What must a pharmacist verify at the time of dispensing a faxed Schedule II prescription?

When dispensing a faxed Schedule II prescription, the pharmacist must verify the validity of the original prescription. This involves confirming that the fax is an accurate representation of a legally prescribed medication by a licensed practitioner who has the authority to prescribe controlled substances. The original prescription must have been signed by the prescriber, and they must have appropriately authorized the fax format.

Validating the original ensures that the prescription adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements, which is essential for protecting patient safety and ensuring compliance with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. If the original prescription lacks validity or proper authorization, dispensing the medication could lead to legal repercussions and jeopardize patient health.

While verifying details like the prescriber's signature or the patient's payment method may be important for the overall dispensing process, the core requirement with regard to a faxed Schedule II prescription specifically centers on ensuring the validity of the original prescription.