Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which of the following actions may NOT be performed by a licensed pharmacy technician?

1. Receive a prescription refill authorization from a prescriber

2. Load automated dispensing system with drug stock

3. Prepare sterile IV admixture compounds

4. Receive a new prescription order via telephone from a prescriber

The correct answer is: Receive a new prescription order via telephone from a prescriber

A licensed pharmacy technician typically has a defined scope of practice, which varies by state regulations but generally includes a range of responsibilities related to medication preparation and dispensing. One critical distinction in their roles pertains to the acceptance of prescription orders. Receiving a new prescription order via telephone from a prescriber is an action that usually falls under the scope of practice of a licensed pharmacist. This is because new prescriptions involve the establishment of a therapeutic agreement, which requires clinical judgment and assessment capabilities that are integral to a pharmacist's training. The process ensures that the medication is appropriate for the patient’s condition and addresses any potential drug interactions or contraindications. In contrast, tasks such as receiving prescription refill authorizations, loading automated dispensing systems with drug stock, and preparing sterile IV admixture compounds may be permitted within the responsibilities of pharmacy technicians, subject to specific guidelines and training. These activities are more aligned with operational functions rather than clinical decision-making, and pharmacists can delegate these actions to trained technicians within the regulatory framework. Thus, the ability to receive a new prescription order is reserved for pharmacists to ensure patient safety and quality of care.