What detail must be written on a prescription for the physician issuing it?

The requirement for a physician's DEA number to be written on a prescription is grounded in regulatory practices surrounding controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues unique registration numbers to practitioners who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. This number is essential for the identification of the prescribing physician and is especially pertinent for ensuring that prescriptions for controlled substances are legitimate and traceable back to a licensed practitioner.

While other information, such as the physician's contact details, can be useful for communication purposes or for verification, they are not necessarily mandated by law on every prescription. In contrast, the DEA number is a critical element that validates the ability of the physician to prescribe medications that fall under federal regulation, thereby maintaining safety and compliance within the pharmacy practice.