Can an intern counsel a patient?

• A. Yes, under supervision of a pharmacist
• B. No
• C. Only with written permission
• D. Only for non-prescription items

Answer: (A)

Interns in a pharmacy can counsel patients, but only under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This arrangement lets the intern participate in important patient-facing care—explaining how to take medications, dosing schedules, storage, potential side effects, and what to do about missed doses—while the supervising pharmacist remains responsible for the accuracy and safety of the information provided. If questions or issues go beyond the intern’s training, the pharmacist steps in. Counseling without supervision isn’t typically allowed, requiring written permission isn’t a standard requirement, and it isn’t limited to non-prescription items, since supervised interns often discuss prescribed medicines as part of safe, effective use.