What happens if a prescriber ceases to practice?

When a prescriber ceases to practice, it is important for pharmacists to understand how to handle remaining prescriptions appropriately. The correct answer states that pharmacists may dispense all remaining refills up to a 90-day supply. This provision ensures that patients have access to their needed medications without interruption, as long as those medications were already prescribed and valid refills exist.

The rationale behind allowing the dispensing of up to a 90-day supply is based on patient safety and continuity of care. Patients relying on ongoing medication therapy should not face a gap in their treatment due to the prescriber’s change in status. Therefore, in such cases, a pharmacist is authorized to fulfill any existing refills up to that limit, facilitating a smoother transition for patients who may need to find a new prescriber.

The other potential responses do not provide the appropriate flexibility or understanding of the regulations surrounding prescription refills in this context. For example, stating that pharmacists can no longer dispense medications does not consider the allowances made for existing refills. Also, suggesting that pharmacists may dispense remaining refills up to a 30-day supply does not align with the regulations, which allow for a longer duration when there are valid refills. Lastly, while seeking new prescriptions is important for long-term management