Can a prescriber in North Carolina prescribe controlled substances for themselves or their family members?

In North Carolina, the practice of prescribing controlled substances to oneself or to family members is prohibited. This prohibition is founded on ethical considerations aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring patient safety. When healthcare providers prescribe medications for themselves or their relatives, it can lead to inappropriate prescribing, potential misuse, and the circumvention of proper medical oversight.

The state laws and regulations encourage prescribers to maintain professional boundaries and to rely on objective clinical evaluations performed by other healthcare providers. This policy is designed to uphold the integrity of medical practice and promote safe prescribing standards, emphasizing the importance of following established guidelines for the treatment of controlled substances.

While there may be other regulations or exceptions in certain situations, the general rule in North Carolina is a strict prohibition on self-prescribing and prescribing to immediate family members.