The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final rule allowing prescribers to give patients multiple prescriptions for up to a 90-day supply of Schedule II narcotics. Current laws is unclear on dispensing more than a 30-day supply on a single Rx for Schedule II narcotics or refills, forcing many patients with chronic conditions to visit the doctor monthly to receive a new prescription. While some doctors had given multiple prescriptions to patients in the past, prior to the rule it was unclear whether the practice was legal. DEA received nearly 300 comments after the rule was first proposed, with the majority approving of the change. Under the new rule, which is set to go into effect Dec. 19, prescribers can give patients multiple dated prescriptions for the same Schedule II drug that when combined do not add up to more than a 90-day supply. Pharmacists will not be able to fill any of the Rxs before the date on the prescription.

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