Is a typed CII prescription with an electronically signed signature considered valid?

A typed CII prescription with an electronically signed signature is not considered valid in the context of federal and Oregon pharmacy law. For controlled substances, particularly Schedule II (CII) medications, regulations mandate that prescriptions must be signed by the prescriber. This signature must be a handwritten signature to ensure authenticity and to prevent fraud.

Electronic signatures are accepted for some prescriptions, particularly non-controlled substances; however, CII prescriptions have stricter requirements. The law establishes this requirement precisely to mitigate the risks associated with prescription forgery and misuse, ensuring that these powerful medications are prescribed and dispensed responsibly.

While there may be scenarios where electronic submissions are allowed under specific circumstances (such as the use of a recognized electronic prescription system for certain schedules of drugs), they do not apply to CII prescriptions unless specifically permitted under applicable state and federal laws with appropriate safeguards in place. It's important for pharmacists and healthcare providers to stay informed about these regulations to maintain compliance when dealing with controlled substances.