Prescription Drugs: Three Issues to Watch: Doctor Prescribing Patterns, Recent Legislation on Required Protocols and Case Law on Doctor’s Liability (Retired)

Prescription drugs are always an area of focus for regulators, as well as state pharmacy and medical boards. In light of COVID-19 and the utilization of telemedicine, prescribing medications, especially opioids, can be particularly tricky. Likewise, the mis-use of automated dispensing cabinets, which have been utilized since the 1980s, can lead to heightened liability across the prescribing and dispensing continuum. At the end of this presentation, participants should have an understanding of the following items: categories of medications; automated dispensing cabinets; meeting medical necessity and documentation; and legislative and case issues.