Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is the significance of the prescriber’s DEA number on a controlled medication prescription?

1. Identifies the patient's insurance

2. Indicates the prescriber’s specialty

3. Validates the prescription for controlled substances

4. Determines the prescription's expiration date

The correct answer is: Validates the prescription for controlled substances

The prescriber’s DEA number is critical because it validates that the prescription is legally authorized for controlled substances. The DEA number is unique to each registered prescriber and serves as a means of ensuring that the prescriber is permitted to prescribe medications that are classified as controlled substances. This is important for regulatory compliance and helps to prevent misuse and abuse of these drugs. In the context of prescriptions for controlled substances, verification of the DEA number helps pharmacists and pharmacy technicians ensure that they are filling prescriptions from legitimate medical professionals. This step is essential in combating prescription fraud and protecting public health by ensuring that medications are prescribed and dispensed in a lawful manner.