Essentials of Law and Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians

As the practice of modern medicine becomes more and more pharmacology dependent, the role of pharmacy technicians is becoming more complex. This is true in terms of the medications they are required to deliver, as well as the legal responsibilities and ethical considerations that come with administering those medicines.

Essentials of Law and Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians, now in its Third Edition, is designed specifically to provide technicians with the legal and ethical information they need to perform their jobs with absolute confidence. It covers all U.S. federal laws regarding pharmacy practice as well as other laws and regulations and their applicability to pharmacy technicians. It also addresses current issues such as herbal medications, privacy laws and rules, and drug pedigree. A unique section on ethics offers extensive discussion points and cases. Appendices provide extensive information on practice regulation in all states.

Fully revised to address the latest procedural, ethical, and technological developments in this rapidly changing field, this third edition of a bestseller has been edited for clarity and provides a wealth of new material, including a new appendix on the legal status of electronic transmission of prescriptions. It covers the latest in state and federal regulations pertaining to the administration of new medications, including birth control and the morning-after pill, as well as new regulations on over-the-counter label claims.

An essential resource for students and practicing technicians, this reference brings together the information that pharmacy technicians need to practice in a manner that is both legal and ethical.

What’s New in this Edition:



Updated information on over-the-counter label claims
Updated sections on drug samples and the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005
New sections on drug pedigrees and United States Pharmacopoeia Chapter 797
Expanded discussion of state rules and ethics regarding dispensing the morning-after pill and birth control medications
New appendix on the legal status of electronic transmission of prescriptions

Pedagogical Features:



Offers end-of-chapter discussion questions and examples
Contains a chapter on ethics with discussion points and cases
Presents information in an easy-to-read format
Comes with a CD-ROM containing PowerPoint slides for classroom use

Kenneth M. Strandberg is the program director of the Pharmacy Technician Program at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, a position he has held since 1994. This program has certificate and associate degree options, both available via on-campus and distance-learning options (both paper-based and web-based). Since 1988, he has also been an adjunct professor of pharmacy practice at North Dakota State University in Fargo and an adjunct assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks. He retired as the pharmacy department manager at a Veterans Administration hospital and clinic, and is now the associate director for scientific applications at Cetero Research, a pharmaceutical research firm. He received his BS in pharmacy in 1974 and MBA in 1984, both from North Dakota State University.

Erin E. Miller is a pharmacy resident at a Veterans Affairs hospital and clinic. She received her Pharm.D. in 2010 from North Dakota State University. She is a member of the American Pharmacists Association and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and an alumna of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

The legal system in the United StatesOverview and objectivesLegislation, regulation, and interpretationCriminal versus civil lawSample questions for student review
History and development of current lawOverview and objectivesInto the twentieth centurySample questions for student review
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938Overview and objectivesAdulterationMisbrandingDrug samplesInvestigational new drugsNew drug applicationsThe Drug Price Competition and Patent-Term Restoration Act of 1984The Orphan Drug Act of 1983Prescribing requirements and restrictionsDispensing requirements and restrictionsDrug pedigreesSample questions for student review
Federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970Overview and objectivesControl schedulesRegistrationObtaining controlled substancesRecord keepingPrescribing requirements and restrictionsFax requirements and restrictionsDispensing requirements and restrictionsReporting theftSample questions for student review
Other pertinent federal legislationOverview and objectivesThe Health Information Portability and Accountability ActThe Dietary Supplement Health and Education ActThe United States Pharmacopoeia/Chapter 797 GuidelinesSample questions for student review
Ethics theory and applicationOverview and objectivesThe development of pharmaceutical ethical considerationsCode of ethics background and progressionPharmacy — a respected traditionPharmacy-related relationshipsCommunicating professionally in an information agePatient’s rightsModern controversial issuesSample questions for student review
Appendix 1: Addresses and websites of board of pharmacy executivesAppendix 2: Addresses and websites of pertinent pharmacy organizationsAppendix 3: List of accredited pharmacy technician programsAppendix 4: Sample DEA formsAppendix 5: Legal standing of pharmacy techniciansAppendix 6: Legal status of fax prescriptionsAppendix 7: Legal status of electronic transmission of prescriptionsAppendix 8: Who has prescribing authority