Privacy rule
Executive Summary
Prior consent requirements will be clarified under HHS' upcoming proposed changes to the privacy rule, HHS says in July 6 guidance. "A change will permit pharmacists to fill prescriptions phoned in by a patient's doctor before obtaining the patient's written consent," the guidance states. HHS also clarifies that relatives or friends may pick up prescriptions. The rule went into effect April 14 (1"The Pink Sheet" April 16, p. 23)