PEBC MCQ Ethics, Patient Safety & Quality question: pharmacist's professional obligation

PEBC MCQEthics, Patient Safety & Quality

A pharmacist on a solo evening shift has a sincere moral objection to dispensing emergency contraception. A 17 year old requests levonorgestrel 1.5 mg after unprotected sex 20 hours ago. What is the pharmacist's professional obligation in most provinces?

a. Explain the reasons for the objection and try to change her decision
b. Ensure timely access, such as an effective referral
c. Decline and tell her to return tomorrow when another pharmacist works
d. Refuse, since she is under 18 and needs parental consent

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: b. Ensure timely access, such as an effective referral

Provincial standards allow pharmacists to decline to provide a service on grounds of conscience but require that the patient's timely access is not impeded, usually through an effective referral to an accessible provider, without judgment or delay; emergency contraception is time-sensitive. Pharmacists must not impose their beliefs on patients. Levonorgestrel EC is non-prescription and minors do not need parental consent. Source: Provincial regulator standards on conscientious objection (e.g., Ontario College of Pharmacists, 2016; Alberta College of Pharmacy Standards of Practice, 2024); NAPRA Model Standards of Practice (2022).

Common mistake

Letting a conscientious objection delay time-sensitive care.

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Original practice material written to the public PEBC blueprint; not a past or real exam question. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). Educational practice material for exam preparation only. Not medical advice and not a substitute for current product monographs, clinical guidelines or professional judgement. Questions have not yet been reviewed by a licensed pharmacist.