Can a close friend call a doctors office and request prescriptions for medication for that friend? Would there need to be authorization for that friend to receive those prescriptions?
The answer to your question is determined on an individual case. The office will probably want to speak to the patient directly for this request. However, if there are extenuating circumstances such as a chronic debilitating illness the patient may state that in the future this “friend” is permitted to assist with his/her care and act as his/her advocate. The office may have an authorization policy for all individuals and may certainly exercise that process. HIPAA’s intent is not to impede quality health care but to protect patient’s health information. Therefore if you approach situations with both of these goals in mind, you should be able to institute policies and practices that accomplish both goals.
Related Questions
- Can a close friend call a doctors office and request prescriptions for medication for that friend? Would there need to be authorization for that friend to receive those prescriptions?
- How much income could my office potentially make with Doctor In Office Medication Dispensing?
- Who reviews and makes the decision on my doctors authorization request?
