COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health says it is allowing a one-time early refill of certain prescriptions ahead of potential power outages caused by the winter storm heading for the state.
Officials said Schedule III-V prescriptions with valid refills that are due through Jan. 30 are eligible.
Dispensers shall pull all original controlled-substance prescriptions and document the early refill information in detail, including, but not limited to, date, time, reason for early refill and pharmacist signature.
“We are taking this action due to the potential for interruptions of services and to reduce possible danger to individuals traveling following the storm,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
The department said South Carolina Code Section 25-1-440 and Executive Order No. 2026-02, which was issued Jan. 21, allowed this to happen.
Gov. Henry McMaster has also ordered that a state agency, through its director, waive or suspend provisions of existing regulations prescribing procedures for conduct of state business if strict compliance with the provisions thereof would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.
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