What is required for a physician to legally prescribe controlled substances in Texas?

To legally prescribe controlled substances in Texas, a physician must possess both a Texas Medical Board license and a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) registration. The Texas Medical Board license allows a physician to practice medicine within the state legally, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and standards set by the state.

The DEA registration is equally essential as it grants the physician the authority to prescribe controlled substances, which are regulated at the federal level. This registration ensures that the physician complies with federal laws governing the handling and prescribing of potentially addictive medications. Both licenses work in tandem, enabling the physician to care for patients while adhering to legal requirements for the prescription of controlled substances.

Without the DEA registration, even a state license would not permit a physician to legally prescribe those medications. Similarly, merely having the DEA registration without a Texas Medical Board license would also be insufficient. Therefore, having both is critical for compliance with both state and federal regulations concerning controlled substances.