Are pharmacists allowed to change the prescriber's signature on a CII prescription?

Pharmacists are not permitted to change the prescriber's signature on a controlled substance prescription, including Schedule II (CII) medications. This prohibition is in place to maintain the integrity of the prescription and to prevent fraud. The prescriber's signature is a vital authentication of the prescription, ensuring that it is legally valid and reflects the prescriber's intent.

Altering a prescriber's signature could lead to significant legal consequences, including criminal charges and professional disciplinary action for the pharmacist. The law requires that any modifications to a prescription must be made with explicit consent from the prescriber, and generally, changes should be recorded or communicated appropriately rather than altering a signature, which must reflect the prescriber's original intent.

The essence of prescription integrity and adherence to legal standards is crucial in pharmacy practice, especially with controlled substances, to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Therefore, the option stating that changing a prescriber's signature is strictly prohibited aligns with these principles.