Can a physician fax a prescription for fentanyl to a pharmacy for a hospice patient?

Faxes of prescriptions for controlled substances, including fentanyl, are generally permitted under specific circumstances, especially when it comes to hospice patients. In the case of a hospice patient, federal law provides an exception that allows prescriptions for certain controlled substances to be communicated via fax. This effectively streamlines the process, as patients receiving hospice care often require quick access to pain management medications, which can be critical for their comfort.

The faxed prescription serves as an official communication from the physician, which the pharmacy can accept and process, given that certain conditions are met. These conditions include ensuring that the prescription is complete and meets all regulatory requirements, as well as verifying that the opioid is being prescribed for palliative care. The authorization is important in this context because the nature of hospice care frequently involves the use of strong pain relief medications such as fentanyl, and allowing faxed prescriptions helps avoid delays in treatment for patients in urgent need.

Therefore, in the case of a hospice patient, the ability for a physician to fax a prescription for fentanyl is permissible and serves to enhance patient care during a critical time.