MCQ Quiz: Pharmacy Permits

For a pharmacy to legally operate, it requires more than just licensed pharmacists; the facility itself must obtain a permit or license from the state. This process, governed by each State Board of Pharmacy, ensures that the pharmacy meets strict standards for safety, security, and professional practice. These requirements are a cornerstone of the Principles of Pharmacy Law and Ethics course “. This quiz will test your knowledge on the legal framework surrounding pharmacy permits, the responsibilities of the Pharmacist-in-Charge, and the operational standards required for compliance.

1. Which governmental body is primarily responsible for issuing and regulating pharmacy permits?

• a. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• b. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• c. The State Board of Pharmacy
• d. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Answer: c. The State Board of Pharmacy

2. The primary purpose of requiring a pharmacy to be permitted is to:

• a. Generate revenue for the state.
• b. Protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
• c. Limit the number of pharmacies in an area.
• d. Set the prices for medications.

Answer: b. Protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

3. The pharmacist who is legally responsible for the operations and compliance of a permitted pharmacy is known as the:

• a. Lead Technician
• b. Store Manager
• c. Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC)
• d. Staff Pharmacist

Answer: c. Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC)

4. To handle controlled substances, a pharmacy must have a state pharmacy permit AND a separate registration with which federal agency?

• a. The FDA
• b. The DEA
• c. The FTC
• d. The CDC

Answer: b. The DEA

5. Which of the following is typically a minimum requirement for a pharmacy to obtain a permit?

• a. A designated Pharmacist-in-Charge.
• b. Adequate physical space, security, and sanitation.
• c. Necessary equipment and reference materials.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

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

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

7. A pharmacy that prepares IV admixtures would likely need what type of specialized permit in many states?

• a. A non-sterile compounding permit.
• b. A sterile compounding permit.
• c. A nuclear pharmacy permit.
• d. A retail pharmacy permit.

Answer: b. A sterile compounding permit.

8. If a pharmacy changes its physical location, it must typically:

• a. Do nothing, the permit is transferable.
• b. Notify the Board of Pharmacy after the move is complete.
• c. Apply for a new permit for the new location before operating.
• d. Only notify the DEA.

Answer: c. Apply for a new permit for the new location before operating.

9. State Board of Pharmacy inspectors can conduct routine, unannounced inspections of a pharmacy to:

• a. Check for compliance with state and federal laws.
• b. Harass the pharmacy staff.
• c. Dispense prescriptions.
• d. Order medications.

Answer: a. Check for compliance with state and federal laws.

10. A pharmacy’s permit must be renewed:

• a. Never, it is valid for life.
• b. Every 10 years.
• c. Periodically, such as annually or biennially, as required by state law.
• d. Every month.

Answer: c. Periodically, such as annually or biennially, as required by state law.

11. Practicing in accordance with state laws is a key objective in the IPPE curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

12. Which of the following is NOT typically a required piece of equipment for a community pharmacy permit?

• a. A prescription balance
• b. A refrigerator with a thermometer
• c. A sink with hot and cold running water
• d. An MRI machine

Answer: d. An MRI machine

13. If the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) leaves their position, the Board of Pharmacy must typically be notified:

• a. Within one year.
• b. Within 6 months.
• c. Immediately or within a very short timeframe as defined by state law.
• d. It is not necessary to notify the board.

Answer: c. Immediately or within a very short timeframe as defined by state law.

14. A pharmacy’s failure to maintain proper security, leading to a break-in and theft of controlled substances, could be grounds for disciplinary action against:

• a. The Pharmacist-in-Charge.
• b. The pharmacy permit holder.
• c. Both a and b.
• d. Neither a nor b.

Answer: c. Both a and b.

15. A pharmacist can be the PIC for an unlimited number of pharmacies simultaneously.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

16. A key responsibility of the PIC is:

• a. Ensuring all staff members are properly licensed or registered with the board.
• b. Creating and maintaining the pharmacy’s policy and procedure manual.
• c. Overseeing the pharmacy’s quality assurance programs.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

17. The Sterile Compounding course covers standards relevant to specialized pharmacy permits.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

18. A mail-order pharmacy that ships prescriptions to patients in 50 states must:

• a. Only be licensed in the state where it is physically located.
• b. Be licensed or permitted in all 50 states to which it ships.
• c. Be licensed by the FDA.
• d. Be licensed by the DEA only.

Answer: b. Be licensed or permitted in all 50 states to which it ships.

19. A hospital pharmacy is generally exempt from the permitting requirements of the State Board of Pharmacy.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

20. A key component of a pharmacy’s physical requirements is having a designated area for:

• a. Patient counseling that ensures privacy and confidentiality.
• b. The staff lounge.
• c. Storing office supplies.
• d. The manager’s office.

Answer: a. Patient counseling that ensures privacy and confidentiality.

21. A Board of Pharmacy inspector finds that a pharmacy’s prescription records are incomplete. This could result in:

• a. A fine or disciplinary action against the pharmacy’s permit.
• b. A warning to improve documentation.
• c. A required plan of correction.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

22. A pharmacy must have a current copy of, or electronic access to, its state’s pharmacy laws and regulations.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

23. The law course PHA5703 is foundational to understanding permit requirements.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

24. 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

25. A pharmacist who owns their own pharmacy is responsible for:

• a. Maintaining their personal pharmacist license.
• b. Maintaining the pharmacy’s permit.
• c. Both a and b.
• d. Neither a nor b; the state handles everything.

