Pharmacy technicians are not permitted to take new prescriptions over voicemail for verification by a pharmacist later. This rule is in place to ensure that prescriptions are accurately received and documented, as well as to maintain patient safety and the integrity of the prescription process.
Taking new prescriptions entails direct communication with the prescriber to confirm not only the medication but also the dosage and patient information, which requires a level of professional judgement that a pharmacy technician is not authorized to exercise.
Renewal prescriptions, in contrast, are often treated differently, allowing pharmacies a bit more flexibility if there’s an established protocol. However, the initial prescription still requires the direct involvement of a pharmacist or an authorized prescriber. By having pharmacists directly manage new prescription intake, the pharmacy ensures that all necessary checks are in place, protecting patients from potential medication errors and adhering to regulatory standards.