What is required for a pharmacy to dispense controlled substances?

What is required for a pharmacy to dispense controlled substances?

• A. Written permission from the patient
• B. A state pharmacy license
• C. A DEA registration number
• D. A federal business license

Answer: (C)

To dispense controlled substances, a pharmacy must hold a valid DEA registration number. This requirement is established under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which mandates that all entities involved in the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA registration serves as proof that the pharmacy has been approved to handle controlled substances, ensuring compliance with federal regulations designed to prevent abuse and misuse. This process includes an initial application, periodic renewals, and adherence to various record-keeping and reporting requirements. While a state pharmacy license is also necessary for any pharmacy operation, it doesn't specifically pertain to the dispensing of controlled substances. A state license allows the pharmacy to operate within that state but does not fulfill federal requirements. Similarly, written permission from the patient is not a prerequisite for dispensing controlled substances, nor does a federal business license grant authorization for controlled substance handling. The DEA registration number is the essential requirement that delineates a pharmacy's legal ability to dispense these medications.

To dispense controlled substances, a pharmacy must hold a valid DEA registration number. This requirement is established under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which mandates that all entities involved in the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The DEA registration serves as proof that the pharmacy has been approved to handle controlled substances, ensuring compliance with federal regulations designed to prevent abuse and misuse. This process includes an initial application, periodic renewals, and adherence to various record-keeping and reporting requirements.

While a state pharmacy license is also necessary for any pharmacy operation, it doesn't specifically pertain to the dispensing of controlled substances. A state license allows the pharmacy to operate within that state but does not fulfill federal requirements. Similarly, written permission from the patient is not a prerequisite for dispensing controlled substances, nor does a federal business license grant authorization for controlled substance handling. The DEA registration number is the essential requirement that delineates a pharmacy's legal ability to dispense these medications.