Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What is required for hospitals with less than 50 beds in terms of pharmacist supervision?

1. Full-time RPh without needing board approval

2. No supervision required

3. Part-time RPh with approval of the board

4. Supervision only during medication dispensing

The correct answer is: Full-time RPh without needing board approval

The requirement for hospitals with fewer than 50 beds mandates that these facilities must employ a full-time registered pharmacist for supervision, but they do not need to obtain prior approval from the board for this arrangement. This aligns with provisions that ensure adequate pharmaceutical care in smaller hospital settings while maintaining operational flexibility. In contrast, the notion of no supervision required would not ensure the safety and efficacy of medication management in any healthcare setting, especially in hospitals where patient care is crucial. Likewise, the idea of part-time supervision with board approval complicates the staffing requirements unnecessarily, as the law specifies a straightforward full-time supervision requirement. Lastly, limiting supervision only during times of medication dispensing undermines the broader responsibilities pharmacists hold, including reviewing patient medications, ensuring drug safety, and providing clinical support. The full-time presence of a pharmacist is essential for maintaining proper standards of pharmacy practice, especially in a hospital environment.