PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsHard
A pharmacy technician is preparing to process a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance. The physician has indicated 'PRN Pain' on the prescription without specifying a maximum daily dose or duration. According to federal regulations, what action should the technician take?
- AContact the prescriber to obtain a specific maximum daily dose and/or duration.
- BFill the prescription as written, as 'PRN Pain' is a valid indication.
- CRefuse to fill the prescription as it is incomplete and invalid.
- DClarify with the pharmacist if the prescription can be filled without a specific dose/duration.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Contact the prescriber to obtain a specific maximum daily dose and/or duration.
While 'PRN Pain' is a valid indication, for Schedule II controlled substances, federal regulations (and often state laws) require a specific maximum daily dose and/or duration to ensure appropriate use and prevent diversion. The prescriber must be contacted to provide this missing information.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. A Schedule II prescription requires more specific directions than 'PRN Pain' alone to be valid per federal guidelines.
- C. Refusing to fill immediately without attempting clarification is premature; the prescription can be made valid by contacting the prescriber.
- D. While consulting the pharmacist is good practice, the ultimate responsibility is to obtain the necessary information from the prescriber.
Essential C-II Rx Elements (Directions)
Federal regulations require specific and clear directions for use on Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions, including a maximum daily dose and/or duration when 'PRN' is indicated, to prevent misuse and ensure appropriate therapy.
- Directions must be explicit.
- 'PRN' requires specific limits.
- Missing info makes Rx invalid until clarified.
Memory trick: C-II Directions: Clear, Concise, and Complete, especially for PRN.