What is a requirement for a schedule II controlled substance prescription according to the law?

A written prescription is a mandatory requirement for a Schedule II controlled substance prescription according to federal law. This stringent regulation is in place because Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. The necessity for a written prescription helps to ensure accurate record-keeping and accountability in the prescribing process and provides a tangible document for pharmacists to verify and process.

The law recognizes the critical importance of preventing misuse or fraudulent prescriptions, which is why a written prescription is prioritized over other methods like electronic filing, phone calls from healthcare staff, or faxing. While there may be scenarios under which certain exceptions apply, such as emergency situations that allow for oral prescriptions to be followed by a written prescription, the default and most widely accepted practice remains that these prescriptions must be presented in written form to mitigate risks associated with the handling of such powerful medications.