What is true regarding the offer to counsel for new prescriptions?

The statement that counseling must be completed for all new prescriptions is correct because, according to Minnesota law and many other states' pharmacy regulations, the pharmacist is required to provide counseling to patients receiving new prescriptions. This requirement ensures that patients understand how to take their medication, the purpose of the medication, any potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications or substances. The counseling process is a vital aspect of patient care and safety, especially for new prescriptions where patients may have questions or concerns about their treatment.

In many jurisdictions, while counseling may be offered for refills, it is often not mandated. This distinction highlights the importance of the initial interaction between the pharmacist and the patient when starting a new medication, setting the foundation for proper medication management. Thus, the necessity of counseling for new prescriptions serves to foster better health outcomes and mitigate risks associated with medication use.