Does California permit the electronic transmission of prescriptions for Schedule III-V drugs?
Yes. Per the California Health and Safety Code Sec. 11164(c), California permits the electronic transmission of prescriptions for Schedule III-V drugs. However, under federal law, the electronic transmission of Schedule III-V drugs is viewed as an oral prescription, which requires the pharmacist to (i) reduce the prescription; (ii) retain the writing for at least 3 years and (iii) ensure the validity of the prescription. The fax provided to the pharmacist by the RelayHealth eScript service constitutes a reduction of the prescription to writing and so the only step for the pharmacist is to ensure the validity of the prescription.
