If there is a suspicion of prescription forgery for a controlled substance, what is the next step?

When faced with a suspicion of prescription forgery for a controlled substance, the most appropriate next step is to call the prescriber to verify the quantity. This action demonstrates a responsible approach to confirming whether the prescription is legitimate and aligns with the customary medical practice.

Verifying with the prescriber helps ensure patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards surrounding controlled substances. It allows the healthcare professional to gather essential information regarding the patient's treatment plan, the prescriber's authority, and whether any discrepancies in the prescription warrant further investigation. This step maintains the integrity of the prescribing process and can help prevent potential abuse or misuse of controlled substances.

In scenarios involving controlled substances, direct communication with the prescriber is critical, as it offers the opportunity to clarify any doubts before taking further actions that may have legal or ethical implications.