MCQ Quiz: State Regulation of Pharmacy Practice-Examination

The practice of pharmacy in the United States is primarily regulated at the state level by Boards of Pharmacy to protect public health. Achieving licensure requires not only clinical competence, as assessed by the NAPLEX, but also a deep understanding of federal and state-specific laws, tested by the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). The Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics course “ provides the foundation for this critical knowledge. This quiz will test you on the role of state boards, scope of practice, and the examinations required to become a licensed pharmacist.

1. The primary responsibility of a State Board of Pharmacy is to:

• a. Represent the financial interests of pharmacists.
• b. Set the prices for prescription medications.
• c. Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
• d. Lobby the federal government on behalf of pharmacies.

Answer: c. Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

2. The specific activities a pharmacist is legally allowed to perform in a given state (e.g., administering vaccines, prescribing naloxone) are defined by the state’s:

• a. Pharmacy Practice Act and Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• b. Local pharmacy association.
• c. Hospital policies only.
• d. Federal law only.

Answer: a. The Pharmacy Practice Act and Board of Pharmacy regulations.

3. Which examination is designed to assess a candidate’s general pharmacotherapy knowledge and competence for practicing as a pharmacist?

• a. The MPJE
• b. The PCAT
• c. The NAPLEX
• d. The FPGEE

Answer: c. The NAPLEX

4. The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) tests a candidate’s knowledge of:

• a. Only federal pharmacy law.
• b. Only state pharmacy law.
• c. Both federal and specific state pharmacy laws and regulations.
• d. Clinical therapeutics only.

Answer: c. Both federal and specific state pharmacy laws and regulations.

5. In order to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States, a graduate of a U.S. college of pharmacy must typically:

• a. Pass the NAPLEX only.
• b. Pass the MPJE only.
• c. Pass both the NAPLEX and the state-specific MPJE.
• d. Complete a residency program.

Answer: c. Pass both the NAPLEX and the state-specific MPJE.

6. The “Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics” is a core course in the curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

7. Who typically makes up a State Board of Pharmacy?

• a. Only physicians.
• b. Only government lawyers.
• c. A mix of practicing pharmacists and members of the public.
• d. Only pharmacy technicians.

Answer: c. A mix of practicing pharmacists and members of the public.

8. Which of the following is NOT a function of a State Board of Pharmacy?

• a. Issuing licenses to pharmacists and pharmacies.
• b. Disciplining pharmacists for violating pharmacy law.
• c. Setting the reimbursement rates for prescription drugs.
• d. Promulgating rules that clarify and support the Pharmacy Practice Act.

Answer: c. Setting the reimbursement rates for prescription drugs.

9. The term “scope of practice” refers to:

• a. The physical size of a pharmacy.
• b. The range of professional services a healthcare provider is legally permitted to perform.
• c. The types of insurance a pharmacy accepts.
• d. The number of hours a pharmacist works.

Answer: b. The range of professional services a healthcare provider is legally permitted to perform.

10. To maintain licensure, a pharmacist must typically complete a certain number of hours of:

• a. Volunteer work.
• b. Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE).
• c. In-service training at their job.
• d. Teaching pharmacy students.

Answer: b. Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE).

11. A pharmacist’s ability to practice in accordance with state and federal law is a key part of their experiential education.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

12. If a state law is stricter than a federal law regarding a specific pharmacy practice issue, the pharmacist should follow:

• a. The federal law, as it always supersedes state law.
• b. The state law, as it is more stringent.
• c. Whichever law is easier to comply with.
• d. The pharmacist can choose which law to follow.

Answer: b. The state law, as it is more stringent.

13. A “collaborative practice agreement” (CPA) is an example of an expanded scope of practice activity defined by:

• a. Federal law
• b. State law
• c. The FDA
• d. The DEA

Answer: b. State law

14. The MPJE is a standardized exam across all 50 states, with every state using the exact same set of questions.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

15. A pharmacist who moves to a new state to practice must:

• a. Use their old license from their previous state.
• b. Obtain a new license in the new state, often through a process called licensure transfer or reciprocity, which usually requires passing the new state’s MPJE.
• c. Only pass the NAPLEX again.
• d. Simply notify the new state’s Board of Pharmacy that they have arrived.

