Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method for filling prescriptions?

1. Schedule II prescriptions, Schedule III-V prescriptions, and noncontrolled prescriptions are stored in three separate files

2. Schedule II prescriptions are stored separately, and schedules III-V and noncontrolled prescriptions are filed together

3. All controlled substance prescriptions may be stored with noncontrolled prescriptions if marked with a red letter "C"

4. Electronic prescription records retained for 2 years with controlled substances easily retrievable

The correct answer is: All controlled substance prescriptions may be stored with noncontrolled prescriptions if marked with a red letter "C"

The method of storing all controlled substance prescriptions with noncontrolled prescriptions simply marked with a red letter "C" is not an acceptable practice because it does not comply with the regulatory requirements set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to DEA regulations, Schedule II prescriptions must be maintained in a separate file from those of Schedule III-V and noncontrolled substances. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure the accurate tracking and management of controlled substances, which are subject to potential misuse or abuse. By allowing all controlled substances to be stored together with noncontrolled substances, there increases the risk of misfiling, loss, or confusion regarding the handling of these potentially dangerous medications. In contrast, the other options present compliant practices. Storing Schedule II prescriptions separately and filing Schedule III-V and noncontrolled prescriptions together maintains clear organization and accessibility, which are vital for patient safety and regulatory adherence. Electronic prescription records that are retrievable and retained for the required period also support the accountability and monitoring of controlled substances, ensuring that pharmacies operate within the law while providing patient care.