California MPJE (Pharmacy Law Exam)
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
Which federal law primarily regulates controlled substances in the United States?
A. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)
B. Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
C. HIPAA
D. Medicare Modernization Act
Correct Answer: B. Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
Rationale: The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) establishes the federal system for
regulating the manufacture, distribution, prescribing, dispensing, and handling of
controlled substances.
Question 2
Which federal agency enforces the Controlled Substances Act?
A. FDA
B. DEA
C. CDC
D. CMS
Correct Answer: B. DEA
,Rationale: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for
enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.
Question 3
Which DEA schedule has the highest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule I
D. Schedule IV
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
Rationale: Schedule I substances have the highest abuse potential and no
currently accepted medical use under federal law.
Question 4
Which DEA schedule includes drugs with accepted medical use but a high
potential for abuse?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule II
C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: B. Schedule II
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have accepted medical uses but carry a high risk of
abuse and dependence.
Question 5
Which DEA schedule generally has the lowest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
,C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: D. Schedule V
Rationale: Schedule V controlled substances have the lowest abuse potential
among scheduled medications.
Question 6
Who issues DEA registration numbers to pharmacies?
A. FDA
B. DEA
C. California Board of Pharmacy
D. CMS
Correct Answer: B. DEA
Rationale: Pharmacies that handle controlled substances must obtain DEA
registration from the DEA.
Question 7
Which professional must have a valid DEA registration to prescribe controlled
substances?
A. Any healthcare employee
B. Authorized prescriber
C. Pharmacy technician
D. Cashier
Correct Answer: B. Authorized prescriber
Rationale: Prescribers who prescribe controlled substances must maintain an
active DEA registration unless exempt.
Question 8
, A DEA registration is primarily required for:
A. Dispensing nonprescription drugs only
B. Handling controlled substances
C. Selling medical supplies
D. Billing insurance claims
Correct Answer: B. Handling controlled substances
Rationale: DEA registration authorizes handling of controlled substances under
federal law.
Question 9
Which federal law requires medication counseling offers for Medicaid patients?
A. HIPAA
B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)
C. Controlled Substances Act
D. Poison Prevention Packaging Act
Correct Answer: B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)
Rationale: OBRA '90 established prospective drug utilization review and
counseling requirements for Medicaid patients and influenced broader pharmacy
practice.
Question 10
What is the primary purpose of OBRA '90 counseling requirements?
A. Increase prescription costs
B. Improve medication safety and adherence
C. Reduce pharmacy staffing
D. Eliminate documentation
Correct Answer: B. Improve medication safety and adherence
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
Which federal law primarily regulates controlled substances in the United States?
A. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)
B. Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
C. HIPAA
D. Medicare Modernization Act
Correct Answer: B. Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
Rationale: The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) establishes the federal system for
regulating the manufacture, distribution, prescribing, dispensing, and handling of
controlled substances.
Question 2
Which federal agency enforces the Controlled Substances Act?
A. FDA
B. DEA
C. CDC
D. CMS
Correct Answer: B. DEA
,Rationale: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for
enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.
Question 3
Which DEA schedule has the highest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule I
D. Schedule IV
Correct Answer: C. Schedule I
Rationale: Schedule I substances have the highest abuse potential and no
currently accepted medical use under federal law.
Question 4
Which DEA schedule includes drugs with accepted medical use but a high
potential for abuse?
A. Schedule I
B. Schedule II
C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: B. Schedule II
Rationale: Schedule II drugs have accepted medical uses but carry a high risk of
abuse and dependence.
Question 5
Which DEA schedule generally has the lowest potential for abuse?
A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
,C. Schedule IV
D. Schedule V
Correct Answer: D. Schedule V
Rationale: Schedule V controlled substances have the lowest abuse potential
among scheduled medications.
Question 6
Who issues DEA registration numbers to pharmacies?
A. FDA
B. DEA
C. California Board of Pharmacy
D. CMS
Correct Answer: B. DEA
Rationale: Pharmacies that handle controlled substances must obtain DEA
registration from the DEA.
Question 7
Which professional must have a valid DEA registration to prescribe controlled
substances?
A. Any healthcare employee
B. Authorized prescriber
C. Pharmacy technician
D. Cashier
Correct Answer: B. Authorized prescriber
Rationale: Prescribers who prescribe controlled substances must maintain an
active DEA registration unless exempt.
Question 8
, A DEA registration is primarily required for:
A. Dispensing nonprescription drugs only
B. Handling controlled substances
C. Selling medical supplies
D. Billing insurance claims
Correct Answer: B. Handling controlled substances
Rationale: DEA registration authorizes handling of controlled substances under
federal law.
Question 9
Which federal law requires medication counseling offers for Medicaid patients?
A. HIPAA
B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)
C. Controlled Substances Act
D. Poison Prevention Packaging Act
Correct Answer: B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90)
Rationale: OBRA '90 established prospective drug utilization review and
counseling requirements for Medicaid patients and influenced broader pharmacy
practice.
Question 10
What is the primary purpose of OBRA '90 counseling requirements?
A. Increase prescription costs
B. Improve medication safety and adherence
C. Reduce pharmacy staffing
D. Eliminate documentation
Correct Answer: B. Improve medication safety and adherence
