Under change of status for controlled substances, what is the maximum dispensing period a pharmacist may provide?

• A. Up to a 14 day supply
• B. Up to a 7 day supply
• C. Up to a 72 hour supply
• D. Up to a 30 day supply

Answer: (C)

When a substance’s status changes, the pharmacist is allowed to bridge the patient’s treatment with a short emergency supply rather than wait for a new or updated prescription. The limit for this bridging is a 72-hour supply. This keeps the patient covered during the transition while ensuring there’s a controlled, time-limited amount on hand that can be properly documented and reviewed. Providing more than 72 hours would bypass the intended safety check and regulatory requirements, so longer quantities aren’t permitted without a full prescription or the appropriate formal process.