What is the maximum day supply of an emergency refill a pharmacist may dispense if a physician dies or ceases practicing medicine?

In North Carolina, the regulations concerning emergency refills allow a pharmacist to dispense up to a 90-day supply of medication in the event that a physician has died or ceased practicing medicine. This provision is intended to ensure that patients have an adequate supply of their necessary medications without interruption, especially in a situation where they cannot obtain a new prescription due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the physician's sudden unavailability.

The rationale behind allowing a 90-day emergency refill is rooted in the need to balance patient care with the proper management of prescriptions. A supply of this length provides patients with sufficient time to transition to a new provider or obtain a new prescription, without risking a lapse in their medication regimen. Other options for day supply—such as 30, 60, or 120 days—either fall short of meeting this need or exceed what is generally considered reasonable within the context of emergency situations. Thus, a 90-day emergency refill aligns with the intent and regulations designed to protect patient access to necessary medications under these specific circumstances.