When a physician calls in an emergency oral prescription for hydromorphone, how many days does he have to provide the written prescription?

In the context of emergency oral prescriptions for controlled substances, federal law specifies that a physician must provide a written prescription to the pharmacy within a certain timeframe. For Schedule II substances, including hydromorphone, the physician is required to provide the written prescription within seven days after calling in the emergency prescription. This requirement ensures that there is documentation of the prescription for regulatory compliance and patient safety.

The seven-day window is applicable under both federal and many state regulations, including Ohio’s provisions regarding controlled substances. Thus, the correct answer regarding the timeframe within which the physician must provide the written prescription is indeed seven days. This period allows adequate time for the physician to document the emergency situation that justified the oral authorization while ensuring that the pharmacy has a written record for dispensing the controlled medication.