Is a pharmacist allowed to fill a prescription solely based on an internet questionnaire?

A pharmacist is not allowed to fill a prescription based solely on an internet questionnaire because a valid patient/prescriber relationship is essential for ensuring appropriate and safe medication therapy. This relationship typically involves a face-to-face encounter or at least a comprehensive evaluation by a prescriber who is familiar with the patient's medical history, current medications, and overall health status.

Filling prescriptions without this vital relationship raises concerns about patient safety, the accuracy of the diagnosis, and the appropriateness of the prescribed treatment. Regulations are in place to promote responsible prescribing practices and to ensure that pharmacists only dispense medications in situations where they have confidence in the legitimacy of the prescription being filled.

This approach helps prevent issues such as overprescribing or inappropriate medication use, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, a pharmacist must confirm that a proper evaluation has taken place before proceeding with the fulfillment of a prescription.