The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has provided the following guidance regarding the issuance of oral schedule II prescriptions in light of the nationwide public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on Jan. 31.

First, the DEA has expanded the time frame - from seven to 15 days - for which a prescriber has to provide a written prescription to the pharmacy. Second, it notes the follow-up written prescription may be sent to the pharmacy via facsimile, or a photographed/scanned copy may be sent to the pharmacy.

These exceptions shall remain in place for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (unless modified or withdrawn by DEA).

Read more.