Who is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of pharmaceutical compounding?

The pharmacist holds ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of pharmaceutical compounding due to their extensive training and professional licensure. Pharmacists are required to ensure that all medications are compounded correctly and safely, adhering to precise formulas and regulations to protect patient safety. They oversee the entire compounding process, including verifying the appropriateness of ingredients, dosages, and compounding techniques utilized by pharmacy technicians.

While pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the compounding process by preparing medications under the pharmacist's supervision, they are not ultimately accountable for any errors that may occur in the process. Similarly, the pharmacy manager and quality assurance officer have responsibilities in quality control and management practices, but it is the pharmacist who is directly responsible for the final product's accuracy and safety before it is dispensed to patients. Thus, the integrity and effectiveness of compounded medications hinge on the pharmacist's oversight and professional responsibility.