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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 9Art. 3§ 4051 Pharmacist Prescription Authority Rules

§ 4051 Pharmacist Prescription Authority Rules

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4051 Pharmacist Prescription Authority Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •Only pharmacists can give out or make dangerous drugs or medical devices.
  • •Pharmacists can start a prescription or give advice if they have the right patient info and keep it safe.
  • •If you're not a pharmacist, you can't sell or give out these drugs or devices.

Example

Your friend has a bad cough and asks you to give them some of your strong cough syrup.

You can't give them the cough syrup because it's a dangerous drug, and only a pharmacist can give it out. If you do, you're breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4051 Pharmacist Prescription Authority Rules

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, compound, furnish, sell, or dispense a dangerous drug or dangerous device, or to dispense or compound a prescription pursuant to Section 4040 of a prescriber unless he or she is a pharmacist under this chapter. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacist may authorize the initiation of a prescription, pursuant to Section 4052.1, 4052.2, 4052.3, or 4052.6, and otherwise provide clinical advice, services, information, or patient consultation, as set forth in this chapter, if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The clinical advice, services, information, or patient consultation is provided to a health care professional or to a patient. (2) The pharmacist has access to prescription, patient profile, or other relevant medical information for purposes of patient and clinical consultation and advice. (3) Access to the information described in paragraph (2) is secure from unauthorized access and use. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 469, Sec. 5. (SB 493) Effective January 1, 2014.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

prescriptioninformationpatienthealthlicensedangermedicalconsultation

Related Statutes

  • § 4040 Prescription Order Requirements
  • § 4052 Pharmacist Prescription Authority
  • § 4052.3 Pharmacist Hormonal Contraceptive Access
  • § 4057 Drug Sale Exemptions
  • § 4059 Prescription Requirements For Drugs

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 4051.
View Official Source