What is the maximum duration in which an emergency refill prescription must be received?

In Minnesota, when a pharmacy provides an emergency refill of a prescription, it is required that the prescription be obtained from a licensed provider within a maximum of seven days. This regulation is in place to ensure that patients receive continuity of care while ensuring that the pharmacy and the patient act responsibly in obtaining proper medication management.

Emergency refills are intended to be a temporary measure to prevent interruption in medication therapy for patients who may be unable to secure a timely follow-up prescription from their healthcare provider. Therefore, after the initial emergency refill is dispensed, the pharmacy has up to seven days to ensure that a legitimate prescription is obtained from the prescribing authority. This timeframe strikes a balance between patient access to necessary medications and the pharmacist's obligation to practice within legal and professional standards.