Prescribing authority: an examination of Ohio pharmacists' opinions.

This study was conducted to determine the opinions of Ohio pharmacists about possible implementation of prescribing authority for pharmacists in the state. Questionnaires designed to determine pharmacists' opinions were mailed to a random sample of Ohio Pharmacists Association members. The overall net response rate was 44%. A majority of respondents preferred dependent prescribing authority under physician supervision. Respondents favored charging a fee for prescribing, although they did not expect the fee to be large enough to increase income substantially. A majority agreed that pharmacists should pass a qualifying exam and receive formal training to prescribe medications. A large number of respondents agreed that prescribing authority will lead to greater use of generic drugs and lower health care costs. For prescribing authority to succeed, it is suggested that appropriate protocols be developed in consideration of state requirements.