Who should a pharmacist contact if they suspect a prescriber is overprescribing controlled substances?

When a pharmacist suspects a prescriber is overprescribing controlled substances, contacting the prescriber’s regulatory board is the appropriate course of action because the board has the authority and responsibility to investigate complaints against healthcare providers. Each state has a regulatory board tasked with overseeing medical professionals to ensure they adhere to ethical and legal standards.

These boards have the necessary resources and processes in place to thoroughly assess the situation, including reviewing prescription patterns and determining whether there is a potential violation of practice standards or law. They also have the power to take disciplinary action if warranted, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the prescriber’s license.

While reaching out to the patient’s family might seem like a way to gather more information, it may not be an appropriate or effective method for addressing concerns about a prescriber. Contacting the pharmacy owner may not lead to a resolution since they may not have the expertise or authority to intervene in situations involving potential overprescribing. Additionally, reporting directly to the DEA could be a step taken after an internal resolution process, but it is generally more appropriate to start with the specific state regulatory board that has the jurisdiction over the prescriber.