Controlled Substances - NAPLEX
- What is the maximum number of refills allowed for a Schedule II prescription?
- Zero refills. DEA rules prohibit refills for Schedule II to prevent diversion and abuse of high-risk controlled substances.
- What is the defining federal criterion for a Schedule II controlled substance?
- High abuse potential; accepted medical use; severe dependence risk. Schedule II classification under federal law balances recognized therapeutic applications against substantial risks of abuse and dependency.
- What is the only circumstance when a Schedule II prescription may be taken orally by a pharmacist?
- Emergency situation; follow-up written/electronic required. Federal exceptions for Schedule II oral orders are limited to emergencies to maintain stringent controls while allowing urgent care.
- What is the defining federal criterion for a Schedule I controlled substance?
- High abuse potential; no accepted medical use; lack of safety. The Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into Schedule I based on criteria emphasizing maximum restrictions due to absence of medical utility and elevated risks.
- Identify the DEA form used to report theft or significant loss of controlled substances.
- DEA Form 106. DEA Form 106 facilitates mandatory reporting of losses to enable investigations and maintain supply chain integrity.
- What is the federal rule for transferring a controlled substance prescription between pharmacies?
- Schedules III–V: once; Schedule II: no transfers. Transfer rules differentiate schedules to enforce tighter controls on higher-risk substances while allowing flexibility for lower ones.
- What is the defining federal criterion for a Schedule III controlled substance?
- Moderate-low abuse potential; accepted use; moderate dependence risk. Federal criteria for Schedule III reflect a moderated risk profile compared to higher schedules while acknowledging medical benefits.
- Identify the DEA form used to register a pharmacy or practitioner to handle controlled substances.
- DEA Form 224. DEA Form 224 is required for initial registration, ensuring entities meet federal standards for handling controlled substances.
- Which schedule(s) may be dispensed from an oral prescription under federal law in routine practice?
- Schedules III, IV, and V. Lower schedules permit oral prescriptions to facilitate access for substances with reduced abuse and dependence risks.
- What is the required frequency for conducting a controlled substance inventory under federal law?
- At least every 2 years (biennial inventory). Biennial inventories are mandated by federal law to maintain accurate tracking and detect discrepancies in controlled stock.
- What is the federal limit for dispensing multiple Schedule II prescriptions on the same date for sequential fills?
- May issue multiple; total up to a -day supply if allowed. DEA permits multiple Schedule II prescriptions for chronic needs, capping total supply to minimize abuse potential.
- What is the defining federal criterion for a Schedule V controlled substance?
- Lowest abuse potential; accepted use; limited dependence risk. The CSA places substances in Schedule V due to their minimal abuse potential and established medical uses with low dependency risks.
- Which schedule requires exact count in the inventory (not an estimated count) under federal law?
- Schedule II. Exact counts for Schedule II are required due to their high abuse potential, ensuring precise inventory accountability.
- Which schedules require a written or electronic prescription (not oral) in non-emergency situations?
- Schedule II. Non-emergency Schedule II requires written or electronic format to ensure traceability and prevent unauthorized dispensing.
- What is the maximum number of refills allowed for a Schedule V prescription under federal law?
- As authorized by the prescriber. Schedule V's lower abuse risk allows prescriber discretion in refills without strict federal numerical limits.
- What is the minimum federal record retention period for controlled substance prescriptions and inventories?
- At least 2 years. The 2-year retention supports DEA audits and investigations into controlled substance handling and diversion.
- Which schedules must be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or dispersed to deter theft?
- Schedules II–V. Secure storage requirements for these schedules aim to prevent theft and diversion under DEA physical security regulations.
- What is the maximum federal days' supply allowed on an emergency Schedule II oral prescription?
- Only the amount needed during the emergency period. Emergency Schedule II dispensing is restricted to minimal quantities to address immediate needs without enabling excess supply.
- What is the defining federal criterion for a Schedule IV controlled substance?
- Low abuse potential vs Schedule III; limited dependence risk. Schedule IV drugs are designated under the CSA for their reduced abuse liability relative to Schedule III with accepted medical applications.
- Identify the DEA form used to order Schedule II controlled substances from a supplier.
- DEA Form 222 (or CSOS electronic equivalent). DEA Form 222 provides a secure, triplicate system for ordering Schedule II to track and prevent diversion.
- What is the federal rule on partial filling a Schedule II prescription for a patient who cannot receive the full quantity?
- Remainder must be filled within 72 hours or forfeited. The 72-hour rule for partial Schedule II fills prevents indefinite holds and reduces diversion risks.
- What is the maximum number of refills allowed for a Schedule III or IV prescription?
- Up to 5 refills. Federal law limits refills for Schedules III and IV to balance access with controls on substances with moderate abuse potential.
- What is the maximum time window after issuance to refill a Schedule III or IV prescription under federal law?
- Within 6 months of the date written. The 6-month refill window for Schedules III and IV ensures prescriptions remain valid only for a reasonable period under federal guidelines.
- Which schedule has the most restrictive prescribing and ordering requirements under federal law?
- Schedule II. Federal regulations impose the strictest controls on Schedule II substances to mitigate their high abuse and dependence potential.
- What is the federal deadline for the prescriber to provide the written follow-up after an emergency Schedule II oral order?
- Within 7 days. The 7-day requirement ensures documentation follows emergency oral Schedule II orders to comply with DEA accountability standards.