Guidelines for Filling Prescription Orders

Prescription Order Expiration Dates: A prescription order must be dated, and have an appropriate expiration date based on the type of drug ordered. If it's not filled in time, the script expires.

Refills: If refills are allowed by the prescriber, it will be noted on the prescription. However, there are boundaries and limitations.

Generic Substitutions: Generic drug substitutions may not be used unless the prescriber has authorized it. Generic substitutions may only be used if the prescriber has requested or authorized them.

DEA Controlled Drug Prescriptions Must contain: 

• Date of prescription issue 
• Patient's name and address
• Practitioner's name, address, and phone number
• Drug name 
• Drug strength
• Exact quantity prescribed
• Have a valid DEA Number
• Complete directions for use
• Number of refills authorized
• Dosage form and instructions

In addition Schedule II drug prescriptions:

• Must be manually signed by the practitioner. No exceptions.
• May not be Faxed or Called in, except for a valid emergency.
• May not have any refills.

New York State VALID PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS

	Prescription order expiration dates		Refills
	Federal	State Ex. NY	Federal	State Ex. NY
DEA Sch II	No Expiration	30 days	NO REFILLS ALLOWED	NO REFILLS ALLOWED
DEA Sch III thru V	6 Months	6 Months	up to 5 times, but only 5 times	up to 5 times within 6 months
Legend Drugs	12 Months	No Expiration	up to 12 Months worth	up to 3 Months worth