What action should a physician take when a patient requests a refill for a Schedule II medication?

When a patient requests a refill for a Schedule II medication, the physician must adhere to strict regulations due to the controlled nature of these substances. Schedule II medications are highly regulated because they have a significant potential for abuse and dependence. As such, these medications cannot be refilled without a new prescription from the physician.

In this context, granting the refill involves the physician evaluating the patient's current condition, determining if the medication is still necessary, and ensuring that it is being used safely and effectively. Documenting the process is a crucial part of this action, as it provides a medical record of the decision-making process and maintains compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The importance of issuing a new prescription rather than simply refilling an existing one also stems from the need for ongoing patient assessment. This helps to ensure that the medication is still appropriate for the patient’s treatment plan. Thus, the correct option encompasses both the necessity of granting the refill and the importance of documenting the event, which together reflect the standards of practice and patient safety protocols required for managing Schedule II medications.