Who is authorized to handle compounding and dispensing in a pharmacy?

The correct answer is that pharmacists, interns, and practitioners are authorized to handle compounding and dispensing in a pharmacy. This reflects the collaborative nature of pharmacy practice, where various healthcare professionals can contribute to medication preparation and distribution within their scope of practice.

Pharmacists are the primary professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and effective handling of medications, including compounding and dispensing. Interns, who are often in training, can also take part in these activities under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, allowing them to gain practical experience while ensuring that safety and quality standards are maintained.

Practitioners, such as physicians or nurse practitioners, may also engage in compounding, particularly in specific clinical settings where they have the authority to prepare medications according to patient needs. This integration allows for a more holistic approach to patient care, as it enables practitioners to tailor medications directly in accordance with individualized treatment plans.

While technicians play a supportive role in pharmacies, their responsibilities generally do not include the actual compounding or dispensing of medications. They may assist pharmacists and interns by preparing, measuring, and performing tasks under the supervision of licensed professionals, but they cannot independently perform compounding or dispensing. Therefore, their exclusion from this group is critical in maintaining the integrity of medication management and patient safety