Can you pick up prescriptions on behalf of someone else?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, a pharmacist is permitted to use their professional judgment to release a filled prescription to a third party, allowing you to pick up prescriptions on behalf of someone else. This flexibility is essential for patients who are unable to visit the pharmacy themselves, but it comes with specific procedures to protect patient privacy and ensure safety.

Quick Summary

In most situations, you can pick up a prescription for another person. Pharmacists can use their professional judgment, but you must be prepared with the patient's information, and rules are stricter for controlled substances. Different pharmacies and state laws may have unique requirements.

Key Points

Pharmacist Discretion: HIPAA allows pharmacists to use their professional judgment to release prescriptions to friends or family members involved in the patient's care, without the need for prior written consent.
Information Required: The person picking up the prescription will need to provide the patient's full name, date of birth, and potentially other identifying information like their address.
ID for Controlled Substances: Expect stricter rules for controlled medications, which often require the third party to present a valid, government-issued photo ID.
Call Ahead: It is a good practice for the patient to call the pharmacy ahead of time to confirm the medication is ready and to inform them who will be picking it up.
Pharmacy and State Variations: Pickup policies can differ between individual pharmacies and are subject to varying state laws, so it's always best to check with the specific pharmacy beforehand.
Legal Safety: Always transport someone else's medication in its original, sealed pharmacy packaging to avoid potential legal issues during a traffic stop, especially with controlled substances.

Understanding HIPAA and Pharmacy Guidelines

Under federal law, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, pharmacists have the discretion to release prescriptions to friends or family members acting on behalf of a patient. This is based on the "professional judgment" standard, where the pharmacist can infer that the person is involved in the patient's care. This approach balances patient privacy with the practical need for assistance. While a patient can proactively give permission to their pharmacy, it is not always a requirement under HIPAA for the pharmacist to proceed.

General Requirements for Picking Up Prescriptions

When picking up a standard prescription for someone else, the process is generally straightforward. The pharmacy staff will need to verify your identity and ensure you have sufficient information to confirm you are authorized to pick up on the patient's behalf.

Information you will likely need:

The patient's full name.
The patient's date of birth.
The patient's address or phone number, especially if there is a common name.
Knowledge of the specific medication being picked up can be helpful.
A valid form of identification for yourself, which many pharmacies now require by policy.
The patient's pharmacy insurance card, or a copy of it, may be useful.

Best Practices for a Smooth Pickup:

Have the patient call the pharmacy ahead of time to alert them to who will be picking up the medication. This can expedite the process.
Confirm with the pharmacy that the prescription is ready before heading out to save time.

Special Considerations for Controlled Substances

Controlled substances, which have a higher potential for abuse, are subject to more stringent laws and pharmacy policies. While a third party can still often pick them up, the procedure will be stricter to ensure compliance and prevent diversion.

What to expect with controlled substances:

Mandatory ID: A government-issued photo ID is almost always required for the person picking up the prescription.
Verification: Some pharmacies may call the patient directly to verify their permission before releasing the medication.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs): In many states, pharmacists are required to track controlled substances through PDMPs, which often involves scanning the ID of the person picking up the medication.
Signature Required: A signature may be required for proof of pickup.

Navigating Different Pharmacy and State Policies

Policies regarding third-party prescription pickups can vary significantly. What works at one pharmacy might not at another, and state laws can also impose different regulations.

Pharmacy Chains: Large pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and others have specific policies that are generally consistent across their locations but can differ from one another. They may use digital pass systems or require specific patient information.
Independent Pharmacies: Smaller, local pharmacies may have more familiarity with regular customers, which can sometimes make the process smoother. However, they must still follow state and federal laws.
State Regulations: Some states have specific age restrictions for picking up prescriptions (e.g., must be 18+) or laws regarding ID requirements, especially for controlled substances. It is always best to check your state's Board of Pharmacy website for specific details.

Understanding the Potential Risks

While legal for authorized pickups, carrying someone else's medication, especially controlled substances, carries potential risks.

Traffic Stops: If pulled over, an officer finding prescription medication not in your name could raise suspicion of illegal possession. To mitigate this risk, keep the medication in its original container, including the bag and receipt provided by the pharmacy.
Innocent Intentions, Legal Troubles: Without proper handling, even a simple errand can be misconstrued, leading to potential legal complications.
Theft or Loss: Controlled substances are valuable, and relying on third parties, even trusted ones, means a small risk of theft or loss. Always give the medication to the patient as soon as possible.

Comparison: Standard vs. Controlled Substances Pickup


Feature	Standard Prescription	Controlled Substance Prescription
Permission	Assumed via professional judgment, often no prior patient contact needed.	Pharmacist may contact patient for verbal confirmation.
Identification	Often required for third-party pickups based on pharmacy policy.	Almost always required, potentially scanned into a database.
Patient Info	Name, DOB, and potentially address required for verification.	Name, DOB, address, and potentially other information for verification.
Process	Generally faster and less regulated once identity is confirmed.	Slower due to stricter policies, requires more steps to ensure legality.
Risk Level	Low risk for third party if handled correctly.	Higher risk of scrutiny from law enforcement, requires careful transport.

Alternatives to Third-Party Pickup

If you prefer not to have someone else pick up your medications, several alternatives are available:

Pharmacy Delivery: Many pharmacies offer a delivery service, which can be particularly useful for those who are homebound or isolating.
Mail Order Prescriptions: For long-term medications, mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions directly to your home.
Pharmacy Drive-Thru: If available, a drive-thru window can be a quick and convenient option that minimizes contact with others.

Conclusion

It is generally acceptable to have a friend or family member pick up your prescriptions, with the key caveat that the pharmacist must use their professional judgment to ensure patient privacy and safety. For standard medications, the process is usually straightforward, but for controlled substances, expect stricter verification protocols and be prepared with valid identification. The best practice for a third-party pickup is for the patient to inform the pharmacy in advance and for the person picking up to have all necessary information readily available. By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and secure process for everyone involved.

For more information on HIPAA and patient rights, please refer to the official U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, written permission is not typically required under federal HIPAA law. Pharmacists can use their professional judgment to determine if it is appropriate to release the medication to a third party involved in the patient's care, such as a friend or family member.

You should be prepared to provide the patient's full name, date of birth, and possibly their address or phone number. It is also wise to bring your own photo ID, as many pharmacies require it, especially for controlled substances.

Yes, the process is generally stricter for controlled substances. Pharmacies are more likely to require a valid photo ID and may need to contact the patient directly to verify the pickup.

Yes, HIPAA regulations do not specify that the person must be a family member. Pharmacists can use their discretion for friends or other authorized individuals involved in the patient's care.

Yes, a pharmacist can refuse to release a prescription if they have a concern or are unable to verify that you are involved in the patient's care, upholding patient privacy rights under HIPAA.

It is not always necessary under law, but it is highly recommended. A quick call from the patient to the pharmacy can make the pickup process faster and smoother by providing clear authorization.

This depends on state and pharmacy-specific policies. Some states have age restrictions, often requiring the individual to be 18 or older to pick up medications.