In a bona fide emergency, what is the maximum supply of Schedule II controlled substance that a physician may dispense to a patient?

In a bona fide emergency, federal regulations allow a physician to dispense a maximum supply of a Schedule II controlled substance for up to 72 hours. This provision is in place to ensure that patients in urgent need receive necessary medications without delaying treatment while obtaining a formal prescription.

The emergency dispensing of opioids and other Schedule II drugs is designed to address situations where the patient cannot wait for a prescription to be filled at a pharmacy, such as acute pain management or management of withdrawal symptoms. It's important that this practice is limited to a short duration to prevent misuse and reinforce the need for proper prescribing and monitoring of controlled substances.

The duration of 72 hours ensures that the patient has enough medication to manage their condition while also requiring them to follow up for a proper evaluation and potential long-term treatment plan. After this period, the patient should have a follow-up exam for a complete assessment and a formal prescription if needed.

Understanding this regulation is crucial for healthcare providers, as it balances the need for patient care in emergencies with the legal and safety considerations associated with prescribing controlled substances.