Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is a requirement for a controlled substance prescription?

1. It must have the patient's social security number

2. It must be signed by a nurse practitioner

3. It must include the prescriber's DEA registration number

4. It must be printed on colored paper

The correct answer is: It must include the prescriber's DEA registration number

A controlled substance prescription must include the prescriber's DEA registration number because this number is essential for verifying that the prescriber is authorized to prescribe controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates the prescribing of these substances, and a valid DEA number ensures that the prescription is legitimate and complies with federal law. The presence of the DEA registration number also helps pharmacists confirm that the prescriber is registered and has the legal authority to prescribe controlled medications, which is critical for ensuring patient safety and preventing drug abuse. This requirement is a fundamental part of the controlled substances control system and is strictly enforced. While other factors may accompany controlled substance prescriptions, such as patient identification or prescriber information, the inclusion of the DEA number is uniquely critical to validate the legality and appropriateness of the prescription itself.