Who can perform drug utilization reviews in a pharmacy?

Only licensed pharmacists are authorized to perform drug utilization reviews in a pharmacy setting. This responsibility requires a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, patient care, and clinical decision-making. Pharmacists assess medication regimens to identify potential drug interactions, contraindications, and appropriateness of therapy based on a patient’s unique health condition.

While pharmacy interns and technicians play vital roles in supporting pharmacy operations, their functions are more limited. Pharmacy interns often operate under the supervision of licensed pharmacists and may participate in some aspects of patient care, but the final responsibility and clinical judgment must reside with the pharmacist. Additionally, pharmacy technicians typically manage the technical aspects of pharmacy practice, such as inventory management and prescription processing, rather than the clinical assessment involved in drug utilization reviews. Therefore, the role of licensed pharmacists in conducting these reviews is crucial, reflecting the need for access to advanced education and training in medication management.