When should a pharmacist sign and date the original RX after review?

The correct answer highlights the practice of documenting the review of Schedule II prescriptions on a weekly basis. In many pharmacy settings, federal regulations and state laws require pharmacists to regularly review and verify the appropriateness of Schedule II prescriptions due to their potential for abuse and strict regulatory requirements. By signing and dating the original prescription after a weekly review, the pharmacist creates a clear record that demonstrates compliance with these regulations, as well as a commitment to ensuring patient safety.

This practice also provides a traceable audit trail which can be useful during inspections or when addressing inquiries about prescription validations. By signing weekly, the pharmacist establishes a routine check that can help in identifying any concerns related to medication safety or prescribing patterns.

Other options do not align with regulatory standards or best practices. Signing after every prescription dispensed could lead to unnecessary paperwork and may not serve the intended purpose of verifying compliance. Only signing if errors are found implies insufficient review practices, and signing at the end of the month could delay important interventions that might be necessary well before that timeframe, especially considering the dangers associated with Schedule II controlled substances.