What is required for a prescription for a controlled substance to be valid?

A valid prescription for a controlled substance must be based on a bona fide patient-prescriber relationship. This relationship ensures that the prescriber has assessed the patient’s medical history, current health status, and the appropriateness of the medication being prescribed. This requirement is in place to promote responsible prescribing practices and enhance patient safety.

Some prescriptions may arise in emergencies where relaxed protocols may apply, but this is an exception rather than the rule. Notarization is not a requirement for the validity of prescriptions and is not standard in practice. Additionally, only pharmacists are not authorized to issue prescriptions; that is the role of a licensed prescriber, such as a physician or dentist. Therefore, the requirement of a valid patient-prescriber relationship is fundamental to the legitimacy of prescriptions for controlled substances.