Ohio Pharmacy Law Practice Test

Are outpatient pharmacies allowed to dispense complimentary supplies of dangerous drugs?

1. Yes, with specific conditions

2. No, never

3. Only with a physician's prescription

4. Yes, but only in emergency cases

The correct answer is: Yes, with specific conditions

Outpatient pharmacies are permitted to dispense complimentary supplies of dangerous drugs, but there are specific conditions that must be adhered to in order to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Typically, these conditions involve maintaining proper documentation, ensuring that the drugs supplied are safe for use, and following protocols set by state laws and the pharmacy board. This allowance recognizes situations where patients may need access to medication without the standard prescription-directed process, such as in charitable programs or public health initiatives. In contrast, the other options suggest more restrictive interpretations that do not align with the regulations allowing for complimentary dispensing under appropriate circumstances. For example, stating "no, never" ignores the provisions that permit careful and regulated dispensing. Claiming that complimentary supplies can only be dispensed with a physician's prescription suggests a misunderstanding of the flexibility inherent in pharmacy law for specific situations. Lastly, limiting dispensing to emergency cases fails to account for broader contexts in which complimentary drugs might be legitimately provided. Thus, the statement affirming that outpatient pharmacies may dispense these drugs with specific conditions is consistent with the regulatory framework established for pharmacies.