Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

What must a prescriber note on a CII prescription for a patient in a hospice facility?

1. Emergency prescription

2. Hospice

3. Severe illness

4. Chronic medication

The correct answer is: Hospice

When a prescriber issues a prescription for a schedule II controlled substance (CII) for a patient in a hospice facility, it is essential for them to indicate "hospice" on that prescription. This notation communicates to pharmacists and regulatory bodies that the patient is receiving end-of-life care in a hospice setting. Such a designation helps to streamline the dispensing process and is particularly important for ensuring that the medication prescribed is being used to manage pain or symptoms in patients who are typically experiencing significant health challenges. In the context of hospice care, patients often require control of pain and other distressing symptoms, which may necessitate the use of CII medications. Noting “hospice” on the prescription signifies to the pharmacist that these medications are intended for patients in this specific care setting, which may influence the interpretation of regulations surrounding controlled substances and facilitate the lawful and appropriate dispensing of medications. The other options do not provide the same level of clarity or relevance regarding the setting of care and prescribing requirements for CII medications within hospice. Options like "emergency prescription," "severe illness," and "chronic medication" lack the specific identification that the "hospice" designation supplies, and could lead to misunderstandings about the intent and context of the