Which information is required on a prescription for a controlled substance?

The requirement for a prescriber's DEA number on a prescription for a controlled substance is a critical aspect of both federal and state laws regarding controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances to ensure they are used safely and appropriately.

The inclusion of the DEA number on a prescription serves multiple purposes: it verifies that the prescriber is authorized to prescribe controlled substances and helps to prevent the misuse and diversion of these medications. Each prescriber registered with the DEA is assigned a unique number that must be included on all prescriptions for controlled substances. This requirement is designed to maintain an accountable system for tracking the prescribing habits of healthcare providers and the medications being prescribed.

In contrast, while patient insurance information, phone numbers, or appointment dates may be relevant for general medical or billing purposes, they are not mandated by federal law for a prescription of controlled substances. These pieces of information do not contribute to the regulatory compliance necessary for controlled substance prescriptions, thus emphasizing the unique importance of the prescriber's DEA number in ensuring lawful prescribing practices.