What is required for a prescription for a controlled substance to be valid?

A prescription for a controlled substance must indeed have a legitimate medical purpose and be issued by a licensed practitioner to be considered valid. This requirement is crucial because controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and dependence, which is why they are regulated more strictly than other medications. The intent behind this regulation is to ensure that these substances are prescribed and used appropriately within the context of legitimate medical treatment.

Having a legitimate medical purpose means that the provider must determine whether the patient genuinely needs the medication based on their medical condition. Furthermore, the practitioner must be licensed to prescribe such substances, ensuring that they possess the necessary training and authority to evaluate the patient and prescribe the medication responsibly.

In contrast, other options do not reflect the requirements for valid prescriptions. Such as prescriptions not needing a pharmacist's signature or being valid if issued verbally, especially in cases involving controlled substances, as those are generally required to be documented in writing to maintain accurate records and accountability. Additionally, not all pharmacies can fill prescriptions for controlled substances; they must be authorized and compliant with specific regulatory standards.