Which number is required on prescriptions for controlled medications?

The requirement for a DEA number on prescriptions for controlled medications is crucial because the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) assigns this number to healthcare providers such as physicians and pharmacists who are authorized to prescribe or handle controlled substances. The DEA number serves as a unique identifier for practitioners, ensuring that they’ve met the necessary legal criteria and are permitted to dispense medications that have a potential for abuse or addiction.

Controlled medications are strictly regulated, and the use of a DEA number helps monitor prescribing patterns, discourages illegal prescribing practices, and allows for tracking of medications from the point of prescription through to dispensation. This regulation is critical in the effort to combat prescription drug abuse and ensure patient safety.

The other options, while sometimes necessary for various aspects of healthcare and insurance processing, are not required on prescriptions for controlled medications. For instance, a phone number may be relevant for verification or contact purposes but does not serve the regulatory function that a DEA number does. Likewise, a Social Security number is mostly used for identification and insurance purposes, and an insurance policy number pertains to billing but does not involve the legalities surrounding the prescription of controlled substances.