Under what conditions are emergency CII fills allowed?

Emergency CII (Controlled Substance Schedule II) fills are permitted when immediate administration is necessary for treatment. This provision recognizes that there are situations where a patient requires urgent medical attention that cannot wait for the usual prescription processes to be followed, such as when a patient is in a critical condition or has a severe pain that needs to be managed immediately.

In such cases, a healthcare provider may provide a verbal order for the CII substance, provided that the provider subsequently sends a written prescription or an electronic prescription within a specified period, complying with state laws. This ensures that appropriate measures are taken to prevent misuse while still addressing the immediate medical need.

The other options do not align with the legal requirements for emergency CII fills. For instance, the expression of a need by the patient does not justify an emergency fill without a legitimate medical reason tied to immediate treatment. Similarly, having excess stock in the pharmacy or prescribing by a doctor with a known history does not meet the criteria for an emergency fill. It is critical that the basis for an emergency fill centers on the necessity for immediate treatment rather than convenience or availability of medication.