A Physician Receives a Phone Call from His Sister Requesting

A physician receives a phone call from his sister requesting an antidepressant prescription for her 16-year-old son.  She explains that he saw a psychiatrist who prescribed the medication for depression a year ago.  The boy has been doing well on the medication and has not seen the psychiatrist for more than 6 months.  She is concerned that the psychiatrist will be unwilling to refill the prescription without seeing him for a follow-up appointment.  The sister is reluctant to schedule an appointment due to cost and inconvenience and asks the physician to do her this favor.  As far as the physician knows, his nephew has no medical problems and does well in school.  He was unaware of his nephew's history of depression until now.  Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action?

A) Ask to speak with his nephew privately and prescribe the medication if the physician determines that he is stable
B) Explain that it is ethically problematic and potentially unsafe to prescribe for family members
C) Explain that physicians are legally prohibited from prescribing medication for family members
D) Prescribe a 1-month supply of the medication and advise that he will have to obtain refills from the psychiatrist
E) Prescribe the medication provided there are no concerns that the patient is suicidal

Correct Answer:

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