What must a pharmacist do if they suspect a prescription is fraudulent?

When a pharmacist suspects that a prescription is fraudulent, the appropriate course of action is to report their suspicions to the authorities. This is crucial because fraudulent prescriptions can pose significant risks, not only to the pharmacy and its operations but also to the health and safety of patients. Reporting these suspicions ensures that the matter is investigated by the proper legal and regulatory bodies, potentially preventing further abuse of the system and protecting public health.

It's important for pharmacists to uphold ethical and legal standards, and taking swift action by notifying the authorities is a key responsibility in maintaining the integrity of the pharmacy practice. Additionally, pharmacists are often seen as frontline healthcare providers and their vigilance in identifying suspicious activities contributes to the overall safety in medication distribution.

Filling a suspected fraudulent prescription compromises patient safety and the pharmacist’s professionalism. Contacting the patient for confirmation may further expose them to risks, and discussing the matter with other pharmacists, while sometimes useful for gaining insight, does not address the requirement to act on suspicion as mandated by law. Therefore, reporting to the authorities is the most responsible and legally compliant action.