Which action is considered a violation of pharmacy law?

Dispensing a medication with an expired prescription is considered a violation of pharmacy law because it compromises patient safety and violates legal regulations that govern the practice of pharmacy. Prescriptions have expiration dates to ensure that medications are dispensed within a timeframe that reflects their efficacy and safety for the patient. When a prescription expires, it indicates that the healthcare provider may not have assessed the patient’s current medical condition or need for the medication, which can pose risks, such as drug interactions or inappropriate medication usage.

In contrast, refilling a prescription without patient consent raises ethical concerns but may not be strictly a legal violation under certain circumstances, depending on state regulations and prescriber directives. Documenting medication changes in a patient’s profile is a necessary and legal action that promotes proper medication management. Consulting with patients about side effects is also an essential responsibility of pharmacists that ensures patient safety and informed use of medications.