Who may communicate an oral prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance to a pharmacist?

In Massachusetts, as well as under federal law, the communication of an oral prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance can be conducted by a variety of individuals. This includes licensed practitioners who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances and may directly call in a prescription.

An expressly authorized employee of the practitioner, such as a nurse or medical assistant, is also permitted to communicate the prescription, as long as they are specifically designated by the practitioner to do so. This helps streamline the process in busy practice settings where providers may not always be available to communicate prescriptions directly.

Furthermore, an expressly authorized agent of the practitioner is included in this provision, which reinforces the idea that individuals designated by the practitioner, who may be outside the immediate medical staff, can convey a Schedule II prescription. This ensures that there’s enough flexibility to manage urgent patient needs while still adhering to legal requirements.

Thus, all three categories of individuals - licensed practitioners, expressly authorized employees, and expressly authorized agents - are recognized by law as capable of communicating an oral prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance to a pharmacist. This comprehensive understanding reflects the importance of clear communication in the healthcare system while ensuring compliance with controlled substance regulations.