South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is a requirement for prescriptions written for controlled substances during “emergency situations”?

1. They can be called in verbally

2. Must be written within 3 days

3. Only one prescription is allowed

4. Requires prior approval from DHEC

The correct answer is: They can be called in verbally

In emergencies, when it comes to prescriptions for controlled substances, one of the critical requirements is that they can indeed be communicated verbally by the prescriber to the pharmacist. This provision allows for immediate access to necessary medications when time is of the essence and prevents delays in treatment that could be detrimental to a patient's health. While it is true that there are additional regulations surrounding controlled substances in emergency situations—such as the requirement to provide a written prescription within a specific timeframe (which is typically 7 days in many states) and limitations on the number of prescriptions that can be issued—these criteria do not directly align with the immediate need for obtaining a verbal prescription authorization during an emergency. The option regarding prior approval from DHEC is not typically a requirement in emergency situations; the process is designed to facilitate urgent care instead of adding bureaucratic hurdles. Understanding this framework helps pharmacy professionals ensure they are compliant with applicable regulations while still providing necessary medical care.