South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is required on a prescription for controlled substances regarding the prescriber?

1. DEA number of the prescriber

2. Prescriber's social security number

3. Only the name of the prescriber

4. Prescriber’s phone number

The correct answer is: DEA number of the prescriber

A prescription for controlled substances must include the DEA number of the prescriber. This requirement is crucial because the DEA number serves as a unique identifier that allows both pharmacies and regulatory agencies to confirm that the prescriber is authorized to prescribe controlled substances. By including the DEA number, the prescription complies with federal and state regulations, ensuring that the medication is prescribed lawfully and helps prevent prescription fraud or abuse. While the prescriber's name is necessary for identification purposes, it is not sufficient on its own without the DEA number. The social security number of the prescriber is not required on a controlled substance prescription, as it does not provide relevant information regarding the prescriber's authority or legitimacy. Additionally, although a phone number may be included for contact reasons, it is not a mandatory element found on the prescription for controlled substances. Thus, including the DEA number is the primary and essential requirement in this context to validate the prescription.