When is a pharmacist permitted to furnish a prescription for an emergency filling of a Schedule II controlled substance in Colorado?

A pharmacist is permitted to furnish a prescription for an emergency filling of a Schedule II controlled substance when the prescriber cannot be reached and it is necessary for the health of the patient. This scenario aligns with federal guidelines allowing for the emergency dispensing of Schedule II medications in specific circumstances where awaiting a prescription may jeopardize the patient's health.

In such situations, the pharmacist is taking necessary actions to ensure the patient receives the required medication promptly to address an immediate need. This dispensing is conditioned on the fact that the pharmacist must obtain a written or electronic prescription from the prescriber within a limited timeframe after the emergency is resolved, typically within 7 days, to comply with regulatory requirements.

Other choices, while they may present scenarios relevant to pharmacy practice, do not meet the stringent criteria established for emergency Schedule II prescriptions. For instance, a computer malfunction does not justify the immediate need for dispensing controlled substances, as alternative processes should be in place to address such technical issues. Similarly, running out of medication early is more of a patient or prescriber issue regarding medication management rather than an emergency health situation that requires immediate dispensing. Lastly, being out of stock also does not grant permission for an emergency fill; the pharmacy must manage inventory to ensure they can provide patients with necessary medications when