What regulatory requirement exists for pharmacists dispensing medications subject to REMS?

Pharmacists dispensing medications that are subject to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) are required to obtain and document specific laboratory tests when mandated by the REMS program for that specific medication. This is crucial because REMS programs are designed to ensure that the benefits of a drug outweigh its risks, and certain medications have associated risks that necessitate monitoring through laboratory tests. By documenting these tests, pharmacists contribute to patient safety and ensure compliance with the REMS requirements, thus playing a vital role in the overall management of the therapy involving high-risk medications.

In the context of the other options, while annual training may be beneficial for pharmacists to stay informed about REMS requirements, it's not a regulatory requirement specifically tied to dispensing medications with REMS. Providing pamphlets to patients could be a good practice; however, not all REMS require pharmacists to issue pamphlets specifically. Notifying the prescribing physician can be necessary in some circumstances but is not a blanket requirement for all REMS medications; rather, it depends on the specifics of the REMS associated with the medication in question.