AMA adopts resolution on pharmacist drug inquiries

NEW YORK — Inquiries by pharmacists with doctors regarding the rationale behind prescriptions, diagnoses and treatment plans are inappropriate, according to a new resolution by the American Medical Association.

The AMA adopted the resolution at its 2013 annual meeting, calling such inquiries "an interference with the practice of medicine and unwarranted."

According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the Drug Enforcement Administration has reminded pharmacists of their responsibility to ensure that prescriptions for controlled substances are in compliance with federal law and to prevent drug diversion.

The AMA said it would work with such groups as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores to engage with the DEA and the Department of Justice to develop an "appropriate policy for pharmacists to work with physicians in order to reduce the incidence of drug diversion and inappropriate dispensing."