California Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (CPJE) Practice 2026 - Free CPJE Practice Questions and Study Guide

When pharmacists suspect patient fraud, the required action is to report the issue to the necessary authorities while maintaining patient confidentiality. This approach aligns with legal and ethical standards within the pharmacy profession. Pharmacists have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the healthcare system and to address fraudulent activities that could harm patients or the public.

By reporting the suspicion to the appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or relevant regulatory agencies, pharmacists help to ensure that such fraudulent behavior is investigated and dealt with appropriately. At the same time, maintaining patient confidentiality is crucial, as pharmacists must safeguard personal health information in accordance with laws such as HIPAA. This dual obligation to report and protect patient privacy is vital in promoting ethical practice and accountability in healthcare.

In contrast, ignoring the suspicion could allow fraudulent behavior to continue unchecked. Discussing the issue with other pharmacy staff without proper protocols may lead to breaches of confidentiality and could compromise the trust relationship with patients. Confronting the patient directly risks escalation of the situation and can undermine professional conduct. Therefore, the most responsible and ethical course of action is to report the suspicion while upholding the principles of confidentiality.