Valid prescription elements, refill rules by schedule, e-prescribing of controlled substances, corresponding responsibility, and transfer rules — essential MPJE knowledge.
The MPJE tests your knowledge of what constitutes a valid prescription under federal law, the rules for refills, transfers, e-prescribing, and your corresponding responsibility as a pharmacist. These rules differ by drug schedule.
| Element | Non-CS Rx | CS Rx (CII-CV) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient name and address | ✅ | ✅ |
| Prescriber name, address, DEA# | Name/address required; DEA# only if CS | ✅ All required |
| Drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity | ✅ | ✅ |
| Directions for use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Date issued | ✅ | ✅ |
| Prescriber signature | ✅ | ✅ (manual for paper CII) |
| Number of refills | Optional (PRN allowed) | CII = none; CIII-V = up to 5 in 6 months |
No refills. New Rx required each time. Sequential dating allowed (up to 3 Rxs totaling 90 days).
Up to 5 refills within 6 months from date of issue. After 6 months or 5 refills (whichever comes first), new Rx needed.
No federal limit on refills. State law may impose limits. Check your state regulations for specific refill and expiration rules.
Under 21 CFR 1306.04, a pharmacist has a corresponding responsibility to ensure that a controlled substance prescription was issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice. A pharmacist who fills a prescription knowing (or should have known) it is not for a legitimate medical purpose is just as guilty as the prescriber who issued it.