How soon must a pharmacy receive a written prescription after an oral emergency C2 fill?

In the context of emergency situations regarding controlled substances, federal regulations allow for a pharmacy to dispense a Schedule II medication based on an oral prescription if certain criteria are met. When a pharmacist receives an oral prescription for a Schedule II drug during an emergency, they are required to obtain a written prescription to validate the oral order. The written prescription must be received by the pharmacy within a specific timeframe to comply with legal mandates.

For emergency fills of Schedule II prescriptions, the pharmacy must receive the written prescription no later than seven days after the oral order. This requirement ensures that there is proper documentation and accountability for controlled substances, which are more strictly regulated due to their potential for abuse and dependency. If the pharmacy does not receive the written prescription within this seven-day window, they must report the incident to the DEA and may have to take additional actions regarding the oral prescription.

Understanding these timelines is crucial for pharmacy professionals to ensure compliance with both federal and state regulations regarding controlled substances.