Under Minnesota law, counseling is required for new prescriptions, refills, or both?

In Minnesota, state law mandates that counseling be provided for both new prescriptions and refills. This requirement underscores the importance of patient education and safety in medication management. Counseling ensures that patients receive comprehensive information about their medications, including proper usage, potential side effects, interactions with other substances, and any other concerns that may arise related to their treatment.

By requiring counseling for refills, the law acknowledges that patients may have questions or need updates on their treatment, even if they have previously received the medication. This ongoing dialogue helps pharmacists to monitor patient adherence, identify any new issues, and reinforce the importance of following the prescribed regimen. Therefore, comprehensive counseling is not limited to new prescriptions only, but extends to all cases where a patient receives medication, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care in pharmacy practice.