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Due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus, the Alabama Board of Pharmacy is allowing pharmacists to process emergency refills on essential medications.

In a note sent Saturday, pharmacists can process refills on 30-day supplies, but only in the following scenarios:

  • The pharmacist can’t get immediate refill authorization from the prescribing doctor or health professional.
  • The original prescription is on file at the pharmacy.
  • The prescription is not a Schedule II drug (such as fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone)
  • The prescription is essential to continuing life or therapy for a chronic condition.
  • The pharmacist writes a prescription order with all information required under federal and state rules.
  • The pharmacist tells the prescribing doctor or health professional (either by calling or writing) within 72 hours.

This emergency authority expires Mar. 31.