What must be included in a prescription for a controlled substance?

The correct answer includes various essential components that ensure the legality and accuracy of a prescription for a controlled substance. When a prescription is issued for a controlled substance, several key elements must be present to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

One critical requirement is the inclusion of the patient's name and address. This information helps confirm the identity of the patient receiving the medication and also allows for appropriate monitoring and tracking of prescriptions within the pharmacy system, thereby reducing the potential for misuse or diversion of controlled substances.

Additionally, the prescriber's signature is a fundamental aspect of any prescription, especially for controlled substances. The signature authenticates the prescription, verifying that it was indeed issued by a qualified healthcare provider. Along with the signature, the prescriber's address and federal registry number are necessary to validate that the prescriber is licensed to prescribe controlled substances as per state and federal regulations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uses the federal registry number to identify and track prescribers who are legally authorized to dispense controlled substances.

Furthermore, the requirement that prescriptions be written in ink pertains to the traditional practice; however, modern regulations also allow for electronic prescriptions, which still must meet all other requirements to ensure their legality. Electronic prescriptions are becoming increasingly standard and are accepted as long as they