What must happen to an electronic prescription created by a physician?

The requirement for an electronic prescription created by a physician is that it must be securely transmitted to a pharmacy to ensure patient safety and prescription integrity. If a physician generates an electronic prescription, it is essential for that prescription to be faxed to the pharmacy only under specific conditions, such as when the pharmacy does not have the capability to receive electronic prescriptions directly. This alternative method of transmission, while not the most efficient or secure compared to direct electronic transmission, would require it to be manually signed to confirm the physician's authorization. In typical scenarios, however, electronic prescriptions are designed to be sent directly to pharmacies without the need for faxing.

It is important to clarify that while sending a fax with a manual signature may be seen as a way to confirm the legitimacy of the prescription when non-electronic methods are necessary, this is not the optimal or most frequently utilized method for handling electronic prescriptions. Secure direct electronic transmission is preferred for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations surrounding prescription management.

The other options presented do not align with the standard practices and legal requirements for electronic prescriptions. Immediate destruction, manual transmission, or indefinite storage without proper protocols do not fulfill the regulatory expectations for handling electronic prescriptions effectively.