PHAR 182: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of the Pharmacy Technician

Comprehensive review flashcards covering accountability, medication rights, legal liabilities, professional ethics, artificial intelligence in healthcare, conflict of interest management, and the distinction between laws and ethics for pharmacy technicians in PHAR 182.

What is the primary objective of PHAR 182 Learning Outcome 5.0?

To discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in current pharmacy practice.

What is the specific focus of Learning Step 5.1?

To define accountability of the pharmacy technician in pharmacy practice.

In medical ethics, what alternative term is accountability also known as?

Fidelity.

How does the McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine (2002) define accountability in a general context?

A condition in which individuals who exercise power are constrained by external means and internal norms.

How does the McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine (2002) define accountability within medical ethics?

The extent to which a person is answerable to a higher authority.

Which quote by Moliere describes accountability in the lecture notes?

"It is not only what we do, but what we do not do, for which we are accountable."

To which eight entities or individuals must a pharmacy practitioner be accountable?

1) Patient, 2) The public, 3) Law-makers, 4) Peers, 5) Co-workers, 6) Professional bodies, 7) Administrators ("the boss", "the company", "the hospital"), and 8) Yourself (moral and ethical responsibility).

What are the seven patient medication rights outlined in pharmacy practice?

1) The Right DRUG, 2) The Right STRENGTH, 3) The Right DOSAGE FORM, 4) The Right PATIENT, 5) The Right TIME, 6) The Right DOCUMENTATION, and 7) The Right TECHNIQUE.

What responsibilities fall within the pharmacy technician scope to ensure "The Right Drug"?

Interpreting the prescription properly, choosing the correct drug to dispense based on contracts or formulary, physically dispensing the correct product, and ensuring the drug is handled and stored correctly.

What technician tasks are required to guarantee "The Right Strength"?

Interpreting the prescription properly, choosing the correct strength, performing correct calculations, and checking the dosage range for safety purposes.

What factors determine whether "The Right Dosage Form" has been provided?

Ensuring the form is appropriate for the prescription and patient age/ability, and recognizing different dosage forms to provide appropriate directions and handling.

What checks are needed to ensure "The Right Patient" receives the medication?

Confirming the name matches what is written on the prescription, and verifying the patient profile is complete and checked for whether the prescription is new, changed, or taken previously.

Under patient medication rights, what duties relate to "The Right Time"?

Interpreting intervals and directions properly so label directions are clear to the patient, appropriately calculating the beyond-use date (BUD), checking compliance and refill timing, and filling the prescription in a timely manner.

What requirements are included under "The Right Documentation"?

Ensuring the product is correctly labelled (dosage, drug, directions, auxiliary labels), verifying the profile is correct, and ensuring all paperwork is complete and signed.

What three scenarios represent a failure in "The Right Technique"?

1) A healthcare provider administers the product incorrectly, 2) The patient uses the product incorrectly despite correct education/directions, or 3) The patient is incorrectly educated on how to use the product.

What are the four primary pharmacy health professional obligations?

1) Uphold patient medication rights, 2) Support patient autonomy on health decisions, 3) Ensure patient access to all pharmacy services, and 4) Ensure competent pharmacy practice for patients.

How must a pharmacy technician accurately represent their professional identity to patients?

Portray themselves strictly as a pharmacy technician—NOT an assistant and NOT a pharmacist.

When asking questions on behalf of a pharmacist, what must the pharmacy technician ensure?

Ensure that the patient clearly understands why the technician is asking those questions.

How does the accountability of a pharmacy technician differ from that of a pharmacy assistant in legislated provinces?

Pharmacy technicians hold professional accountability to the patient and the profession, whereas pharmacy assistants have no direct accountability to the patient or the profession.

What does taking ownership of work and contributions mean when an error occurs?

Admitting the error and considering any contribution made toward that error.

What is a pharmacy technician's duty when discovering an error they did not cause?

Demonstrate a patient-focused sense of urgency and accountability to report and correct the error, even if they are not the "owner" of or responsible for the error.

At a minimum, with whom must a medication error be documented and shared?

With the patient (admission of error), the pharmacist(s), members within the circle of care (collaborating with the pharmacist and prescriber), and the employer/manager (de-identified to protect privacy).

Which national organization provides a database where medication errors should ideally be reported?

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).

