Final answer:
Under the automated distribution and packaging rule, a pharmacist may not have to perform prospective drug use review and approve each medication order prior to administration in certain circumstances, such as when the medication order is for an over-the-counter drug or for a drug that has already been extensively tested and approved by the FDA. However, pharmacists still have a responsibility to ensure medication safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the automated distribution and packaging rule, there are circumstances where a pharmacist does not have to perform prospective drug use review and approve each medication order prior to administration. One such circumstance is when the medication order is for an over-the-counter drug. Over-the-counter drugs are those that can be purchased without a prescription and are generally considered safe and effective when used as directed. Since these drugs do not require a prescription, the pharmacist does not need to perform the same level of review and approval as with prescription medications.
Another circumstance where the pharmacist may not perform prospective drug use review and approval is when the medication order is for a drug that has already been extensively tested and approved by the FDA. In these cases, the drug is considered safe and effective when used as directed, and the pharmacist can trust that the drug has undergone rigorous evaluation and monitoring.
It is important to note that while there are circumstances where a prospective drug use review may not be required, pharmacists still have a responsibility to ensure that medications are prescribed and administered safely. They should be knowledgeable about the medications in their inventory and be available to provide guidance and answer any questions from patients.