Can the pharmacy officer accept faxed or phone prescriptions?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only faxed prescriptions
• D. Only phone prescriptions

Answer: (B)

The ability to dispense medications rests on the prescription being valid and complete, not on the method used to receive it. A pharmacy officer can accept prescriptions transmitted by both fax and phone, as long as the order is legitimate and contains all required information. A faxed prescription should clearly convey the patient name, drug name, strength, dosage form, directions, quantity, date, and prescriber information, and the prescriber must be identifiable and authorized. A phone (verbal) prescription is acceptable when the pharmacist documents the order accurately and ensures it is later reduced to writing with the prescriber’s signature or an electronic record, confirming all essential details. Accepting both methods supports timely patient access and fits real-world practice, especially in settings where written copies aren’t immediately available.