What must a patient provide if a pharmacist does not know them when picking up a prescription?

When a pharmacist is unfamiliar with a patient picking up a prescription, it is essential for the patient to present a government-issued ID along with their signature. This requirement ensures that the pharmacist can verify the patient's identity and confirm that they are indeed authorized to pick up the medication. The use of a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, provides a reliable form of identification that contains the patient's name and photograph, helping to prevent unauthorized access to controlled substances.

In the context of pharmacy practice, safeguarding patient information and ensuring proper dispensing of medications is crucial. Confirming a patient's identity helps to uphold these standards and minimizes the risk of errors or fraudulent activities.

The other options do not fulfill this identification verification purpose to the same extent. Proof of health insurance may confirm the patient's insurance status but does not verify their identity. Similarly, a recent utility bill could show the patient's address but lacks a photographic identification component. A doctor's note is relevant for medical information but does not establish the identity of the person picking up the medication.