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Idaho News: Validity of Prescription Drug Orders
Published in the December 2006 Idaho Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
54-1733. VALIDITY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ORDERS.
(1) A Prescription or drug order for a legend drug is not valid unless it is issued for a legitimate medical purpose arising from a prescriber-patient relationship which includes a documented patient evaluation adequate to establish diagnosis and identify underlying conditions and/or contraindications to the treatment. Treatment including issuing a prescription or drug order, based solely on an online questionnaire or consultation outside of an ongoing clinical relationship does not constitute a legitimate medical purpose. A prescription or drug order may be issued either… The underlined language is an addition to the existing code section and became effective July 1, 2006.
These changes were prompted because of the continuing problem with prescriptions being filled for Idaho patients via the Internet based solely on an online questionnaire or consultation. We have had a number of Idaho pharmacies approached to enter into agreements or contracts to fill prescriptions for patients that are unknown to the pharmacy written by practitioners that are unknown to the pharmacy and could be located in any number of states. The offer to enter into these contracts may very well come from someone outside of the continental United States. The promise, of course, is the large amount of income you will generate for your pharmacy. If you enter into such an agreement you could very well be placing yourself in jeopardy both with the state, and if it involves controlled substances (CS) with Drug Enforcement Administration. Remember the responsibility for the proper prescribing and dispensing of CS is upon the prescribing practitioner, but a corresponding responsibility rests with the pharmacist who fills the prescription. If you are approached about entering into any of these contracts please contact the Board office.
