What actions should a pharmacist take if they suspect a prescription is forged?

When a pharmacist suspects that a prescription is forged, the most appropriate action is to verify the prescription with the prescriber and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This step is critical for several reasons.

First, verifying the prescription helps confirm whether it was written by a legitimate healthcare provider and if the medication is medically necessary for the patient. This critical action protects not just the pharmacy from legal repercussions, but also ensures patient safety by preventing the possible dispensing of medications for illegitimate purposes.

Second, reporting the suspected forgery to the appropriate authorities—such as law enforcement or the state pharmacy board—contributes to larger efforts in combating prescription fraud. This proactive stance is aligned with the legal responsibilities and ethical standards required of pharmacists.

Addressing the other choices, ignoring the situation or proceeding to fill the prescription could lead to serious legal consequences and put patients at risk of harm if they receive medications they do not need or that are dangerous. Simply calling the patient for confirmation may not be enough, as the patient might not have knowledge of the forgery or could potentially be an unwitting participant in the fraud. Filling the prescription while taking a note does not address the underlying issue and continues to risk potential harm, legal liability, and losses for the pharmacy.