A faxed prescription is received for 'cephalexin 500 mg PO TID for 7 days'. The prescription form includes the patient's name, date of birth, the medication, strength, dosage form, dose, frequency, and duration. It also includes the prescriber's name and clinic address, but there is no signature from the prescriber. According to NAPRA's Model Standards of Practice for Canadian Pharmacists, what is the most appropriate action?

Question: A faxed prescription is received for 'cephalexin 500 mg PO TID for 7 days'. The prescription form includes the patient's name, date of birth, the medication, strength, dosage form, dose, frequency, and duration. It also includes the prescriber's name and clinic address, but there is no signature from the prescriber. According to NAPRA's Model Standards of Practice for Canadian Pharmacists, what is the most appropriate action?

Answer options: ✅ Contact the prescriber to obtain a verbal confirmation and then dispense the medication, noting the verbal confirmation on the prescription.

• Dispense the medication as it is a faxed prescription and the prescriber's information is clearly indicated.
• Return the prescription to the patient, advising them that it is incomplete and requires the prescriber's signature.
• Dispense a 3-day supply and ask the patient to obtain a signed prescription for the remainder.

Correct answer: Contact the prescriber to obtain a verbal confirmation and then dispense the medication, noting the verbal confirmation on the prescription.

Explanation: While a written prescription generally requires a signature, faxed prescriptions often originate from clinics where a verbal confirmation can validate the order if a signature is missing, ensuring patient care is not unduly delayed. The pharmacist should verify the legitimacy of the prescription with the prescriber.