What is a potential consequence of dispensing a drug without knowledge and consent of the prescriber?

Dispensing a drug without the knowledge and consent of the prescriber can lead to significant legal or disciplinary action against the pharmacist. This is because pharmacists are ethically and legally required to operate within the constraints of the prescriber-patient relationship, which is established to ensure that prescriptions are safe, appropriate, and necessary. Violating this relationship undermines the trust inherent in healthcare and can be considered a deviation from the standard of care.

In addition to legal ramifications, the pharmacist may also face disciplinary actions from regulatory bodies, such as the state board of pharmacy, which could result in fines, suspension, or loss of licensure. Adhering to protocols that require communication with the prescriber helps to ensure that the treatment aligns with the patient's overall health plan and mitigates risks linked to medication interactions or contraindications.

While there might be cases where a patient could benefit from a medication without the prescriber’s direct knowledge, these situations do not excuse the pharmacist from potential accountability and usually fall outside established best practices.