In what situation can pharmacists use oral authorization to dispense CII medications?

Pharmacists are permitted to use oral authorization to dispense controlled substances classified as Schedule II (CII) medications primarily in emergency situations. This is rooted in the regulations governing the dispensing of controlled substances, which typically require a written prescription for CII medications due to their potential for abuse and dependence.

In an emergency, when a patient needs immediate access to a CII medication and it is not practical for the prescriber to provide a written prescription in advance, the pharmacist may accept an oral order. However, certain conditions must be met, such as the prescriber providing a written prescription within a specified timeframe (usually 7 days) to follow up the oral authorization, in order to ensure compliance with legal regulations.

Other situations described in the options do not allow for oral authorization due to the strict controls surrounding the prescribing and dispensing of CII medications. For instance, dispensing based on chronic pain management or for out-of-state patients does not fall under emergency provisions and thus requires a written prescription. This regulatory framework helps maintain safety and accountability in the handling of high-risk medications.