Title: Identify pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies to be ordered.
Course: Pharmacy Technician II (14152-II) > Section: Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems

Identification should include

- pharmaceuticals (e.g., OTC, non-prescription behind-the-counter, and prescription products)
- durable medical equipment (DME) (e.g., wheelchairs, hospital beds, walking canes, crutches)
- devices (e.g., blood pressure monitors, air purifiers, blood sugar testing machines)
- supplies (e.g., forms, labels, packaging)
- maintained, up-to-date inventory
- pharmacy ordering policies.

See PTCB 2.15, 3.5 (https://www.ptcb.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/169).

See ASHP 3.11 (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:

- What are the similarities between OTC medications and prescription medications?
- What are the pharmacy policies regarding inventory and ordering?
- What types of pharmaceuticals, DME, devices, and supplies are commonly part of a retail pharmacy inventory? How would this inventory vary in other pharmacy settings?
- Why should pharmacy staff have knowledge of pharmaceuticals, DME, medical devices, and all items stocked in the pharmacy?
- Why is it important to maintain an adequate supply of pharmaceuticals, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What are the problems associated with an excessive supply of pharmaceuticals, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What role does judgment play in supplementing an automated system for determining the timing and number of pharmaceuticals, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What are the procedures for managing overages of items on the shelves and policies regarding returning items to the wholesaler to maintain optimal inventory?