Title: Identify medications, durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies to be ordered.
Course: Pharmacy Technician II (14152-II) > Section: Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems

Identification should include

- medications (e.g., OTC, non-prescription behind-the-counter, and prescription products)
- durable medical equipment (DME) (e.g., wheelchairs, hospital beds, walking canes, crutches)
- devices (e.g., blood pressure monitors, air purifiers, blood sugar testing machines)
- supplies (e.g., forms, labels, packaging)
- maintained, up-to-date inventory
- pharmacy ordering policies.

See ASHP 3.11.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the similarities between OTC medications and prescription medications?
- What are the pharmacy policies regarding inventory and ordering?
- What types of medications, DME, devices, and supplies are commonly part of a retail pharmacy inventory? How would this inventory vary in other pharmacy settings?
- Why should pharmacy staff have knowledge of medications, DME, medical devices, and all items stocked in the pharmacy?
- Why is it important to maintain an adequate supply of medications, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What are the problems associated with an excessive supply of medications, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What role does judgment play in supplementing an automated system for determining the timing and number of medications, DME, devices, and supplies in the pharmacy?
- What are the procedures for managing overages of items on the shelves and policies regarding returning items to the wholesaler to maintain optimal inventory?