What are two provincial examples of mandatory community pharmacy medication incident reporting programs?

SafetyNETRx in Nova Scotia and COMPASS in Saskatchewan (as well as Medication Safety Program in Ontario and CIRCL in British Columbia).

What does CPhIR stand for, and who created it?

Community Pharmacy Incident Reporting, developed as an ISMP reporting tool.

Which private third-party incident reporting provider is noted as being used in Ontario?

Pharmapod.

What is the definition of a "near miss" in pharmacy practice?

An error that occurs but does not reach the patient.

Why is the reporting of near misses mandatory in quality improvement programs?

It is a requirement of continuous quality improvement programs that demonstrates transparency and accountability to the public.

What does the acronym COMPASS stand for in Saskatchewan?

Community Pharmacy Professionals Advancing Safety in Saskatchewan.

What type of program is COMPASS classified as?

A continuous quality improvement (CQI) program.

In what three areas must the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) demonstrate governance transparency to the public?

1) How members qualify, 2) Who the members are, and 3) Which members have been disciplined along with the details of their discipline.

What summary distinction is made regarding accountability in the lecture notes?

Accountability is being "called up" rather than being "called out"—if someone holds you accountable, it is because they know you are capable of more.

What is the topic of Learning Step 5.2 in PHAR 182?

Describe the legal responsibilities of the pharmacy technician.

How are the concepts of accountability and responsibility viewed by the public regarding healthcare professionals?

They are often used interchangeably, and professionals are deemed by the public to hold a higher level of both accountability and responsibility across all facets of practice.

How does Mosby's Dental Dictionary (2nd edition, 2008) define liability?

The state of being bound by law or justice to do something or to make good something; legal responsibility.

What is legal responsibility?

Accountability that is defined, regulated, and legislated.

What is the typical catalyst for legal action against a practitioner in pharmacy practice?

Legal action is usually complainant driven.

What is the primary legal responsibility of caregivers in healthcare?

Protecting the welfare of the public and patients under their care.

How is liability derived in relation to accountability and the law?

Liability in any context is a function of who you are accountable to, and then applied to law.

In terms of professional hierarchy, to whom are pharmacy technicians accountable?

To the same listing of entities as pharmacists, but also directly including the pharmacist.

How does the legal liability of a pharmacy assistant compare to that of a regulated pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy assistant liability is limited strictly to their contribution to errors (not malpractice), whereas regulated pharmacy technicians are fully liable for their own errors where legislated.

How is malpractice defined in healthcare?

Improper, unskilled, or negligent treatment of a patient by a physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.

Does a lack of intent to cause harm eliminate legal liability for an error in pharmacy?

No; an unintentional error can still result in legal liability if negligence or breach of standard care occurred.

What is the focus of Learning Step 5.3 in PHAR 182?

Define Ethics in Pharmacy Practice.

How does Merriam-Webster define "morals"?

"Considered right and good by most people : agreeing with a standard of right behaviour"; representing the general population viewpoint of acceptable conduct.

What are ethics?

Self-imposed rules consisting of principles and values that govern the behaviour of individuals or groups in a professional or institutional setting.

What are professional ethics grounded upon and enforced by?

They are based on shared values, norms, and standards of behavior established and enforced by professional associations, regulatory bodies, or legal systems.

How is ethics professionally defined and operationalized in pharmacy?

Through a "Code of Ethics," which is a set of rules defining allowable actions and correct behavior expected in the profession.

What are six examples of ethical issues students face in an educational program?

1) Cheating / plagiarism, 2) Posting inappropriate material, 3) Confidentiality breaches, 4) Unequal contributions in group work, 5) Failing to accept responsibility, and 6) Lack of presence or active attendance on Zoom.

What is the ethical issue and concern regarding Academic Integrity when using AI as a student?

Issue: Using AI tools to complete assignments, essays, or exams violating integrity policies. Concern: Plagiarism and cheating, which undermines education and devalues honest work.

What ethical concern arises from over-reliance or Dependency on AI in academics?

Stunting personal growth by inhibiting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity essential for professional development.

What ethical issue regarding Fairness and Equality is posed by student AI adoption?

Inequality; access to advanced AI tools is not uniform across student populations, leading to an uneven playing field and widening achievement gaps.

What ethical issue regarding Data Privacy is raised by AI tools in education?

Privacy breaches; students may unknowingly share sensitive personal data that AI service providers misuse or inadequately protect.

