Under what conditions can faxed controlled substance prescriptions be accepted?

Faxed controlled substance prescriptions can be accepted under specific conditions to ensure the integrity, security, and authenticity of the prescription process. The correct answer pertains to the requirement of a handwritten signature on the faxed prescription. This condition is crucial because it verifies that the prescription is legitimate and constitutes the prescriber’s actual intent to issue a medication.

A handwritten signature indicates that the prescriber has personally reviewed the prescription and approved it before transmission. This safety measure helps prevent fraud and ensures that only valid prescriptions are filled, maintaining patient safety.

The other options do not align with the established regulations for faxed controlled substance prescriptions. For instance, prescriptions faxed from a pharmacy could lead to confusion about the origin and intent of the prescription, making them less secure. Additionally, allowing faxing anytime without restrictions could increase the risk of misuse or fraud. Lastly, requiring verbal authorization alongside a fax is not a standard practice and could create unnecessary complications in the dispensing process. Thus, the adherence to the requirement for a handwritten signature is a critical component in validating faxed prescriptions for controlled substances.