Which number is required for all controlled substances?

The DEA number is essential for all controlled substances as it serves a crucial role in identifying healthcare providers and facilities authorized to prescribe or dispense these substances. This unique identifier is issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration, ensuring that all prescriptions and orders for controlled substances can be tracked and monitored to prevent misuse and illegal distribution.

The DEA number must be included on any prescriptions for controlled substances to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to maintain a record of the prescribing practitioner. Without this number, a prescription for a controlled substance would be considered invalid, emphasizing the importance of the DEA number in the regulation and control of potentially harmful medications.

The other identifiers listed have specific purposes but do not apply universally to controlled substances. The ISSN is used for identifying periodicals, the NPI is a unique identifier for healthcare providers in the Medicare system, and RX is simply shorthand for a prescription, lacking the specificity and regulatory function that the DEA number provides in relation to controlled substances.