Who can perform limited non-professional duties in a pharmacy?

Clerical personnel are authorized to perform limited non-professional duties in a pharmacy setting. These duties typically include tasks that do not require professional education or licensure, such as answering phones, managing inventory paperwork, and handling non-patient-related administrative tasks. Their role is essential for supporting the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy without engaging in clinical or pharmaceutical decision-making, which must be performed by licensed professionals.

Pharmacy interns, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, have defined responsibilities that include more professional or technical aspects of pharmacy practice. Pharmacy interns are typically in training under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and may perform many of the same tasks as pharmacists but are restricted in certain activities until they gain full licensure. Pharmacists hold the highest responsibility for the dispensing of medications and patient safety. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in their work but also have specific duties that may involve direct patient care or technical operations related to dispensing medications. Therefore, these roles must operate within their legal and professional boundaries, which exclude the limited clerical duties designated for non-professional personnel.