What action must a pharmacy take if a prescription is suspected of being fraudulent?

When a pharmacy suspects that a prescription is fraudulent, the most appropriate action to take is to contact the prescribing physician for verification. This step is crucial because it allows the pharmacy to confirm the legitimacy of the prescription before taking any further action. By reaching out to the physician, the pharmacy can gain clarity on whether the prescription was indeed written by the healthcare provider, ensuring patient safety and compliance with legal regulations.

Verifying with the physician can help prevent potential misuse of medication and safeguard against legal liabilities that may arise from filling a fraudulent prescription. In this scenario, the goal is to clarify the situation and ensure accountability, as the health and safety of the patient, as well as adherence to regulatory standards, are paramount.

Other responses may lead to insufficient handling of the suspected fraud; for instance, discarding the prescription without any verification leaves the situation unresolved, potentially allowing for misuse. Reporting immediately to law enforcement might be premature and obviates the opportunity to first clarify the legitimacy with the prescriber. Filling the prescription to avoid disagreements would be reckless, as it disregards the serious implications of dispensing potentially fraudulent medication.