What is the latest timeframe an emergency oral prescription must be followed by a written prescription for controlled medication?

The correct answer is that an emergency oral prescription for a controlled medication must be followed by a written prescription within 7 days. In the context of pharmacy law, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allows for an emergency situation where a prescriber can verbally authorize a prescription, which is particularly useful when immediate treatment is necessary and is not feasible to wait for the written prescription. However, to prevent misuse and ensure proper documentation, the prescriber is required to provide a written prescription within this specific 7-day timeframe.

This requirement reflects an effort to balance patient care, ensuring prompt access to necessary medications during emergencies, while also maintaining regulatory oversight to prevent potential abuse of controlled substances. If a written prescription is not received within the allotted time, the pharmacy must notify the DEA, as it may indicate a breach of regulations.