What is the consequence if a prescription for a controlled substance is missing the days supply?

In the context of Ohio pharmacy law and regulations regarding controlled substances, a prescription missing the days’ supply is considered invalid because it does not provide sufficient information for proper dispensing. The days' supply is an essential element that allows the pharmacist to determine how long the prescribed medication should last, which is critical for ensuring that the patient receives an appropriate quantity of the medication while also managing risks associated with the potential for misuse or abuse of controlled substances.

When a prescription is deemed invalid, it typically cannot be filled by the pharmacist until it is corrected or clarified by the prescribing provider. This is important for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate patient records. The law requires that all necessary elements are included on a prescription for controlled substances, and the absence of such information can lead to legal implications for both the pharmacist and the prescriber.

In practice, if a pharmacist encounters a prescription lacking this key information, they would usually need to contact the prescriber to clarify the days' supply before proceeding.