Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

What must a pharmacy owner provide if a pharmacist declines to dispense a product for moral reasons?

1. The ability to void the sale

2. Reasonable accommodations for the patient

3. Notification to the patient

4. A written policy statement

The correct answer is: Reasonable accommodations for the patient

When a pharmacist declines to dispense a product for moral reasons, it is essential that the pharmacy owner provides reasonable accommodations for the patient. This is crucial to ensure that the patient still has access to necessary medications or services without facing undue burden due to the pharmacist's personal convictions. Reasonable accommodations might include referring the patient to another pharmacy or ensuring that an alternative pharmacist is available to fulfill the prescription. The goal is to maintain patient care and uphold the principles of access to medication while respecting the moral beliefs of the pharmacist involved. In contrast, options like voiding the sale, notifying the patient, or providing a written policy statement do not sufficiently address the core issue of ensuring continuous patient care in a respectful manner. While notification and written policies may be helpful, the priority must be on accommodating the patient’s needs effectively.