Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

If a pharmacist declines to dispense a drug due to ethical beliefs, what must they do beforehand?

1. Notify the patient verbally

2. Notify the pharmacy owner in writing

3. Notify the Board of Pharmacy

4. Provide a written report

The correct answer is: Notify the pharmacy owner in writing

The requirement for a pharmacist to notify the pharmacy owner in writing before declining to dispense a drug due to ethical beliefs is grounded in the need for accountability and communication within the pharmacy setting. By informing the owner, the pharmacist ensures that the pharmacy can take appropriate measures, such as arranging for other staff to fulfill the prescription or exploring alternatives for the patient. This written notification helps maintain the operational integrity of the pharmacy while also safeguarding the pharmacist’s professional autonomy and ethical standards. Additionally, notifying the pharmacy owner aligns with the policies that many pharmacies have regarding the management of prescriptions and ensures that patient care is not compromised as a result of the pharmacist's personal beliefs. This requirement serves to uphold a balance between the pharmacist's ethical considerations and the duty to provide care, ensuring that other measures can be taken to assist the patient. In contrast, notifying the patient verbally does not provide a formal record of the decision or reasoning and may not be acceptable under certain circumstances. Notifying the Board of Pharmacy is more relevant for reporting violations or issues but is not a necessary step prior to the pharmacist exercising their right to refuse to dispense. A written report is also not a standard requirement in this context, as the focus is on communication with the pharmacy owner rather than a formal documentation process