Which items are mandatory on a controlled substance prescription?

A controlled substance prescription must include several key elements to ensure its validity and to comply with legal requirements. The patient's full name and address are mandatory components of a controlled substance prescription. This information is crucial for accurately identifying the patient, preventing medication errors, and safeguarding against potential misuse or diversion of controlled substances.

Including the full name helps to ensure that the prescription is written for the correct individual, while the address aids in confirming the identity and residency of the patient within the jurisdiction where the prescription is being dispensed. Accurate patient information is essential not only for patient safety but also for the pharmacy's record-keeping and regulatory compliance.

While other items like the pharmacist's signature or the pharmacy's name and address might be important for various administrative or tracking purposes, they are not specified as mandatory components of a controlled substance prescription. The focus on the patient's full name and address underscores the importance placed on patient identity in the context of controlled substance management.