispensed within the appropriate time frame (ideally within 72 hours of exposure).

Question 13

Coordinating Follow-Up Care

Answer 13

Pharmacists must assist in scheduling follow-up appointments with healthcare providers and ensure the patient understands the importance of adherence to the full 28-day treatment.

Question 14

Medication Profile Requirements

Answer 14

Must include patient name, address, phone, allergies, diseases, and a list of medications (Rx and OTC).
Profiles are maintained for 5 years from the most recent entry.

Question 15

Drug Utilization Review (DUR) - OBRA ‘90

Answer 15

DUR checks for:
Therapeutic duplication.
Drug-drug interactions.
Incorrect dosages or therapy duration.
Allergy interactions and clinical misuse.

Question 16

Counseling Requirements

Answer 16

Counseling is required for:
New prescriptions.
New patients or new medications for existing patients.
Changes in dose, strength, route, or directions.

Question 17

Counseling Content

Answer 17

Medication name/description, dosage, route, and duration.
Special directions (e.g., self-monitoring, storage, missed doses).
Information on side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions.

Question 18

Patient Refusal of Counseling

Answer 18

If a patient refuses counseling, the pharmacist must document the refusal.

Question 19

Off-Premises Prescriptions

Answer 19

For mail orders or deliveries, a written offer to counsel must be provided along with a toll-free phone number for follow-up.