West Virginia MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Can a pharmacist in West Virginia start or discontinue a medication without direct consultation with a physician under a CPA?

1. No

2. Yes, but only start

3. Yes, but only discontinue

4. Yes, both start and discontinue

The correct answer is: No

In West Virginia, under a Collaborative Pharmacy Agreement (CPA), pharmacists are authorized to manage certain aspects of patient care in collaboration with physicians. However, initiating or discontinuing a medication is typically reserved for the physician, and any significant changes, such as starting or stopping a medication, require direct consultation with a physician. While a CPA allows pharmacists to modify medication regimens within the parameters set by the agreement, starting or discontinuing a medication without a physician's input goes beyond the pharmacist's scope unless explicitly outlined within the CPA itself. Therefore, the answer is that a pharmacist cannot independently start or discontinue a medication without direct consultation with a physician. This emphasizes the collaborative aspect of the pharmacist's role in patient care within the established legal framework.