Profession
Tenn. Rx problems fail to materialize
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 23, 2004
A new Tennessee law requiring prescriptions to be "comprehensible" by the pharmacist who fills them seems to have generated little trouble for doctors in the state.
The Tennessee Medical Assn. asked its members to report any incidents of pharmacists refusing to fill incomprehensible prescription orders. Much to the surprise of Director of Government and Legal Affairs Yarnell Beatty, the TMA has not received any complaints since the new law took effect July 1.
"I thought there would be repercussions and I think our members did, too," Beatty said. "There was a potential for pharmacists turning down prescriptions in droves, but that hasn't happened."
He said pharmacists are always encouraged to telephone doctors if there is any question about a prescription and this practice has continued to work well.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/08/23/prbf0823.htm.
