Under what condition is a fax considered acceptable as an original prescription for a C2 medication?

A fax is considered acceptable as an original prescription for a C2 medication specifically when the patient is on home infusion with a narcotic. In this scenario, it is crucial to ensure that patients receive their necessary medications promptly and without the delays that traditional prescriptions might introduce. The ability to send a fax allows healthcare providers to efficiently manage the medication needs of patients who may require immediate access to controlled substances, such as those receiving home infusion therapy.

In the case of other options, they do not meet the specific conditions outlined in federal and state regulations regarding the acceptance of faxed prescriptions for C2 medications. For instance, a patient being in a hospital does not necessitate a fax, as prescriptions can be directly entered into the hospital’s electronic health system. Similarly, outpatient surgery does not offer a valid condition for a faxed prescription to be considered original under the DEA’s regulations. Additionally, the closure of a pharmacy does not create a special circumstance that would allow a fax to serve as an original prescription. Thus, option B stands out as the only instance where the regulation explicitly permits a faxed prescription for a C2 medication under defined conditions.