Partial Fill of Schedule II: DEA Rules for CII Prescriptions

What Is a Partial Fill of Schedule II?

Partial Fill of Schedule II means dispensing less than the full quantity written on a Schedule II (CII) prescription and documenting the balance. Under DEA 21 CFR 1306.13, it is allowed in two main situations: when your pharmacy cannot supply the full quantity—balance within 72 hours—or for a long-term care facility (LTCF) resident or terminally ill patient, when requested by the patient or prescriber, with remaining portions filled up to 60 days from the date written.

Why Partial Fill of Schedule II Matters for Pharmacy Technicians

You may be the first person to catch a CII partial-fill issue. PTCB’s Federal Requirements & Law content expects you to recognize valid CII prescriptions, know that CII prescriptions cannot be refilled, and understand documentation and inventory responsibilities. Accurate partial-fill records protect patient access, prevent diversion, and keep your pharmacy DEA-compliant.

Practical Application of Partial Fill of Schedule II

Example: A prescriber writes oxycodone 5 mg #60. Your shelf has only 20 tablets. Dispense 20, record the partial-fill date and quantity, and tell the patient the balance is due within 72 hours. If the remaining 40 cannot be supplied by then, notify the prescriber; no additional quantity can be dispensed without a new prescription. For an LTCF resident or terminally ill patient, document the partial-fill request and track the balance for up to 60 days from the written date.

Common Partial Fill of Schedule II Mistake

⚠️ A common mistake is treating every CII partial fill like the 60-day LTCF/terminally ill exception or forgetting to document the quantity and date on the prescription record. 💡 Pro tip: verify the patient’s status and the prescriber’s request, then write “partial fill,” the quantity dispensed, and the date; track the 72-hour or 60-day deadline and never exceed the prescribed total.

Partial Fill of Schedule II Quick Reference

DEA rule: 21 CFR 1306.13.
Unable to supply full CII quantity: balance within 72 hours.
Not supplied in 72 hours: notify prescriber; new Rx needed for remainder.
LTCF/terminally ill: partial fills up to 60 days from date written, if requested.
Document date and quantity each time; total dispensed cannot exceed prescribed quantity.

Related Concepts

Schedule II Prescription Requirements, Controlled Substance Recordkeeping, and DEA Form 222.