In which situation can a Schedule II prescription be faxed or called in?

A Schedule II prescription can only be faxed or called in during a valid emergency situation, which is why this option is correct. In the context of federal regulations, emergencies are defined as situations where delaying treatment could pose a risk to the patient’s health. For example, if a patient requires urgent medication, such as opioids for severe pain, a healthcare provider may call or fax the prescription while ensuring that the patient ultimately provides a hard copy of the prescription within a specified timeframe.

The other options do not meet the legal requirements for handling Schedule II prescriptions. Convenience is not an acceptable reason for faxing or calling in a prescription; the law strictly regulates the transmission of these prescriptions due to their potential for abuse and addiction. Similarly, calling in or faxing prescriptions merely because it is needed for any patient or for refills is not permissible; Schedule II medications cannot have refills and require a new prescription for each course of treatment. Thus, the framework of regulatory compliance and patient safety is what legitimizes the emergency situation for the transmission of these prescriptions.