What should a pharmacist do if the prescribing practitioner of an oral prescription is not known to them?

When a pharmacist encounters an oral prescription from a prescribing practitioner they do not know, the appropriate action is to make a reasonable effort to identify the practitioner. This is crucial for ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the prescription process.

Validating the identity of the prescribing practitioner is important because it helps confirm that the prescription is legitimate and that the patient is receiving appropriate care. This verification could involve checking with a prescription monitoring program, reviewing records, or contacting the practitioner’s office directly if the phone number is available.

Taking steps to confirm the identity of the practitioner helps prevent potential issues such as medication errors, misuse, or fraud. In contrast, ignoring the prescription can lead to serious consequences for both the patient and the pharmacist, and attempting to verify the prescription with another pharmacist or contacting the patient directly may not provide the levels of assurance necessary about the practitioner’s qualifications and authority to prescribe medication. Thus, making a reasonable effort to identify the practitioner stands as the most responsible course of action.