What is required before a pharmacist can delegate tasks to pharmacy interns?

A pharmacist may delegate tasks to pharmacy interns only if those tasks do not require professional judgment. This is an essential principle of pharmacy practice, as professional judgment involves the application of knowledge, experience, and decision-making skills that only a licensed pharmacist possesses. By ensuring that the delegated tasks fall within a defined scope that does not require professional judgment, a pharmacist can maintain appropriate supervision and standards of care while allowing interns to gain valuable experience in practical settings.

While certain training programs are beneficial for interns, there is no mandatory requirement for all interns to complete a specific training program before they can perform delegated tasks. Additionally, all pharmacy interns are not required to be licensed; rather, they are often students enrolled in pharmacy programs who are completing internships as part of their training. Furthermore, requiring interns to have at least six months of experience before delegating tasks could unnecessarily limit opportunities for hands-on learning and development early in their careers. Therefore, the focus on tasks that do not demand professional judgment is the primary rule guiding delegation to pharmacy interns.