Pharmacy referrals
July 1, 2010
THE US Pharmacy Board of
Washington State has begun the
process of drafting rules which
would require pharmacists who
cannot fill particular prescriptions to
actively refer patients to a
pharmacy that can.
Currently in Washington State,
pharmacists are not required to
stock specific medications other,
than one which induces vomiting.
In explaining its decision, the
Board said that there is a great
need to implement pharmacist
referrals, particularly in the case of
time-sensitive (and occasionally
controversial) medications.
The new rules, currently in the
works would require pharmacists to
enact a “facilitated referral” for
patients whose prescriptions they
cannot fill, meaning that they
would have to actively seek and
locate a pharmacy that could fill
the prescription.
“The board is trying to find a
way for people who have valid
prescriptions to have quick,
unblocked, easy access: If you
don’t have it in stock, you help the
person out,” said Health Department
spokesperson, Donn Moyer.
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