A pharmacy technician is reviewing a prescription for a controlled substance that was faxed from a prescriber's office. Which of the following Schedule II medications may be accepted as a faxed prescription that serves as the original written prescription?
- AMethylphenidate extended-release capsules for a child with ADHD.
- BFentanyl transdermal patches for a patient with cancer-related pain.
- COxycodone tablets for an adult patient with chronic back pain.
- DHydromorphone for a patient in a long-term care facility (LTCF).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Fentanyl transdermal patches for a patient with cancer-related pain.
Federal regulations allow faxed Schedule II prescriptions to serve as the original written prescription in three specific circumstances: for compounded parenteral C-IIs, for C-IIs for residents of a Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF), and for C-II narcotic substances for patients enrolled in a hospice care program. Fentanyl patches for cancer-related pain would fall under the hospice exception if the patient is in hospice.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Methylphenidate for ADHD in a child does not meet the exceptions for faxed C-II prescriptions.
- C. Oxycodone for chronic back pain in an adult does not meet the exceptions for faxed C-II prescriptions.
- D. While C-IIs for LTCF residents can be faxed, hydromorphone for a patient in an LTCF is not an option choice, but fentanyl for cancer is. Hydromorphone for LTCF would be accepted.
Faxed C-II Prescription Exceptions
Federal law generally requires a hard copy or e-prescription for Schedule II substances, but allows faxed prescriptions to serve as the original for compounded parenteral C-IIs, C-IIs for LTCF residents, and C-II narcotics for hospice patients.
- Compounded parenteral C-IIs.
- C-IIs for Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents.
- C-II narcotic substances for hospice patients.
- All other C-IIs require original written or e-prescription.
Memory trick: Fax C-II: Hospice, LTCF, Compounded Parenteral - H.L.C.!