AMA Policy Deems ‘Inappropriate Queries’ From Pharmacies an Interference With Practice of Medicine

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a resolution stating that the organization deems certain pharmacy inquiries relating to the verification of prescriptions to be “an interference with the practice of medicine and unwarranted.” AMA’s resolution, as adopted at its 2013 annual meeting, specifies that inquiries about the rationale behind prescriptions, diagnoses, and treatment plans are among the queries deemed inappropriate.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has continued to remind pharmacists of their corresponding responsibility to ensure that controlled substance prescriptions are in compliance with federal law and regulations. According to the AMA resolution, AMA intends to work with pharmacy associations such as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores to engage with DEA and the Department of Justice to develop “appropriate policy for pharmacists to work with physicians in order to reduce the incidence of drug diversion and inappropriate dispensing.” The AMA resolution is available in the proceedings of the AMA 2013 Annual Meeting.