Pharmacists' Rights

Question 1

Can pharmacists refuse to fill a valid prescription?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

In what situations can a pharmacist refuse to fill a Rx?

Answer 2

If the RPh finds a moral, religious, or ethical belief that they hold results in a refusal to fill

If the RPh believes that filling it will cause harm to the patient

If the Rx was written out of scope of practice of the prescriber

Question 3

What does the RPh have to do if they refuse to fill a Rx?

Answer 3

Refer the patient to another pharmacy that will fill the script for them; they shouldn’t interfere with the patient’s ability to get their script filled or abandoning/neglecting a patient in need of care

Question 4

What actions can be taken against a pharmacist who refuses to fill a script?

Answer 4

Abandoning/neglecting the patient is considered professional misconduct and they’ll investigate you and determine the penalty as appropriate

Question 5

Appeals process on actions

Answer 5

RPh can appear at the initial hearing and represented by counsel, produce witnesses and evidence, cross-examine witnesses and examine evidence produced by the RPh

The board of regents decision can be reviewed by a court if the RPh doesn’t agree with the decision

Question 6

What does a pharmacist under investigation from the board have to do?

Answer 6

Temporarily surrender their license (voluntarily)

Question 7

Consequences for breaking the law/board rules

Answer 7

Suspension or revocation of a license

Question 8

Misfiling or mislabeling is considered what?

Answer 8

Misdemeanor

Question 9

In general, assume an offense is what?

Answer 9

A misdemeanor unless it’s specifically outlined as a felony

Generally speaking, if it involves controlled substances, it’s a felony