GPhC Warning After Pharmacist Failed to Verify Patient Identity Before Supervised Buprenorphine Supply

Allegations

This case arose from the supply and supervised consumption of buprenorphine 12 mg tablets under a controlled drug prescription. Buprenorphine was identified in the determination as a Schedule 3 controlled drug. The registrant was responsible not only for dispensing the medicine but also for supervising its consumption.

Before carrying out these activities, the registrant was required to establish that the person presenting at the pharmacy was the patient for whom the prescription had been issued. The Committee found that the checks undertaken were insufficient. As a result, the registrant did not adequately confirm that the individual collecting and consuming the medication was the correct patient.