What is the maximum amount of CII medication that can be dispensed during an emergency?

In emergency situations, the maximum amount of a Schedule II (CII) medication that can be dispensed is limited to only enough to treat the patient's immediate needs. This is in accordance with federal regulations, which recognize that while it may be critical to provide medication during an emergency, it is also essential to ensure responsible prescribing and dispensing practices.

The rationale behind dispensing only what is necessary for the emergency stems from the potential for misuse or diversion of controlled substances. By limiting the amount provided, pharmacists and healthcare providers help mitigate the risk associated with overprescribing and ensure that the patient does not receive more medication than necessary for their urgent condition.

In practice, when a pharmacist receives an emergency prescription for a CII medication, the prescription should ideally be followed by a formal prescription from the prescriber within a specified timeframe, typically within 7 days. This helps maintain oversight over the prescribing practices and ensures proper documentation of the patient's medication needs.