Final answer:
During a pharmacist's temporary absence, certified technicians and interns may process orders if the pharmacist is reachable for consultations and complies with local regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a "temporary absence" CERTIFIED technicians and pharmacy interns may continue to process orders, provided that a licensed pharmacist is readily available for consultations.
The absence of a pharmacist from the premises does not interrupt the dispensing process if strict protocols are followed. In this context, 'readily available' often means that the pharmacist can be reached by phone or electronically and can address any questions or concerns immediately. The exact regulations can vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to comply with the specific laws and guidelines applicable to the pharmacy's location.
For safety and legal compliance, certified technicians and interns are typically not permitted to engage in certain tasks reserved for pharmacists, such as final prescription verification, counseling patients, and administering vaccinations. They can, however, continue with activities such as filling prescriptions and managing inventory under the indirect supervision as long as they adhere to pharmacy regulations and standards.