A pharmacist may dispense new prescription orders transmitted by fax only when what condition is met?

A pharmacist may dispense new prescription orders transmitted by fax only when the prescription is signed by the prescribing practitioner. This requirement is critical because it ensures that the prescription is legitimate and authorized by a licensed professional. In the context of the law, a signature indicates the prescriber’s approval and confirms that the medication is appropriate for the patient’s needs.

This requirement stems from regulations that aim to protect public health by ensuring that prescriptions are valid and prescribed by a qualified individual. Without a signature, there could be issues regarding authenticity and potential prescription fraud, which can lead to inappropriate medication dispensing or usage.

The other conditions, while important in different contexts, do not fulfill the necessary legal requirement for faxed prescriptions specifically. For example, prior approval from insurance is relevant for coverage purposes but does not validate the prescription itself. Similarly, authorization by pharmacy technicians or requests by patients do not replace the need for the prescriber’s signature, as the integrity of the prescription order relies fundamentally on the healthcare provider's endorsement.