Profession

Fla. doctors say pharmacists shouldn't be able to change Rx

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 18, 2006

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

The Florida Medical Assn. is moving to block a measure that would allow a pharmacist to alter a prescription without the doctor's approval.

The rule, approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, would permit pharmacists to substitute an equivalent drug that the patient's insurer lists as the preferred product. Pharmacists would need to notify the prescribing doctor within 24 hours.

FMA officials said the rule violates state law and endangers patients.

The rule "is a clear and very real endangerment to the well-being of Florida patients," because doctors write prescriptions based on a number of factors, including a patient's medical history and other drugs he or she may be taking, said Francesca Plendl, FMA's director of governmental affairs.

Florida Dept. of Health spokesman Fernando R. Senra said the change would "in no way" alter a physician's prescription without consent. The rule "would only accommodate the needs of many patients who struggle to meet the rising costs of health care and prescriptions," he said. An administrative law hearing was scheduled for Sept. 15, Plendl said.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/09/18/prbf0918.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn