What must a pharmacy do if a prescription for a CII is not filled within the specified time?

In Delaware, if a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance (CII) is not filled within the specified time, the pharmacy must void the prescription. This is because CII prescriptions have strict regulations regarding their validity period. Typically, a CII prescription is valid for only a specific time frame—usually no more than 90 days from the date it was written—after which it cannot be filled.

The reason for voiding the prescription is to ensure that the pharmacy adheres to state and federal regulations regarding the dispensing of controlled substances. By voiding the prescription, the pharmacy acknowledges that it is no longer a valid order, thereby maintaining compliance with legal standards and promoting patient safety.

In contrast, while having the prescriber reissue the prescription could be a viable action, it is not a requirement or an automatic procedure; it is contingent upon the prescriber being willing to provide a new prescription. Extending the prescription automatically or filling it with a CIII medication are also not permissible actions for a CII prescription that has passed its validity period. Thus, the correct action in accordance with Delaware pharmacy law is to void the prescription when it is not filled in the specified time frame.