What ethical dilemma occurs regarding Accountability when using AI tools?

Unclear responsibility; if an AI tool generates incorrect or misleading information, determining responsibility is difficult, potentially causing unfair consequences.

What ethical concern surrounds Intellectual Property when using AI?

Uncertain ownership regarding who owns the rights to AI-generated ideas and content: the student, the AI developer, or the educational institution.

What constitutes Misuse and Ethical Boundaries in student AI usage?

Using AI beyond assistance to generate false data or manipulate results, thereby distorting academic records and misrepresenting abilities.

What are six guidelines for students to mitigate ethical concerns when using AI?

1) Understand and follow academic policies, 2) Use AI as a supplement not a substitute, 3) Ensure fair access, 4) Protect personal data, 5) Acknowledge AI assistance, and 6) Develop critical skills independently.

What are the four pillars of ethical AI use in healthcare?

1) Patient Safety & Well-being, 2) Transparency & Accountability, 3) Privacy & Data Security, and 4) Professional Oversight.

Under healthcare AI principles, how must AI support Patient Safety & Well-being?

AI should assist in reducing medication errors rather than replacing clinical judgment, and pharmacists must verify AI recommendations before dispensing.

Under healthcare AI principles, what does Transparency & Accountability mandate?

AI decisions must be explainable and understandable, with clear responsibility assigned to the healthcare professional when AI-driven errors occur.

Which privacy legislation acts must govern patient data when AI is used in Canadian healthcare?

PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and HIPA (Health Information Protection Act).

What responsibilities remain strictly with pharmacists under healthcare AI Professional Oversight?

AI supports rather than replaces decision-making; pharmacists remain responsible for patient counseling and final prescription approval.

What are the three core areas of focus in provincial codes of ethics for pharmacy professionals?

Patient, Society, and Profession.

When are Pharmacy Technician Program students required to uphold the SCPP Code of Ethics?

Upon entry into the program.

What six ethical principles guide decisions made by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians?

1) Principle of veracity, 2) Beneficence, 3) Non-maleficence, 4) Autonomy, 5) Justice, and 6) Confidentiality.

What is the Principle of Veracity in healthcare?

The ethics of telling the truth, which establishes trust, respect, and credibility for health professions.

Which quote by Stephen R. Covey is highlighted regarding the Principle of Veracity?

"You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren't busy denying them."

What is Beneficence in pharmacy ethics?

The practice of compassion ("goodness"), kindness, benevolence, and goodwill, where actions and decisions are made for the paramount benefit and welfare of the patient.

What quote by Aesop is associated with the ethical principle of beneficence?

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

What scenario is given where standard pharmacy rules might be set aside under the principle of beneficence?

Providing an inhaler when a patient has no refills remaining and is unable to breathe adequately.

What is the core definition of Non-Maleficence?

"Do no harm"—inflicting the least harm possible to achieve a beneficial outcome.

Give an example where beneficence can be at odds with non-maleficence in pharmacy practice.

Providing morphine for end-of-life pain relief (beneficence) that may hasten mortality through respiratory depression (non-maleficence), or curing an infection with a drug causing severe side effects like hearing loss.

What three practices allow a pharmacy technician to uphold non-maleficence?

1) Maintaining competency (continuing education to avoid harm from lack of knowledge), 2) Practicing within limits (scope of practice, competency limits, practicing only if "fit"), and 3) Taking responsibility and ownership (communicating openly and following up).

What is Autonomy in healthcare ethics?

Providing informed choice to the patient, respecting their free will and rights to self-determination without imposing personal beliefs.

What two elements interact directly with patient autonomy to enable informed choices?

Evidence-Based Medicine and Patient Education.

What standards must healthcare information meet to properly support patient autonomy?

It must be fact-based within scope of practice, include referrals, convey neutrality without personal bias or hesitation, be understandable, and present all sides without personal opinion.

In ethics, what is the distinction between Equality and Equity within the principle of Justice?

Equality provides identical treatment to all individuals, whereas equity provides differing assistance as needed to ensure fair and just treatment for each person.

What exceptions allow a healthcare provider to breach a patient's right to confidentiality?

When laws supersede confidentiality (such as suspected drug trafficking or federal violations) or when authorized legal guardians/trustees require decision-making access.

What is the topic of Learning Step 5.4 in PHAR 182?

