Which of these roles requires supervision by a licensed pharmacist?

The role that requires supervision by a licensed pharmacist is the intern. In the context of pharmacy practice, an intern is typically a student who has not yet completed their pharmacy degree but is working to gain practical experience in a pharmacy setting. Their activities, which may include dispensing medications, counseling patients, and performing other pharmacy-related tasks, must be overseen by a licensed pharmacist to ensure that they are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations.

The supervision ensures proper training and reinforces the intern's learning by providing guidance. It also serves to protect patients by ensuring that their care is overseen by a qualified professional. The other roles discussed—pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel—also may work under the supervision of pharmacists, but their specific legal requirements and scope of practice can differ. The owner of a pharmacy, while holding a significant administrative and business leadership role, typically does not require direct supervision from a pharmacist in their day-to-day operations of the pharmacy. However, they must ensure that all staff, including interns and technicians, operate within the legal and ethical standards set by pharmacy laws.