Is a verbal request sufficient for a pharmacist to dispense medication without childproof caps?

The requirement for medication to be dispensed with child-resistant packaging is primarily governed by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). This federal regulation mandates that most prescription medications be dispensed in child-resistant containers to ensure the safety of children. A pharmacist may dispense a medication without a child-resistant cap only if a prescription clearly indicates it, which typically must be provided in writing. A verbal request is not enough to override this requirement.

For a patient or their caregiver to request a non-child-resistant container, their request must be documented and preferably written out on the prescription itself or specified by the prescriber. This ensures that proper protocols are followed for safety and legal compliance.

In summary, dispensing medication without a childproof cap requires a formal request that is either part of the prescription or documented by the prescriber, making the verbal request insufficient in this context.