Who primarily bears the responsibility for ensuring compliance with delegated tasks not written in procedures?

The pharmacist in charge (PIC) is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with all aspects of pharmacy operation, including delegated tasks that may not be explicitly outlined in written procedures. The PIC holds a critical position that encompasses oversight of pharmacy staff and operations, which includes maintaining adherence to legal standards and institutional policies. This role involves not only providing guidance to pharmacy technicians and support personnel but also ensuring that any delegated tasks align with the overall standards of practice and regulatory requirements.

The PIC must be knowledgeable about the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians and support staff and should implement training and supervision to ensure that all tasks performed comply with regulations. Even when tasks are not documented in specific procedures, the PIC has the ultimate accountability for the actions of the pharmacy team and must ensure that delegated tasks are performed safely and effectively.

In contrast, while pharmacy technicians and support personnel have specific roles, they do not bear the final responsibility for compliance issues related to delegated tasks. Their functions must be guided by the policies established by the PIC. The quality assurance committee, on the other hand, typically focuses on evaluating and improving the overall quality of pharmacy services and does not directly oversee day-to-day compliance with tasks. Thus, the role of the PIC is crucial in ensuring that all areas of pharmacy practice are