To Dispense or Not? An Emerging Legal Challenge for Pharmacists

Pharmacists often grapple with the decision of whether or not to fill a prescription. When the situation involves a prescription that is potentially fraudulent or therapeutically questionable, the decision is relatively straightforward. However, there are other more complex situations where the prescription raises ethical or moral concerns. This activity will discuss the application of the conscience clause in medical decision making which may shield pharmacists who wish to decline a prescription and will also examine the emerging and highly divisive issue of drugs used in reproductive health. The confusing and often contradictory array of Federal and state law and judicial decisions will be considered, along with the dilemma pharmacists may face.