(1) A prescriber may designate an agent to act on behalf of or at the discretion of that prescriber. A designation of an agent by a prescriber under this section is not required to be in writing to be a valid designation. If a designation of an agent by a prescriber under this section is contained in a written document, the prescriber or the agent may transmit that document to a pharmacy that will dispense a prescription issued by that prescriber.

    (2) Only a prescriber acting within the scope of his or her practice may issue a prescription. An agent may prepare and transmit a prescription that has been signed by the prescriber, including a signature that meets the requirements of section 17754 or 17754a. The prescriber issuing a prescription and the pharmacist dispensing a drug or device under a prescription is responsible for all of the requirements of state and federal law, rules, and regulations regarding the issuance of prescriptions and dispensing of drugs or devices under prescriptions.

    (3) A prescriber or his or her agent may transmit to a pharmacy a prescription that is contained within a patient's chart in a health facility or agency licensed under article 17 or other medical institution. A prescription that is contained within a patient's chart in a health facility or agency licensed under article 17 or other medical institution and that is created in an electronic format may contain more than 6 prescriptions and may contain prescriptions for schedule 3 through 5 controlled substances and noncontrolled substances on the same form.