What is the maximum supply a pharmacist can dispense for a one-time emergency prescription?

In New Hampshire, when a pharmacist is faced with a one-time emergency prescription situation, they are allowed to dispense a maximum supply of 72 hours' worth of medication. This rule is designed to ensure that patients have enough medication to manage their conditions without significant interruption when immediate access to a prescriber isn’t possible, such as during non-business hours or holidays.

This guideline aims to balance the need for patient care with the necessary controls over prescription medications. A 72-hour supply allows for enough time for a patient to either seek a prescriber for a definitive refill or to manage acute symptoms temporarily. Dispensing more than this limit could pose a risk of misuse or complications if the further treatment is not coordinated properly with a healthcare provider.

Understanding the specifics of emergency prescriptions, especially the limits set by law, is key for pharmacists in order to comply with regulations while still providing adequate patient care.