What can a pharmacist provide to a patient who runs out of a maintenance medication if the physician's office is closed?

In situations where a patient has run out of a maintenance medication and the physician's office is closed, the option to provide 72 hours of non-controlled substances is a legally recognized protocol in many jurisdictions, including Tennessee. This provision is designed to prevent gaps in essential medication therapy that could jeopardize the patient's health and well-being.

For non-controlled substances, pharmacists have the authority to assess the patient's needs and dispense a limited supply, up to a 72-hour supply, in emergency situations. This flexibility allows patients to maintain their treatment regimen while waiting for their physician’s office to reopen for a more formal prescription renewal.

This option is particularly significant for maintenance medications that the patient depends on daily for chronic conditions. The decision made by the pharmacist should also involve a review of the patient's medication history to ensure appropriateness and safety in the continuation of therapy.

In contrast, the other options either overestimate the allowable supply for controlled substances without appropriate criteria or fail to accurately represent the time frames associated with dispensing medications under emergency circumstances. Thus, option A is the most accurate reflection of the pharmacist’s authority and the intention behind regulating access to critical medications in urgent scenarios.