If a pharmacist is alone and decides to take a meal period off-site, what must they do?

The correct answer is that a pharmacist must close and secure the pharmacy during a meal period if they are alone. This is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the patients and the integrity of the pharmacy operations. Keeping the pharmacy open without a licensed pharmacist present can lead to unauthorized access, which poses serious risks, including the potential for medication errors, theft, or other safety concerns.

When a pharmacist is taking time away from their duties—especially a meal break—securing the pharmacy is vital to comply with legal requirements and practice standards. It ensures that no dispensing or patient services occur without the oversight of a licensed professional.

The other choices do not align with safe pharmacy practices. Informing patients about the break may not be sufficient, and leaving the pharmacy open for emergencies could lead to irresponsible situations where patients may not receive appropriate care. Delegating duties to a technician does not address the regulatory requirement that a pharmacist must supervise the pharmacy operations, making it inappropriate if the pharmacist is unavailable. Closing the pharmacy is the only option that aligns with both patient safety and legal compliance.