Final answer:
In this hypothetical situation, Joseph should follow the office's protocol and inform the patient to schedule an appointment for a medication refill. Medical assistants are not authorized to call in controlled substances to a pharmacy. Controlled substances can be identified by looking at the label of the medication, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces proper use of controlled substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
a. In this situation, Joseph should follow the office's protocol regarding medication refills. He should inform the patient that they would need to schedule an appointment with the doctor to discuss the refill request. It is important for Joseph to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the doctor reviews the patient's condition before prescribing more medication.
b. Medical assistants are not typically authorized to call in controlled substances to a pharmacy. Controlled substances are classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and can only be prescribed by authorized healthcare professionals, such as physicians or nurse practitioners.
c. Controlled substances can generally be identified by looking at the label of the medication. They often have a special marking or symbol indicating their controlled status. Additionally, the label may include information about the schedule or classification of the substance.
d. The agency that enforces the proper use of controlled substances is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They regulate the prescribing, dispensing, and storage of controlled substances to prevent misuse or diversion.