PSI Irish Pharmacy Law & Ethics 5

Question 1

Which scheme allows pharmacists in Ireland to dispense a generic medicine instead of the branded product prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Generic substitution under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013

Answer

The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 allows pharmacists to substitute with a listed generic unless the prescriber has handwritten 'do not substitute' on the prescription.

Question 2

The 'three-way check' in dispensing refers to checking the label against the:

Accepted Answer

Prescription, product and patient record — at three points in the dispensing process

Answer

The three-way dispensing check verifies the prescription against the product retrieved, and the label — performed at: (1) product selection, (2) labelling, (3) final accuracy check before dispensing.

Question 3

Which PSI document provides guidance on professional standards for internet and distance pharmacy services?

Accepted Answer

PSI Guidance on Internet and Distance Sale of Medicines

Answer

PSI published dedicated guidance for online pharmacy services, requiring registration, use of the EU common logo, and full compliance with all pharmacy standards despite the remote model of supply.

Question 4

Under the Falsified Medicines Directive (EU 2011/62/EU), pharmacies must use which system to verify medicines?

Accepted Answer

The European Medicines Verification System (EMVS) — scanning 2D barcodes at point of dispensing

Answer

The Falsified Medicines Directive requires pharmacies to scan the 2D data matrix barcode on medicine packs before dispensing, verifying authenticity and decommissioning the pack via the EMVS/Irish MVO.

Question 5

A patient requests their prescription be returned after it has been dispensed. Under Irish law:

Accepted Answer

Pharmacists must retain dispensed prescriptions and cannot return them

Answer

Under Irish pharmacy regulations, dispensed prescriptions must be retained by the pharmacy for the required period. They form part of the legal dispensing record and cannot be returned to patients.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Irish Pharmacy Law & Ethics 5