I totally understand where you're coming from. I think that the mom was in the wrong, taking the son without father's knowledge. The pharmacists were wrong. This one knew their policy and would likely have responded the same as the other. Just because she wasn't in the room this time, just gave her an out in her own mind for this one, even though she obviously agreed with the policy.

Parents who don't ask questions, don't do their own research and insist on medicating their children just because they are frustrated, want to be in the "in" crowd, or pure ignorance and malice are .. not good parents..