Which action should a pharmacy technician take if they suspect a prescription is forged?

When a pharmacy technician suspects that a prescription is forged, contacting the prescriber for verification is the appropriate action to take. This step is crucial because it helps to ensure patient safety and prevents any potential illegal activity associated with drug diversion. By reaching out to the prescriber, the technician can confirm the legitimacy of the prescription and determine whether it was indeed issued by that healthcare professional. This action is a responsible and necessary protocol in safeguarding the integrity of the pharmacy practice and ensuring that medications are dispensed safely and legally.

Filling the prescription without verification could result in serious legal and ethical repercussions, both for the pharmacy and the technician. Informing the patient immediately may create unnecessary panic and could compromise the investigation. Destroying the prescription does not address the situation appropriately and leaves no record of the incident, which could be important for future inquiries or investigations. Thus, contacting the prescriber for confirmation not only adheres to professional standards but also protects the healthcare system and the well-being of patients.