Describe ways to uphold and act on ethical principles when managing perceived or actual conflicts of interest.

How does personal value conflict with professional ethics when an employee arrives hungover for an unexpected shift?

Personal values of work ethic and family/financial commitment conflict with the professional ethical requirement to protect patients from a chemically impaired technician.

How does UC Berkeley Compliance define a Conflict of Interest?

Any situation where a person derives a benefit, whether actual or perceived; it includes participation by inclusion (i.e., just being there).

What are six examples of personal conflicts of interest in pharmacy practice?

1) Sharing "national examination" information, 2) Patronage (favoritism, nepotism), 3) Gratuities from drug reps or customers, 4) Dating a co-worker or supervisor, 5) Working in another pharmacy, and 6) Personal beliefs (religion, upbringing).

What four visible steps are required to resolve personal conflicts of interest?

1) Disclose the conflict to all affected parties, 2) Remove yourself from decision-making or influencing outcomes, 3) Ensure visible and actual exclusion, and 4) Discharge responsibility to another competent professional (provide a referral/alternative).

What small-print disclaimer is cited as an example of failing to have visible and actual exclusion?

"If a preference has not been indicated, consent to disclosure is assumed."

What is Altruism, and what two boundaries limit it in pharmacy practice?

The principle of unselfish concern for the welfare of others, which is strictly limited by legal responsibilities and scope of practice.

What does the term "optics" refer to in healthcare practice?

Patient perception or interpretation of actions, which professionals must actively address to avoid misunderstandings (e.g., laughter at the counter as a patient passes).

How can a pharmacy technician address negative optics if their spouse represents a generic drug company?

Declare the conflict prior, order from an alternative generic manufacturer with identical pricing, or assign generic drug ordering to another staff member.

What is the "normalization of ethical issues" in pharmacy?

The gradual erosion of ethical boundaries where improper practices become routine and accepted due to habit, rush, or avoidance of conflict.

What are five examples of normalized ethical violations in pharmacy?

1) Theft/use of medication in the dispensary, 2) Filling prescriptions without authorization for staff/preferred customers, 3) Skipping counselling when busy, 4) Bypassing drug interaction/refill warnings, and 5) Inappropriate delegation to unqualified staff.

According to the guide to acting on ethical principles, what three constraints apply to protecting patient welfare?

1) Actions will not harm others, 2) Actions will not harm yourself, and 3) Your own benefit cannot be part of the consideration.

What four complex healthcare topics are cited as dilemmas involving the conflict of "good" and "bad"?

1) Euthanasia (MAID), 2) Opiate Agonist Therapy / Harm reduction, 3) Futility ("non-beneficial care" / life support), and 4) Cannabis.

What is the topic of Learning Step 5.5 in PHAR 182?

State the difference between laws and ethics.

What is the formal definition of a law?

A binding custom or practice of a community: a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.

How does the enforcement of accountability differ between law and ethics?

In law, accountability is to the community, enforced by police, and judged by a judge/jury; in ethics, accountability is to peers, enforced by a representative peer body, and penalized by peers.

In Saskatchewan, how are ethical complaints against pharmacy professionals investigated and penalized?

The Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) reviews and investigates complaints, and the disciplinary committee decides on penalties.

How do penalties differ between violations of law and breaches of ethics?

Law penalties include financial fines, incarceration, and community service; ethical penalties include censure, corrective action, professional fines, and loss of licensure.

What are the core differences between Laws and Ethics in terms of origin, requirement, and standard?

Laws: Created by government, mandatory to follow, written in legislation, legal penalties, focus on minimum standards. Ethics: Based on moral principles, expected but not always legally enforced, found in codes/values, professional discipline, focus on ideal conduct.

What are four areas where laws and ethics overlap and work together?

Patient confidentiality, safe and accurate dispensing, informed consent, and professional honesty (following the law = acting ethically).

What is the key takeaway regarding the interaction of laws and ethics in healthcare?

Laws represent the minimum standard; ethics serve as a guide for difficult decisions.

What are the mandatory protocol requirements for submitting the Microsoft Forms Peer and Self Assessment survey in Group Assignment #2?

Students must duplicate the form, add the instructor as a collaborator, verify participation by pasting the link in Brightspace, ensure it is NOT anonymous by checking RECORD NAME, and complete a self-assessment using PREVIEW.