Under what circumstance can technicians share patient information?

Technicians can share patient information when directed to do so by the pharmacist because pharmacists are ultimately responsible for the confidentiality and security of patient information. The pharmacist can assess the context of the request and determine whether sharing that information is appropriate and complies with privacy regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This ensures that patient confidentiality is maintained while allowing necessary communication for safe medication dispensing and patient care.

Other scenarios may not meet the necessary privacy safeguards. Sharing information with a patient's family may breach confidentiality if the pharmacist has not authorized such disclosure. Giving patient information over the phone can lead to unauthorized access unless strict verification processes are followed. Requests from the state board of pharmacy would typically require specific legal protocols to be followed, and while they may have the authority to request certain information, it doesn't necessarily apply in every situation regarding routine patient information handling. Thus, the pharmacist's directive serves as the key factor in appropriate information sharing.