Answer: b. Obtain a new license in the new state, often through a process called licensure transfer or reciprocity, which usually requires passing the new state’s MPJE.

16. The concept of professionalism, as taught in the PPD courses, underpins the ethical obligations that are codified into law.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

17. A State Board of Pharmacy can discipline a pharmacist for:

• a. Committing a dispensing error.
• b. Violating a controlled substance law.
• c. Unprofessional conduct.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

18. The “NABP” which develops and administers the NAPLEX and MPJE stands for:

• a. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
• b. National Alliance of Benevolent Pharmacists
• c. North American Bureau of Prescriptions
• d. National Administration of Biologic Products

Answer: a. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

19. Which of the following is an example of a regulation that could be set by a State Board of Pharmacy?

• a. The required pharmacist-to-technician ratio.
• b. The requirements for counseling patients.
• c. The standards for a pharmacy’s physical layout and security.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

20. A pharmacist’s professional duty is to be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations governing their specific state of practice.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

21. The term “jurisprudence” refers to:

• a. The theory or philosophy of law.
• b. The study of clinical therapeutics.
• c. The management of a pharmacy.
• d. The dispensing of medications.

Answer: a. The theory or philosophy of law.

22. Which of the following is NOT typically a requirement for pharmacist licensure?

• a. Graduation from an accredited school of pharmacy.
• b. Passing the NAPLEX and MPJE.
• c. Completion of a residency program.
• d. Being of good moral character.

Answer: c. Completion of a residency program.

23. A pharmacist’s license must typically be renewed:

• a. Every month
• b. Every 1-2 years, depending on the state.
• c. Every 5 years.
• d. It never needs to be renewed.

Answer: b. Every 1-2 years, depending on the state.

24. The main purpose of the MPJE is to ensure that a licensed pharmacist:

• a. Has strong clinical knowledge.
• b. Can provide safe and legal care to the public within a specific state.
• c. Is a good businessperson.
• d. Can pass a difficult exam.

Answer: b. Can provide safe and legal care to the public within a specific state.

25. A pharmacist’s scope of practice is static and has not changed over the past 50 years.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

26. The ability for pharmacists to administer a wide range of vaccines is an example of:

• a. An expansion of the pharmacist’s scope of practice over time.
• b. A federal law that applies to all states equally.
• c. A decrease in pharmacist responsibilities.
• d. A new FDA regulation.

Answer: a. An expansion of the pharmacist’s scope of practice over time.

27. A key function of a State Board of Pharmacy is to:

• a. Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with pharmacy laws.
• b. Set the curriculum for colleges of pharmacy.
• c. Determine which drugs are controlled substances.
• d. Approve new drugs.

Answer: a. Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with pharmacy laws.

28. An active learning session on pharmacy law is a key part of which course?

• a. PHA5703 Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5703 Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics

29. The NAPLEX primarily tests a candidate’s ability to:

• a. Memorize state laws.
• b. Manage a pharmacy’s finances.
• c. Apply clinical knowledge to make safe and effective patient care decisions.
• d. Compound sterile preparations.

Answer: c. Apply clinical knowledge to make safe and effective patient care decisions.

30. The “Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics” course provides the knowledge base needed for the MPJE.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

31. Disciplinary action by a Board of Pharmacy can include:

• a. A letter of reprimand.
• b. A fine.
• c. Suspension or revocation of a pharmacist’s license.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

32. The requirement for a “pharmacist-in-charge” (PIC) is an example of a:

• a. Federal regulation
• b. State regulation
• c. Recommendation from a professional organization
• d. Hospital policy

Answer: b. State regulation

33. The law course PHA5703 is foundational to understanding the scope of practice.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

34. A pharmacy intern practicing in a pharmacy is ultimately working under the license and supervision of:

• a. Themselves
• b. The store manager
• c. The supervising licensed pharmacist (preceptor)
• d. The Board of Pharmacy

Answer: c. The supervising licensed pharmacist (preceptor)

35. A pharmacist who is licensed in Florida moves to California. They must:

• a. Do nothing and continue practicing.
• b. Take and pass the California MPJE to obtain a California license.
• c. Only take the NAPLEX again.
• d. Take a sabbatical for one year.

