A pharmacy technician is assisting a patient who is requesting a refill for their prescription of a Schedule IV controlled substance. The patient states they are moving to another state and asks if the pharmacy can transfer the remaining refills to a pharmacy in their new location. According to federal regulations, how many times can a Schedule IV prescription with authorized refills be transferred between pharmacies?
- AAs many times as there are refills, up to the prescription's expiration.
- BMultiple times, as long as it's within the same chain of pharmacies.
- CZero transfers, as controlled substance prescriptions cannot be transferred.
- DOne time, between two DEA-registered pharmacies.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. One time, between two DEA-registered pharmacies.
Federal law permits a one-time transfer of Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance prescriptions with refills between two DEA-registered pharmacies. If the pharmacies share a common electronic database, they may transfer up to the maximum number of refills permitted by law.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. The one-time rule generally applies, with the exception of shared databases.
- B. While common database transfers allow more, the general rule for non-shared systems is one-time.
- C. Incorrect. Schedule III-V prescriptions can be transferred, but with restrictions.
Controlled Substance Rx Transfer (Schedules III-V)
Federal law allows a one-time transfer of original prescription information for Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances for refill purposes between two DEA-registered pharmacies. If pharmacies share a common, real-time electronic database, they can transfer up to the maximum number of refills permitted by law.
- Applies to Schedules III, IV, V.
- Generally, 'one-time' transfer rule.
- Exception: shared electronic databases allow more transfers.
- Schedule II prescriptions cannot be transferred.
Memory trick: Controlled Transfers: S-II is 'No Go', S-III to S-V is 'One Go' (unless Shared Data).