Under what circumstances might a pharmacist refuse to fill a prescription?

A pharmacist has a professional obligation to ensure that prescriptions are valid and safe for patients. Refusing to fill a prescription is justified when there are concerns about its authenticity, such as when it appears to be fraudulent. This situation may arise if the prescription contains discrepancies, is written in an unusual manner, or comes from a suspicious source. The pharmacist's responsibility includes protecting patient safety and upholding the integrity of the pharmaceutical system, which makes refusing to fill potentially fraudulent prescriptions a necessary action.

In contrast, the other options do not provide sufficient justification for refusal. If a patient requests a medication, it does not automatically warrant refusal, as the pharmacist must assess the prescription's validity and necessity. Similarly, a medication running low in stock is a logistical issue that can often be resolved through backorders or alternative arrangements rather than outright refusal. Lastly, the introduction of a new medication should not lead to automatic refusal unless there are specific concerns regarding safety, availability, or the prescription itself; new medications are regularly added to formulary lists for use in pharmacies.