If an electronic transmission fails and the pharmacy receives a written prescription with a warning of failure, what should you do?

• A. Make sure it was not filled from transmitted version
• B. Verify it is not filled
• C. Call the prescriber to reissue
• D. Fill the prescription

Answer: (B)

When an electronic prescription transmission fails, the safety focus is on verifying the actual dispensing status before taking action. Receiving a written copy means you must confirm that the prescription has not already been filled in the system. This prevents double-dispensing and ensures you’re following the patient’s current guidance. If you determine it has not been filled, you can then dispense according to the written prescription.

Taking action without this check risks dispensing the same prescription twice or based on an incomplete record. Calling the prescriber for a reissue is only necessary if there are discrepancies or unclear details; simply filling without confirming status could be unsafe. Filling right away without verification is not appropriate when a transmission failed and a paper copy exists.