For schedules III, IV, and V controlled substances, when can a prescription be partially dispensed?

The correct answer allows for partial dispensing of schedules III, IV, and V controlled substances as long as it is properly recorded and occurs within six months from the date of the prescription. This regulation is designed to provide flexibility for both patients and pharmacists while ensuring that records are maintained accurately for controlled substances.

The six-month timeframe ensures that the prescription remains valid, allowing patients to receive their medication in doses that meet their needs, especially in cases where the medication may not be needed in full immediately or can be dispensed over time. Accurate record-keeping is crucial because it helps in tracking the quantity dispensed, preventing misuse, and ensuring compliance with regulations surrounding controlled substances.

The other options do not fully align with the requirements set forth by federal and state laws for partial dispensing of these controlled substances. For example, limiting dispensing to "before expiration date only" or "only by special request" does not reflect the flexibility provided by regulatory guidelines, while "anytime within the first month" does not encompass the extended six-month period that is allowed.