Final answer:
When a prescriber fails to follow up with a written or electronic prescription for a controlled substance after an emergency phone prescription, the pharmacist must report the issue and may be required to withhold dispensing the medication until proper documentation is received.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare by ensuring that prescriptions are correctly filled and advising on medication usage. In the United States, pharmacists must obtain a doctorate in pharmacy and hold a state license. Their knowledge in chemistry and biology is essential to understanding drug effects on the human body. In the event of an emergency where a prescriber delivers a controlled substance prescription (C2) via telephone, the pharmacist must receive a follow-up written or electronic prescription from the prescriber. If the prescriber fails to provide this documentation, the pharmacist should report the incident to the proper regulatory authorities and may be required to refuse to dispense the medication until the prescription is properly authenticated and documented to avoid legal consequences.