Montana News: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

April 1, 2007 4:25 PM Topics: Controlled substances

Reprinted from the April 2007 Montana Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

Is there a quantity limit on Schedule II prescriptions? According to federal law, there is no quantity limit for controlled substances (CS) prescriptions, including Schedule II prescriptions. However, a pharmacist has the obligation to verify that the prescription is valid and that the quantity is reasonable for the particular circumstance.

Some practitioners with prescriptive authority have quantity limitations on CS prescriptions by Montana statute or rule. According to state law (37-20-404 MCA), physician assistants (PAs) are limited to prescribing a 34-day supply of a Schedule II prescription. There are no quantity limits for PAs on other scheduled or nonscheduled medications.

According to administrative rule (24.159.1465 ARM), nurse practitioners shall follow quantity limits for Schedule II prescriptions as allowed by the Drug Enforcement Administration but are limited to prescribing a 90-day supply for CS prescriptions in Schedules III-V.

Is there a time limit on a Schedule II prescription? According to federal law, there is no time limit for when a prescription for Schedule II medication must be filled after written. However, a pharmacist has the obligation to verify that there is a legitimate medical need for every Schedule II prescription that is filled.