In emergency patient care, what is an exception for prescribing controlled substances?

In emergency patient care, the option that allows for prescribing controlled substances in a more flexible manner is indeed that prescriptions can be made for a 72-hour supply. This provision acknowledges the urgency often present in emergency situations, where immediate treatment may be necessary to manage a patient's health and alleviate pain or distress.

Under Delaware law, and consistent with federal regulations, when a patient requires immediate relief from severe pain or other conditions that cannot wait for a conventional prescription process, practitioners are permitted to issue a prescription for a limited quantity—up to a 72-hour supply of controlled substances. This rule is designed to expedite care and ensure that patients receive necessary medications without unnecessary delay, while still providing a safeguard by limiting the quantity of medication available.

The other options do not adequately address the needs of emergency care. For instance, requiring a written prescription before administering medication would counteract the intended rapid response in emergencies. Allowing administering without a prescription lacks oversight and could lead to misuse. Lastly, suggesting that only pharmacists can prescribe would not reflect the reality of emergency situations, where various licensed healthcare providers are involved in patient care.