Question

question 64
1 point
a pharmacy technician answers a call from a prescribers office relaying a verbal prescription. the technician should recognize that verbal prescriptions are authorized under which of the following laws?

• the food, drug, and cosmetic act of 1938
• the kefauver-harris amendment
• the durham-humphrey amendment
• the drug listing act of 1972

Explanation:

Identify the core legal issue

Using the Durham-Humphrey Amendment and Kefauver-Harris Amendment knowledge points

• The question asks which federal law authorized verbal (oral) prescriptions.
• The Durham-Humphrey Amendment of 1951 established two distinct classes of drugs: prescription (legend) and over-the-counter (OTC).
• Crucially, this amendment authorized oral (verbal) prescriptions and prescription refills.

Evaluate the options

Using the Durham-Humphrey Amendment knowledge point

• The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938: Established the FDA's authority to monitor safety, but did not formally separate OTC/prescription classes or authorize verbal transmissions.
• The Kefauver-Harris Amendment: Focused on drug efficacy and safety reporting following the thalidomide tragedy.
• The Durham-Humphrey Amendment: Explicitly legalized verbal transmissions of prescriptions and refills.
• The Drug Listing Act of 1972: Created the National Drug Code (NDC) system.

Answer:

• The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938
• The Kefauver-Harris Amendment
• The Durham-Humphrey Amendment (Correct answer)
• The Drug Listing Act of 1972