What is required from pharmacies when they are ready to dispense a controlled substance?

When pharmacies are preparing to dispense a controlled substance, it is essential to confirm patient identity and validate the prescription. This step is crucial because controlled substances are subject to strict regulations to ensure they are dispensed safely and appropriate for medical use. Validating the prescription involves not only checking that it was issued by a licensed prescriber but also ensuring that the information on the prescription, such as the patient's details, medication name, dosage, and quantity, is correct and matches the needs of the patient.

Confirming the patient's identity is equally important, as it helps prevent medication errors and misuse of controlled substances. This process can involve asking for a government-issued ID, utilizing pharmacy records, or verifying personal information. These checks help ensure the pharmacy complies with legal requirements, reduces the potential for fraud, and promotes patient safety.

Other options, while they may relate to various aspects of pharmacy practice, do not directly address the fundamental requirements when dispensing controlled substances. For example, having a second pharmacist check all prescriptions is not a legal requirement for controlled substances specifically, and documenting on paper only is outdated in light of electronic record-keeping standards. Providing samples for new patients is also not a typical or required practice for controlled substances, as samples are usually related to non-controlled medication.