What should a pharmacist do when counseling a friend's patient about medications?

Using professional judgment to share necessary information is the most appropriate action for a pharmacist when counseling a friend's patient about medications. This approach recognizes the pharmacist's responsibility to protect patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations, while also ensuring that the patient receives relevant guidance about their medication.

By exercising professional judgment, the pharmacist can determine what specific information is pertinent for the patient’s understanding and safety, striking a balance between providing adequate counsel and maintaining privacy. This allows the pharmacist to engage effectively with the patient, offering support and answering questions related to their medications without disclosing unnecessary or sensitive details that could compromise the patient's privacy or violate regulatory standards.

In contrast, sharing full details of the medication without considering the context or the patient's privacy needs would not be compliant with ethical practices or HIPAA regulations. Denying any information sharing may lead to a lack of support for the patient, and simply referring a friend to call the patient may not only delay essential counseling but also undermine the pharmacist's role in assisting with medication management.