What action should a pharmacist take if they decline to fill a prescription?

When a pharmacist declines to fill a prescription, the most appropriate action is to contact the physician to discuss the prescription. This step is crucial because it allows the pharmacist to clarify any concerns or issues related to the patient's medication, such as drug interactions, therapeutic appropriateness, or patient safety. Engaging in direct communication with the prescriber helps ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate care and that any misunderstandings can be resolved quickly.

Additionally, this action fosters a collaborative healthcare environment, where pharmacists and physicians can work together to optimize patient outcomes. By seeking clarification from the prescriber, the pharmacist can better inform their decision-making process and provide valuable insights regarding the prescription that may not have been considered initially.

In contrast, drawing up a new prescription or contacting the patient directly may not address the underlying issues that prompted the pharmacist to decline filling the prescription in the first place. Sending a letter to the pharmacy board, while potentially informative in some contexts, does not facilitate immediate resolution for the patient or the prescriber. Thus, reaching out to the physician is the most appropriate and effective course of action in this scenario.