Emergency oral Schedule II authorization

Claim

In a defined emergency, a pharmacist may dispense a Schedule II controlled substance on oral authorization of a registered practitioner under 21 CFR 1306.11(d): quantity limited to the emergency period; Rx immediately reduced to writing (minus signature); identity verified if the practitioner is unknown; and within 7 days the practitioner must deliver a written “Authorization for Emergency Dispensing” Rx (mail must be postmarked within 7 days). Pharmacist must notify DEA if the covering Rx is not delivered.

Plain

Emergency oral C-II is allowed only for the emergency amount, reduced to writing at once, with a covering written Rx due within 7 days — notify DEA if it never arrives.

Citations

1. 21 CFR 1306.11 (1306.11(d)) — source
   

   In the case of an emergency situation, as defined by the Secretary in § 290.10 of this title, a pharmacist may dispense a controlled substance listed in Schedule II upon receiving oral authorization of a prescribing individual practitioner, provided that: (1) The quantity prescribed and dispensed is limited to the amount adequate to treat the patient during the emergency period ...

   retrieved 2026-09-08