What must a pharmacist do immediately after receiving an oral CII prescription?

When a pharmacist receives an oral prescription for a Schedule II (CII) controlled substance, it is essential that they reduce the prescription to writing immediately. This step is a legal requirement to ensure that there is an accurate and documented record of the prescription.

The written documentation must include all pertinent information, such as the patient's name, the date of the oral prescription, the medication prescribed, the dosage, and the prescriber's information. Proper documentation is critical not only for the pharmacy and the patients but also for compliance with state and federal regulations governing controlled substances.

Failing to properly document the oral prescription can lead to compliance issues, potential regulatory repercussions, and difficulties in maintaining accurate records for audit purposes. Therefore, reducing the prescription to writing is crucial for both legal and practical reasons when handling CII prescriptions.