Ohio Pharmacy Law Practice Test

What is a requirement for a valid prescription of controlled substances?

1. It must include a physical address

2. It must be signed by a veterinarian

3. It must have an intended days supply listed

4. It must specify the price

The correct answer is: It must have an intended days supply listed

A valid prescription for controlled substances must include specific information that ensures both the safety of the patient and compliance with legal standards. Including the intended days supply is critical because it informs the pharmacist and the patient about the duration of treatment that is anticipated. This helps prevent misuse and overuse of controlled substances, which are often associated with abuse and addiction. The intended days supply gives a clearer picture of the prescribed medication's purpose and it can also help in monitoring patient adherence to the prescribed regimen. It contributes to effective communication between the healthcare provider, the pharmacist, and the patient, facilitating better compliance and reducing the risk of potential drug interactions or adverse effects. The other requirements, while important in certain contexts, do not specifically pertain to the validity of the prescription in terms of controlled substances. For example, a physical address might be useful, but it isn’t a strict requirement. Similarly, a signature from a veterinarian is necessary for veterinary prescriptions but not for prescriptions intended for human patients. Specifying the price is not a legal requirement and does not impact the prescription's validity. Therefore, the provision of an intended days supply is essential for ensuring that the prescription is both legally compliant and practically useful in managing the patient's treatment.