Verbal Authorization
Feb 1995 Council Report
Mar/Apr 95 Pharmacy Connection

Council agreed to adopt a policy that allows prescribers to record new verbal authorizations for certain prescriptions on telephone answering machines and voice mail systems. In such cases, the pharmacist must take reasonable steps to assure that the authorizations are from bona fide prescribers. Controlled drugs, narcotics, or preparations are exceptions.

The Professional Practice Committee considered the issue of pharmacies automatically sending prescription refills. Council agreed to a policy that, where a patient had previously requested a prescription refill at a prearranged time subsequent to the original dispensing of the prescription, requires the pharmacist to verify with the patient or agent, that the refill is still required prior to delivering the medication.