Final answer:
Mail-order pharmacies are generally required to provide a toll-free telephone service for patients, with hours of operation varying by state laws and pharmacy policies, but often available 24/7.
Step-by-step explanation:
For mail-order pharmacies, regulations typically require that a toll-free telephone service for patients be available. This service must be provided during certain minimum hours of operation, often aligning with normal business hours or extending beyond them to ensure that patients have ample opportunity to contact the pharmacy regarding their prescriptions, ask for counseling, or report any issues. The exact hours may vary depending on state laws, pharmacy policies, and accreditation standards; however, it is common for such services to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet patient needs thoroughly.