Answer: b. Take and pass the California MPJE to obtain a California license.

36. A key part of the pharmacist’s professional responsibility is to maintain awareness of and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

37. The NABP is responsible for creating:

• a. State-specific pharmacy laws.
• b. The licensure examinations (NAPLEX and MPJE).
• c. The curriculum for colleges of pharmacy.
• d. The code of ethics for pharmacists.

Answer: b. The licensure examinations (NAPLEX and MPJE).

38. The “practice of pharmacy” as defined by a state’s Pharmacy Practice Act has generally:

• a. Narrowed over time.
• b. Broadened over time to include more patient care services.
• c. Remained unchanged since the 1950s.
• d. Been eliminated in most states.

Answer: b. Broadened over time to include more patient care services.

39. The number of continuing education hours required for licensure renewal is determined by:

• a. The NABP
• b. The FDA
• c. Each individual State Board of Pharmacy
• d. The pharmacist’s employer

Answer: c. Each individual State Board of Pharmacy

40. An active learning session covering pharmacy law is part of which course?

• a. PHA5703 Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5703 Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics

41. Which of the following is NOT under the direct jurisdiction of a State Board of Pharmacy?

• a. The licensing of pharmacy technicians.
• b. The requirements for prescription labels.
• c. The scheduling of new controlled substances at the federal level.
• d. The rules for pharmacy inspections.

Answer: c. The scheduling of new controlled substances at the federal level.

42. The MPJE is known for being a challenging exam because:

• a. It tests obscure historical facts.
• b. It requires the application of both federal and state laws, which may differ.
• c. The questions are intentionally tricky.
• d. Both b and c.

Answer: d. Both b and c.

43. A pharmacist’s license in one state allows them to practice in any other state.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

44. The ultimate purpose of state regulation and licensure is to:

• a. Create barriers to entering the profession.
• b. Generate revenue for the state.
• c. Protect the public from unqualified or incompetent practitioners.
• d. Increase the number of available pharmacy jobs.

Answer: c. Protect the public from unqualified or incompetent practitioners.

45. A pharmacist who fails to complete their required continuing education hours may face:

• a. A reward from the Board of Pharmacy.
• b. Disciplinary action, including non-renewal of their license.
• c. A decrease in their workload.
• d. No consequences.

Answer: b. Disciplinary action, including non-renewal of their license.

46. The curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge base for passing licensure examinations.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

47. A “statement of credit” from an ACPE-accredited CE provider is proof that a pharmacist:

• a. Has completed a continuing education activity.
• b. Is a licensed pharmacist.
• c. Has passed the NAPLEX.
• d. Has passed the MPJE.

Answer: a. Has completed a continuing education activity.

48. An active learning session on pharmacy law is part of which course module?

• a. The law and ethics course PHA5703.
• b. The diabetes module.
• c. The sterile compounding course.
• d. The GI/Renal course.

Answer: a. The law and ethics course PHA5703.

49. The overall framework of pharmacy regulation in the U.S. is a dual system involving:

• a. Only state laws.
• b. Only federal laws.
• c. Both state and federal laws.
• d. The pharmacy manager and the pharmacy owner.

Answer: c. Both state and federal laws.

50. The ultimate reason to learn about state regulation and examinations is to:

• a. Be able to legally enter the profession and practice in a manner that is safe, ethical, and compliant.
• b. Find loopholes in the law.
• c. Pass the final exam for the law course.
• d. Complain about the complexity of the regulations.

Answer: a. Be able to legally enter the profession and practice in a manner that is safe, ethical, and compliant.