Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is required if a pharmacist cannot fill a partial fill of a CII prescription within the specified hours?

1. Contacting the patient

2. Obtaining a new prescription from the prescriber

3. Writing an explanation on the prescription

4. Updating the pharmacy records

The correct answer is: Obtaining a new prescription from the prescriber

When a pharmacist cannot fill a partial fill of a Schedule II (CII) prescription within the specified hours, obtaining a new prescription from the prescriber is necessary. This is due to the strict regulations governing the dispensing of controlled substances, particularly CII drugs, which are subject to more stringent guidelines than other schedules. The law generally requires that a CII prescription be filled in accordance with the original prescription order, and if it cannot be fulfilled as specified, it cannot be extended or modified without a new order from the prescriber. This ensures that the prescribing and dispensing process remains secure and closely monitored, reducing the potential for misuse or diversion of controlled substances. Other options may involve communication or recording procedures but are not sufficient to meet the legal requirement in this circumstance. For example, while contacting the patient or updating pharmacy records could be considered good practice, they do not fulfill the legal obligation necessitated when an immediate fulfillment of a CII prescription cannot occur. Therefore, the requirement to obtain a new prescription from the prescriber remains the appropriate course of action in this scenario.