What must a pharmacist do if a patient wants to transfer their prescription for a controlled substance to another pharmacy?

When a patient wishes to transfer their prescription for a controlled substance to another pharmacy, the pharmacist's responsibility is to confirm that the prescription is eligible for a transfer. This is essential because the transfer of controlled substances is heavily regulated due to the potential for misuse and abuse.

Controlled substances, particularly Schedule II drugs, have strict regulations regarding their transferability. These prescriptions typically cannot be transferred, while those from Schedule III to V may be eligible for one-time transfers under certain conditions. The pharmacist must verify the specifics of the prescription to ensure compliance with the law, including the scheduling of the drug and whether the prescription is still valid or if it's already been filled at the original pharmacy.

This procedure safeguards both the patient and the pharmacy, ensuring that all transfers adhere to the legal requirements governing controlled substances.