THE TECHNICIAN CAN: THE TECHNICIAN CANNOT:

Cannot take new prescriptions over the

Can receive prescriptions from patients
phone
Can obtain & record patient drug histories Cannot interpret data or advise/answer
for pharmacy records health and drug-related questions
Can enter prescriptions into the computer Cannot override warnings on computer
Can call doctor's office on refills Cannot take a changed prescription order
Can prepare prescriptions for dispensing
Cannot certify dispensing
(count & pour)
Can sell or deliver prescriptions to
Cannot counsel patients
patients
Cannot perform extemporaneous
Can do bulk compounding
compounding
Can prepackage drugs (Must know
Cannot certify prepackaging
expiration date limitations)
Can fill unit-dose (Must know expiration Cannot put away stock bottle until
date limitations) checked by a pharmacist
Can prepare IV's with documented Cannot remove drugs/supplies involved
competency training until checked by a pharmacist
Cannot be dispensed until identity and
Can reconstitute antibiotic suspensions
volume of diluent are checked by the
and measure water
pharmacist
Can load automated drug distribution Cannot be distributed until checked by a
equipment pharmacist
Can reconcile CII perpetual inventory Cannot leave discrepancies unreported
Cannot violate appropriate storage
Can order, receive, unpack, and put away
requirements or leave discrepancies
drug shipments
unreported
Can retrieve and file OBRA records in Cannot assess drug therapy or discuss
computer or hard copy therapy with patients
Can perform approved duties under Cannot work without pharmacist
supervision of a pharmacist supervision
Must wear name badge with words Cannot say "my badge is at home" or "my
"Pharmacy Technician" on it badge is in my jacket pocket"
Cannot work without pharmacist
Can work at a legally allowed pharmacist-
supervision or at a ratio exceeding the
to-technician ratio
laws/rules
Must maintain confidentiality all patient Cannot discuss patient health information
health information outside of the professional work setting
Should review all technician policies & Cannot receive or give out prescription
procedures annually transfers