West Virginia MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Who has the authority to dispense medications upon board registration in West Virginia?

1. Midwives

2. Nurse Practitioners

3. Physician Assistants

4. Physicians (MDs and DOs)

The correct answer is: Physicians (MDs and DOs)

In West Virginia, the authority to dispense medications upon board registration is primarily granted to physicians, which includes both Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs). This reflects the state's regulatory framework that recognizes the extensive training and clinical responsibilities entrusted to these medical professionals. Physicians are licensed to not only prescribe medications but also dispense them directly to patients, often in settings such as their offices or clinics. Midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants may have varying degrees of authority to prescribe medications, but their ability to dispense is typically limited by additional regulations and may require them to operate under a supervising or collaborating physician. Their roles are defined within the context of specific practice agreements or scopes of practice determined by state law, which generally does not extend to independent dispensing. As such, the comprehensive authority to dispense medications is reserved for physicians, showcasing their pivotal role in patient care within the healthcare system in West Virginia.