From the Guidelines
A pharmacist must be physically present in the pharmacy and available to intervene when a verbal prescription is received, verifying the prescription details before it's processed to ensure patient safety and accuracy. When a pharmacy takes a verbal prescription under pharmacist supervision, it means that a pharmacy technician or assistant can receive the prescription by phone from a prescriber, but a licensed pharmacist must oversee this process. This supervision involves the pharmacist verifying the prescription details before it's processed, including confirming the medication name, strength, dosage, quantity, refills, and patient information.
Key Points to Consider
- The pharmacist must review the transcribed prescription for accuracy, checking for potential drug interactions, and ensuring the prescription meets legal requirements 1.
- The practice protects patient safety while allowing for workflow efficiency, as technicians can handle the initial communication while pharmacists focus on clinical judgment and verification responsibilities.
- According to the most recent and highest quality study, verbal medication orders should be verified by speak back, announced when given, and entered into the chart 1.
- The use of uniform prescription forms and electronic prescription systems can also improve prescribing quality and reduce errors 1.
- However, the key factor in ensuring patient safety is the physical presence and oversight of a licensed pharmacist when receiving verbal prescriptions.
Recommendations for Implementation
- Pharmacies should establish a protocol for receiving verbal prescriptions that includes pharmacist supervision and verification of prescription details.
- Pharmacy technicians or assistants should be trained to handle initial communication with prescribers, while pharmacists focus on clinical judgment and verification responsibilities.
- The use of technology, such as electronic prescription systems, can also be implemented to improve prescribing quality and reduce errors.
From the Research
Supervision Requirements for Pharmacists Accepting Verbal Prescriptions
- There are no specific studies that directly address the supervision requirements for pharmacists (PharmD) to accept verbal prescriptions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, studies suggest that pharmacists have a significant role in ensuring patient safety and preventing prescription drug misuse, which may imply the need for supervision or collaboration with other healthcare professionals 3, 6.
- The supervision of pharmacist interns is regulated by state boards of pharmacy, with most states requiring pharmacist supervision 4.
- Pharmacists spend a significant amount of time verifying prescriptions, which may involve communication with prescribers and other healthcare professionals 5.
- Effective communication between pharmacists and prescribers is crucial in preventing prescription drug misuse, and pharmacists have a duty to prevent inappropriate use of dangerous drugs 6.