What is required for an emergency oral prescription of a Schedule II drug?

• A. A verbal confirmation from the prescriber
• B. A written prescription must follow within seven days
• C. An electronic prescription
• D. No further action needed

Answer: (B)

For an emergency oral prescription of a Schedule II drug, it is required that a written prescription follows within seven days. This regulation is in place to ensure that there is a tangible record of the prescription for controlled substances, which are closely monitored due to their potential for abuse and dependence. The requirement for a written prescription helps verify that the oral prescription was truly necessary and authorized by a legitimate prescriber.

When an emergency situation arises, a prescriber may call in an oral prescription to a pharmacy; however, they must provide a written version of that prescription to the pharmacy within a specified timeframe, which is seven days in federal regulations. If this is not done, the pharmacy must notify the appropriate authorities, ensuring that checks are in place to prevent misuse.

The other choices do not fully capture the regulatory requirements for emergency oral prescriptions of Schedule II drugs, as there must always be a written follow-up to confirm and validate the oral order.