Medical Can you self-prescribe in OR?

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southerndoc

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I just started my intern year in OR after moving across the country. Because of this, I haven't had a chance to establish care with a new physician yet, though I plan on doing so. I have relatively well-controlled asthma and only use my albuterol inhaler on rare occasions...so I don't currently have an active prescription. I do have one older inhaler with a few puffs remaining. I wasn't concerned about this, but now that the world is on fire (literally, my city is drowning in smoke from the wildfires) I am starting to feel like I should have new and reliable inhaler on hand.

Can I prescribe myself a basic albuterol inhaler to get through this apocalyptic time? I know that self-prescribing is controversial, so I don't really feel comfortable posing this question to anyone I work with. Also, I feel a bit silly because logistically, I have no idea how I would even do this as I have only ever written prescriptions for patients through the EMR. Is this okay, ethically and legally? And if so...how in general does one go about prescribing?

Thanks
Laws vary by state. Georgia allows self-prescribing. However, it's usually frowned upon. If it's an emergency you may can get away with it, but your situation is even more concerning considering you are a resident. If you need an inhaler, go to an urgent care. Don't even ask a co-resident to prescribe for you. You don't even have a valid license yet, do you?
 
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