In which situation are partial fills on CII prescriptions permitted?

Partial fills of CII prescriptions are permitted under specific circumstances outlined by regulations to ensure patient access while protecting the integrity of controlled substances. The correct situation for allowing partial fills is when the entire prescription cannot be filled within 72 hours. This regulation is in place to help accommodate challenges such as shortages or other issues that may prevent the full quantity from being available at the time of dispensing.

In such cases, the pharmacist can dispense the available amount, and the remaining portion can be filled within the specified timeframe, ensuring that patients receive their medications without compromising safety or adherence to legal requirements. This also allows the patient to have immediate access to a portion of their medication, which can be crucial for timely treatment.

The other situations do not align with the legislative and safety frameworks that govern partial fillings of CII prescriptions. For instance, if a pharmacist is busy, it does not justify a partial fill, as patient care standards must be met regardless of workload. Similarly, a patient requesting less than prescribed does not independently warrant a partial fill because the prescription's instructions should be followed as directed by the provider, unless the proper regulatory conditions are met. Lastly, if a prescriber is unavailable, that does not create grounds for partial filling, as the prescription should be honored as