Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is true regarding prescriptions for terminally ill patients in long-term care facilities?

1. Because oxycodone is a schedule II controlled drug, the full quantity must be dispensed at one time

2. The prescription can be partially filled an unlimited number of times until the prescription expires 6 months after the written date

3. Because schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled, any partial fill will result in the remaining balance of the prescription being voided

4. Because the patient is terminally ill and living in a long-term-care facility, the prescription can be partially filled an unlimited number of times within a 60-day period

The correct answer is: Because the patient is terminally ill and living in a long-term-care facility, the prescription can be partially filled an unlimited number of times within a 60-day period

In the context of prescriptions for terminally ill patients in long-term care facilities, the correct answer indicates that these prescriptions can be partially filled without restriction as long as it falls within a specified time frame. Specifically, for terminally ill patients, federal regulations allow for a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance to be partially filled, and the remaining quantities can be filled up to 60 days from the date the prescription was issued. This flexibility is intended to accommodate the unique needs of terminally ill patients, who may not require the full prescribed quantity right away due to their changing condition. This option provides healthcare professionals with the ability to better manage pain relief while minimizing the risks associated with controlled substances. The reasoning behind this policy is to enhance patient care in a way that recognizes the realities of their treatment needs and the potential for shorter life expectancy. Consequently, while the prescription remains valid for the patient until filled or until the 60-day mark, it allows partial fills as deemed necessary by the clinician, effectively improving patient-centered care. This understanding is particularly important in long-term care settings, where medication management often requires adjustments based on the patient's evolving health status.