Important Information from SC DHEC regarding the practice of pharmacy during this public health emergency

Controlled Substances

Due to COVID 19, along with the possible interruption of services and communications throughout South Carolina, SC DHEC Bureau of Drug Control hereby authorizes a ONE TIME early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due within the next seven (7) days.

Dispensers shall pull all original controlled substances prescriptions and document any early refill information in full detail; including, but not limited to, the date, time, reason for early refill, and the pharmacist signature associated with the transaction. Compliance with this Order supersedes any conflicting requirement of Regulation 61-4.

Schedule II Medications

In the case of an emergency situation, a pharmacist may dispense a controlled substance listed in Schedule II upon receiving oral authorization of a prescribing individual practitioner, provided that:

1. The quantity prescribed and dispensed is limited to the amount adequate to treat the patient during the emergency period (dispensing beyond the emergency period shall be pursuant to a written prescription signed by the prescribing individual practitioner);

2. The prescription shall be immediately reduced to writing by the pharmacist and shall contain all information requested in § 1003, except for the signature of the prescribing individual practitioner;

3. If the prescribing individual practitioner is not known to the pharmacist, he or she shall make a reasonable effort to determine that the oral authorization came from a registered individual practitioner, which may include a callback to the prescribing individual practitioner using his or her phone number as listed in the telephone directory and/or other good faith efforts to insure his or her identity; and

4. Within 72 hours after authorizing an emergency oral prescription, the prescribing individual practitioner shall cause a written prescription for the emergency quantity prescribed to be delivered to the dispensing pharmacist. In addition to conforming to the requirements of § 1003, the prescription shall have written on its face, "Authorization for Emergency Dispensing," and the date of the oral order. The written prescription may be delivered to the pharmacist in person or by mail; however, if delivered by mail, it shall be postmarked within the 72-hour period. Upon receipt, the dispensing pharmacist shall attach this prescription to the oral emergency prescription, which had earlier been reduced to writing. The pharmacist shall notify the Bureau Director if the prescribing individual practitioner fails to deliver a written prescription to him or her; failure of the pharmacist to do so shall void the authority conferred by this paragraph to dispense without a written prescription of a prescribing individual practitioner.