What should a pharmacist do if they suspect a patient is obtaining controlled substances from multiple sources?

When a pharmacist suspects that a patient is obtaining controlled substances from multiple sources, reviewing the OARRS report is the most appropriate course of action. The OARRS, or the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System, provides pharmacists with access to a patient's prescription history, encompassing all of the controlled substances that have been prescribed and dispensed to that patient within the state. By reviewing this report, a pharmacist can verify the patient’s medication use, identify any patterns of potentially harmful behavior, and determine whether there are overlaps or discrepancies in the prescriptions obtained from different healthcare providers.

Implementing this step is crucial because it enables the pharmacist to gather concrete evidence regarding the patient's medication history before taking further action. This thorough review lays the foundation for making informed, ethical decisions concerning patient care and safety, while also adhering to regulatory standards. Once the pharmacist has assessed the OARRS report, they can take the necessary steps to address the situation appropriately, which may include contacting the patient or notifying law enforcement if warranted.