What must a pharmacist verify when receiving a prescription for a controlled substance from a foreign country?

When receiving a prescription for a controlled substance from a foreign country, a pharmacist must verify that the prescription complies with federal and state laws regarding importation and dispensing. This is crucial because laws governing the importation of controlled substances vary significantly between different jurisdictions and countries. Ensuring compliance helps prevent legal issues and protect the safety of patients.

The pharmacist must be aware of regulations that may restrict the importation of certain medications, including potential limitations on importing controlled substances for personal use. Additionally, if a prescription does not comply with these regulations, the pharmacist cannot lawfully dispense the medication, emphasizing the importance of verifying legal compliance.

While other factors, such as whether the prescription is written in English or if the medication is available in the U.S., may be considerations in practice, they do not hold the same level of legal importance as confirming compliance with the applicable laws. The verification of previous fills at a pharmacy, while potentially relevant for patient history, does not address the legal requirements necessary for dispensing a controlled substance prescribed from abroad.