What number is required on every prescription for a controlled substance?

The DEA number is essential on every prescription for a controlled substance because it is a unique identifier assigned to healthcare providers who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances under federal law. The Drug Enforcement Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, issues these numbers to ensure that prescriptions are authored by legitimate practitioners and to monitor the handling of potentially dangerous medications.

Including the DEA number on a prescription helps pharmacies verify that the prescriber has the legal authority to prescribe those medications, which are often subject to misuse and abuse. This requirement aims to enhance the safety and accountability within healthcare settings, ensuring that controlled substances are used appropriately and responsibly.

The other types of identifiers mentioned, such as Social Security numbers, license numbers, and insurance ID numbers, have their own roles in healthcare but are not legally mandated on prescriptions for controlled substances. Their absence does not impact the prescription's validity in the same critical manner as the DEA number.