Answer: c. Both a and b.

26. The “pharmacist-to-technician” ratio is a regulation set by:

• a. The DEA
• b. The FDA
• c. The State Board of Pharmacy
• d. The pharmacy manager

Answer: c. The State Board of Pharmacy

27. Before a new pharmacy can open, it must typically pass an inspection by the:

• a. Local police department.
• b. State Board of Pharmacy.
• c. FDA.
• d. DEA.

Answer: b. State Board of Pharmacy.

28. An active learning session on 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

29. The purpose of requiring a separate permit for sterile compounding is due to the:

• a. High cost of these medications.
• b. High risk of patient harm from contaminated or incorrectly prepared products.
• c. Need for specialized equipment and facilities.
• d. Both b and c.

Answer: d. Both b and c.

30. A pharmacy’s permit must be displayed:

• a. In the pharmacy’s safe.
• b. In a conspicuous place visible to the public.
• c. In the PIC’s office.
• d. It does not need to be displayed.

Answer: b. In a conspicuous place visible to the public.

31. The term “practice of pharmacy” is defined in:

• a. The U.S. Constitution
• b. A pharmacy textbook
• c. Each state’s Pharmacy Practice Act
• d. The FDA’s code of regulations

Answer: c. Each state’s Pharmacy Practice Act

32. A pharmacist’s professional duty includes reporting conditions in their workplace that may violate the law or endanger the public.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

33. The IPPE curriculum requires students to practice in legally permitted sites.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

34. Which of the following is NOT typically regulated by a State Board of Pharmacy?

• a. The requirements for prescription labels.
• b. The requirements for patient counseling.
• c. The manufacturer’s new drug approval process.
• d. The licensing of pharmacy interns.

Answer: c. The manufacturer’s new drug approval process.

35. A “non-resident” pharmacy permit would be required for a:

• a. Hospital pharmacy.
• b. Mail-order pharmacy that ships prescriptions into a state where it is not physically located.
• c. Community pharmacy located near the state border.
• d. A pharmacy that is open 24 hours.

Answer: b. A mail-order pharmacy that ships prescriptions into a state where it is not physically located.

36. A key security requirement for a pharmacy is the ability to:

• a. Lock the pharmacy department to prevent unauthorized access.
• b. Have a working alarm system.
• c. Secure controlled substances.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

37. If a pharmacy closes permanently, the PIC is responsible for:

• a. Ensuring proper transfer and disposal of all medications, especially controlled substances.
• b. Notifying the Board of Pharmacy.
• c. Returning the pharmacy permit to the board.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

38. The law and ethics course is foundational for understanding a pharmacist’s legal responsibilities.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

39. A pharmacy that fails a Board inspection may be required to:

• a. Submit a plan of correction.
• b. Pay a fine.
• c. Temporarily cease operations until deficiencies are corrected.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

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. The legal right for a pharmacy to exist and operate is granted by the:

• a. DEA
• b. FDA
• c. Pharmacy permit issued by the State Board.
• d. Pharmacy’s owner.

Answer: c. Pharmacy permit issued by the State Board.

42. A mobile pharmacy unit used for disaster response would likely need:

• a. No permit to operate.
• a. A special, temporary permit from the State Board of Pharmacy.
• c. A permit from the Red Cross.
• d. A permit from the local fire department.

Answer: b. A special, temporary permit from the State Board of Pharmacy.

43. A pharmacist’s understanding of permit requirements is essential for:

• a. Practicing legally.
• b. Taking on a management or PIC role.
• c. Opening their own pharmacy.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

44. Which of the following is NOT directly related to a pharmacy permit?

• a. The physical security of the pharmacy department.
• b. The accuracy of the prescription dispensing.
• c. The cleanliness of the pharmacy.
• d. The price of over-the-counter medications.

Answer: d. The price of over-the-counter medications.

45. State regulations often require a pharmacy to maintain a reference library that is:

• a. Relevant to their specific practice type.
• b. In print format only.
• c. In electronic format only.
• d. Stored off-site.

Answer: a. Relevant to their specific practice type.

46. A pharmacist cannot be the PIC of more than one pharmacy at a time in most states.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

47. The HIPPE curriculum requires students to adhere to institutional policies and procedures.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

48. An active learning session on 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

49. The overall purpose of the complex web of regulations and permits governing pharmacies is to:

• a. Create barriers for new pharmacies to open.
• b. Protect the public and ensure patient safety.
• c. Generate revenue through fees.
• d. Make the pharmacist’s job more difficult.

Answer: b. Protect the public and ensure patient safety.

50. The ultimate reason to learn about pharmacy permits is to:

• a. Be able to operate a pharmacy in a manner that is safe, effective, and compliant with all legal and professional standards.
• b. Pass the MPJE.
• c. Be able to find loopholes in the regulations.
• d. Both a and b.

Answer: d. Both a and b.