What makes a controlled-substance prescription valid—and how do refills and expirations differ by schedule? Matt and Don break down required elements, transmission rules (written, e‑prescribed, faxed, verbal), refill limits, and common state variations. Part three of our six-part series on controlled substances.

Hosts:
Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger

🎯 Learning Objectives:

• Explain the requirements for valid controlled substance prescriptions.
• List the requirements for dispensing controlled substances.

💊 Topics Covered:

• Required elements on controlled-substance prescriptions (date, patient/prescriber info, DEA #, signature)
• Electronic prescribing identifiers vs handwritten signatures
• Transmission rules by schedule and rare emergency exceptions for C‑IIs
• Refill limits (C‑II: none; C‑III/IV: up to 5 within 6 months; C‑V: as authorized) and state variations
• Prescription validity/expiration timelines and common pitfalls

🧠 Reflection Prompt:
Looking at your last shift, did any prescriptions present red flags based on today’s “requirements, refills, and red flags” checklist?

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Validate all required fields before filling; missing signatures or DEA numbers invalidate written scripts.
• C‑IIs cannot be refilled; C‑III/IV refills are limited; C‑V varies—always check state law.
• Even e‑prescriptions require scrutiny; systems can’t catch every issue.
• When in doubt, pause and involve the pharmacist.

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