Basics of Community Pharmacy Law in North Carolina

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to pharmacy law in North Carolina, focusing on regulatory requirements, prescription types, and pharmacy practices.

Prescription drug

A medication that requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drug

A medication that can be purchased without a prescription.

Dietary supplement

A product taken orally that contains a dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet.

Refill requirements

Rules governing how and when a prescription can be refilled.

Expiration date

The date after which a medication should not be used.

Prescription format

The method through which a prescription can be issued, including paper, telephone, fax, or electronic.

Controlled substances

Drugs that are regulated by law due to their potential for abuse or dependence.

DUR (Drug Use Review)

A review process to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications.

Generic substitution

Replacing a brand-name drug with its generic equivalent.

Counseling requirements

Obligations for pharmacists to provide information and advice to patients about their medications.

Recordkeeping

The practice of maintaining accurate logs of prescriptions and pharmacy operations.

Pharmacy interns

Students in training under a licensed pharmacist, not to be confused with pharmacy technicians.

Immunizations

Vaccinations that can be administered by pharmacists under specific regulations.

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration, responsible for approving drugs and ensuring their safety.

Legitimate medical purpose

A valid health reason for prescribing medication recognized by regulatory bodies.

Narcotic drugs

Controlled substances that are derived from opium or synthetic analogs.

Prescription expiry for non-controlled substances

Non-controlled substance prescriptions in NC do not expire.

PRN prescription

A prescription that is valid for refill only as needed.

Equivalent drug product

A drug that is therapeutically equivalent to a prescribed brand-name medication.

Child-resistant container

A type of packaging designed to be difficult for children to open.

Documentation of compliance

Records maintained to demonstrate adherence to laws and regulations.

Pharmacy label components

Information that must be included on a medication's dispensing label.

Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP)

A licensed pharmacist who can prescribe medications under specific conditions.

Schedule of controlled substances

Categories (C-I to C-V) that classify drugs based on their potential for abuse.

Transfer of prescription law

Legal requirements regarding the transfer of controlled substances between individuals.

Counseling refusal documentation

Records kept to show when a patient has declined counseling.

Immunizing Pharmacist criteria

Requirements pharmacists must meet to administer vaccines.

Vaccination consent for minors

Written permission from a parent or guardian needed to vaccinate individuals under 18.

Prescription issuing formats

Methods through which a valid prescription can be created.

Drug-disease contraindication

A situation where a prescribed drug may adversely affect a patient's existing health condition.

Drug-allergy interaction

When a medication causes an allergic reaction in a patient.

State Board of Pharmacy

A government body that regulates pharmacy practice at the state level.

Therapeutically equivalent

Drugs that have similar effects and can be substituted for one another.

Patient profile maintenance

Keeping updated records about a patient’s medication history and health information.

Prescription expiration rules in NC

Guidelines that determine how long a prescription is valid before it must be filled.

Federal vs. State law compliance

The requirement for pharmacists to adhere to both federal and state laws, following the stricter one if necessary.

Pharmacy operation regulations

The rules that govern how pharmacies must conduct their business.

Immunizing protocols

Guidelines pharmacists follow to administer vaccines safely and legally.

Tracking immunization records

Maintaining documentation of all vaccines administered by pharmacy personnel.