What is required for a Schedule II facsimile prescription to be accepted as an original?

For a Schedule II facsimile prescription to be accepted as an original, it is essential that the printed copy of the transmission is maintained. This is because federal law allows for the use of facsimiles for prescriptions, but there are specific requirements that must be adhered to in order to ensure the legitimacy of the prescription.

The printed copy serves as the legal documentation necessary for dispensing a Schedule II controlled substance, as it provides a tangible record of the prescription that was sent via electronic means. This printed copy must include all relevant information such as the patient's name, medication details, prescriber information, and must also bear the prescriber's original signature, which validates the prescription and indicates it was authorized by the prescriber.

Other methods or requirements, such as physically presenting the original or requiring in-person signatures, do not align with the guidelines provided for facsimile prescriptions as outlined in both federal and state regulations. Thus, maintaining the printed copy of the transmission is crucial for compliance and for the protection of both the pharmacist and the patient.