Before dispensing any S8 medicine, the pharmacist must take reasonable steps to confirm the genuineness of the prescription. This includes checking the :
- identity and authority of the prescriber
- identity of the person presenting the prescription
- authenticity of the prescription itself.
Where the pharmacist is unfamiliar with the patient, or the treatment is for a S8 medication not previously dispensed at the pharmacy, for that person, by that prescriber, then steps should be taken to verify the prescription. Prescriptions should be verified by speaking to the prescriber in person, via telephone or other equivalent means.
Prescriptions received using an approved electronic prescribing system or otherwise electronically checked, such as through scanning a script exchange bar code, do not need further verification. Seemingly valid PBS authority approval numbers are not a substitute for personal verification with the prescriber.
Forged prescriptions must be retained and cancelled by the pharmacist. The Department of Health must be immediately advised of all suspected forgeries. Prescribers must report all cases of confirmed or suspected stolen prescription stationery as soon as possible.