Under what circumstances is a preceptor not required to be present for an intern?

A preceptor is essential in providing guidance and supervision to pharmacy interns during their training to ensure safe and effective practice. However, there are specific circumstances under which the presence of a preceptor may not be necessary.

In Minnesota, pharmacy interns are allowed to engage in certain activities independently, particularly those that contribute to their education and skills development, such as gathering medication histories and participating in educational activities. These tasks typically require the intern to utilize their knowledge and skills but do not directly involve the handling or dispensing of medications. This autonomy allows interns to learn and gain experience in a supervised manner, even when the preceptor is not physically present.

In contrast, activities such as dispensing medications or compounding require direct supervision and oversight from a licensed pharmacist to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards, which is why the preceptor's presence is crucial during those tasks. Therefore, the correct understanding here relates specifically to the educational nature of certain activities, allowing interns to develop competencies while reinforcing their understanding of pharmacy practice principles under the guidance of their preceptors.