Title: Process a prescription or medication order.
Course: Pharmacy Technician II (14152-II) > Section: Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients

Processing should include the following steps:

- Enter prescription or medication order information into the patient profile.
- Be aware of error-prone abbreviations and/or medication names.
- Select the product(s) for a generic prescription or medication order.
- Select the product(s) for a brand-name prescription or medication order (consulting established formulary as appropriate).
- Obtain medications or devices from inventory.
- Check medication and/or device expiration date.
- Measure, count, or calculate finished dosage forms for dispensing.
- Record preparation of prescription or medication, including any special requirements for controlled substances.
- Package finished dosage forms (e.g., blister pack, vial).
- Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) to container(s).
- Assemble patient information materials.
- Check for accuracy during processing of the prescription or medication order (e.g., matching National Drug Code [NDC] number).
- Verify the measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians.
- Prepare the prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacist.

See PTCB 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7 (https://www.ptcb.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/169).

See ASHP 3.4, 3.5 (https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/technician-program-accreditation/docs/ashp-acpe-pharmacy-technician-accreditation-standard-2018.ashx?la=en&hash=36EAA6511105A6C6BFEA4F30E193892F19E2C385).

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is each step of the order process important?
- What is the difference between "q.i.d." (quater in die) and "q.h." (every hour)?
- What are common abbreviations used to indicate the route of administration?
- Why do drugs have lot numbers and expiration dates?
- Why is a basic knowledge of human biological functions important when processing a prescription or medication order?
- What are an open formulary and a closed formulary, and what is the importance of each?
- What abbreviations are on the "Do Not Use" list as recommended by The Joint Commission (TJC) and Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)?
- What are common auxiliary labels affixed to containers?
- What are the state regulations for tech-to-tech checking of prepared products?
- Why is verification of the NDC number vitally important?

Code of Virginia Statutes Related to Pharmacy Technicians

Va. Code §54.1-3408.01 — Requirements for prescriptions

Va. Code §54.1-3408.02 — Transmission of prescriptions

Va. Code §54.1-3408.03 — Dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug products

Virginia Administrative Code Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy

18VAC110-20-270 — Dispensing of prescriptions; certification of completed prescriptions; supervision of pharmacy technicians

18VAC110-20-275 — Delivery of dispensed prescriptions

18VAC110-20-280 — Transmission of a prescription order by facsimile machine

18VAC110-20-285 — Electronic transmission of prescriptions from prescriber to pharmacy

18VAC110-20-290 — Dispensing of Schedule II drugs

18VAC110-20-320 — Refilling of Schedule III through VI prescriptions

18VAC110-20-330 — Labeling of prescription as to content and quantity

18VAC110-20-350 — Special packaging

18VAC110-20-355 — Pharmacy repackaging of drug; records required; labeling requirements