What is the primary purpose of the Ryan Haight Act concerning online pharmacy practices?

The primary purpose of the Ryan Haight Act is to ensure patient safety during prescriptions filled online. This federal legislation was enacted to combat the increasing problem of illegal online pharmacies and to protect consumers from unsafe medications. The Act mandates that a valid doctor-patient relationship is established before a prescription can be issued, ensuring that patients receive appropriate medical oversight when obtaining medication through online channels. This is crucial in preventing the distribution of counterfeit or substandard drugs, which pose significant risks to patient health and safety.

While options like supporting pharmaceutical companies, regulating only local pharmacies, or reducing the costs of medication may seem relevant in the broader context of pharmacy practice, they do not align with the specific intent of the Ryan Haight Act. The focus of the Act is primarily on safeguarding public health through established guidelines for online prescribing practices.