Last week, I asked: DEA Regulation Question of the Day:
What is the maximum number of days a Schedule II prescription can be written for under DEA regulations?
Here’s how you voted:
- 38% said 30 days
- 32% said 90 days
- 4% said 120 days
- 25% said No limit
The correct answer: No limit.
DEA regulations do not restrict the number of days a practitioner may prescribe a Schedule II controlled substance on a single prescription, nor do they limit how much a pharmacist may dispense from that single prescription.
So what about 21 CFR 1306.12(b)(1)?
This regulation allows practitioners to issue multiple prescriptions for Schedule II substances at once, but the combined supply across those prescriptions must not exceed 90 days. That’s a limit on multiple prescriptions—not on a single one.
Important Reminder: Always check your state regulations. Many states impose their own limits on the days’ supply for controlled substances, which may be stricter than federal guidelines.
Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for more DEA compliance insights.