If a written prescription for an emergency CII is not received within the specified time, what must the pharmacist do?

When a pharmacist receives a verbal order for an emergency Schedule II (CII) substance, federal regulations require that a written prescription be obtained within a specific time frame, usually 7 days. If this written prescription is not received, it's necessary for the pharmacist to take further action to document and report the non-receipt.

Notifying the department of the non-receipt ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and maintains proper accountability regarding controlled substances. This action protects the pharmacist and the pharmacy from potential legal and regulatory issues that could arise from failing to follow up on the verbal order. Furthermore, this notification allows regulatory authorities to monitor prescription practices and maintain oversight on the dispensing of controlled substances.

In contrast, simply ignoring the verbal order does not fulfill the pharmacist's legal responsibilities, informing the patient might provide them with reassurance but does not address the regulatory breach, and disposing of the CII substances is unnecessary and against the law if the dispensing hasn't been completed according to regulations. Thus, notifying the appropriate department is the correct course of action when the written prescription is not received.