When can a pharmacy accept a faxed prescription for a controlled substance?

A pharmacy may accept a faxed prescription for a controlled substance primarily when it pertains to long-term care or hospice patients. This regulation acknowledges the unique circumstances of these patients, who may require immediate medication management given their health situations. The faxed prescription serves as a way to ensure timely access to needed medications, enabling quicker patient care without compromising the regulatory framework surrounding controlled substances.

For these specific instances, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allows for faxed prescriptions to be considered legitimate, reducing potential delays in treatment. This acceptance ensures that patients, such as those in long-term care facilities or receiving hospice services, can receive critical medication in a timely manner, while still adhering to stringent oversight of controlled substances.

Other responses do not align with the regulatory standards set by the DEA regarding faxed prescriptions for controlled substances, as they do not specifically address situations where such an allowance is deemed necessary and appropriate under the law.