Indiana § 25-26-13-16 - Pharmacist's professional judgment; honoring and refusal to honor prescriptions; immunity
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 25-26-13-16 — Pharmacist's professional judgment; honoring and refusal to honor prescriptions; immunity, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-26-13-16. Pharmacist's professional judgment; honoring and refusal to honor prescriptions; immunity
Sec. 16. (a) A pharmacist shall exercise the pharmacist's professional judgment in the best interest of the patient's health when engaging in the practice of pharmacy.
(b) A pharmacist has a duty to honor all prescriptions from a practitioner or from a physician, podiatrist, dentist, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or veterinarian licensed under the laws of another state. Before honoring a prescription, the pharmacist shall take reasonable steps to determine whether the prescription has been issued in compliance with the laws of the state where it originated. The pharmacist is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability if the pharmacist, in good faith, refuses to honor a prescription because, in the pharmacist's professional judgment, the honoring of the prescription would:
(1) be contrary to law;
(2) be against the best interest of the patient;
(3) aid or abet an addiction or habit; or
(4) be contrary to the health and safety of the patient.
As added by Acts 1977, P.L.276, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.156-1986, SEC.3; P.L.28-2020, SEC.1; P.L.114-2020, SEC.10.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 25-26-13-16
What does Indiana Code § 25-26-13-16 cover?
Section 25-26-13-16 ("Pharmacist's professional judgment; honoring and refusal to honor prescriptions; immunity") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 25-26-13-16?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 25-26-13-16" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 25-26-13-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.