If a pharmacist declines to fill a prescription, what must they do?

When a pharmacist declines to fill a prescription, it is essential for them to document the reason for the decline clearly and in a manner that is maintainable within the pharmacy's records. Writing "declined" on the back of the prescription with specific details serves as an official record of the pharmacist's decision, along with the rationale behind it. This documentation is crucial for several reasons: it protects the pharmacist legally, ensures transparency in the pharmacy's operations, and provides insights for future reference should questions arise about the decision or if an investigation occurs.

Generally, simply returning the prescription to the patient without documentation may lead to potential misunderstandings or disputes, especially if the patient or prescriber question why it was not filled. Contacting the prescriber for confirmation may sometimes be necessary, particularly if there is concern about the prescription's validity or appropriateness; however, this is not a universal requirement for all declines. Simply informing the patient verbally is inadequate since it lacks the proper record-keeping that is mandated in pharmacy practice and could lead to accountability issues.

By documenting the decision with detailed notes, the pharmacist upholds professional standards and protects patient safety by ensuring that all actions taken are well-documented and justifiable.