What is required for a pharmacist-counseling session at a remote pharmacy?

In the context of pharmacist counseling at a remote pharmacy, the correct requirement is that only new prescriptions necessitate counseling. This practice is in line with regulations that ensure patients receive vital information when they start a new medication, helping to enhance their understanding of the therapy, potential side effects, and proper usage. Counseling is particularly crucial for new prescriptions because patients may have questions or concerns they had not previously addressed, which is important for adherence and safety.

The requirement for counseling does not extend to every prescription dispensed, as many refills or ongoing medications may not require the same level of discussion, particularly if the patient has already been counseled on the medication previously. While controlled substances often have specific regulatory considerations, the requirement for counseling is broader for new prescriptions, rather than being restricted solely to these types of medications. Thus, stating that there is no requirement for counseling or that it is only necessary for controlled substances or even only for new prescriptions does not reflect the nuances of the regulations surrounding pharmacist counseling in a remote setting.